1989 Nissan Pathfinder
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 40 |
| 1991 | 40 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 101 |
| 1995 | 170 |
| 1996 | 159 |
| 1997 | 217 |
| 1998 | 149 |
| 1999 | 104 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 230 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 110 |
| 2004 | 67 |
| 2005 | 1,050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2014 | 576 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 78 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 53 |
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 107 |
| 2024 | 89 |
| 2025 | 57 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
4 of 15 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
After campaign 95V103002 was done in March 1996, experienced shoulder/lap buckle failure, when buckle detached, allowing driver to impact with interior.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-31
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 15 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was put in reverse ,went immediately into high speed backwards, hit tree driver.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17
Sudden acceleration/loss of control, causing accident/injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-17
Suspension
2 of 15 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.
Steering
2 of 15 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing linkages and steering wheel/handle bar.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1990-06-25Equipment90V072000 Incorrect tire inflation pressures were printed on certification labels.
Remedy: Install corrected tire information label on doorpost certification label.
-
I
1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
-
R
1995-09-29Seat belts95V103002 The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "Press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to…
Remedy: Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles…
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V072000 · Equipment
- Recall 95V103002 · Seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.