1990 Nissan Pathfinder
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 1050 |
| 2006 | 837 |
| 2007 | 561 |
| 2008 | 328 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 890 |
| 2014 | 574 |
| 2015 | 320 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 186 |
| 2018 | 77 |
| 2019 | 75 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2022 | 134 |
| 2023 | 103 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
40% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS HAVE BROKEN ON BOTH MANIFOLDS AT AN ESTIMATED REPAIR BILL OF $800.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040304
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MULTIPLE STUDS BROKEN ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD MULTIPLE TIMES. RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE TWICE. LEFT SIDE ONCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030130
38% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION FAILED, PREVENTNG GEARS FROM SHIFTING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19941123
TRANSMISSION FAILED 2 TIMES WITHIN 70,000 MILES, THE 2ND TIME CAUSING RADIATOR CONTAMINATION/REPLACEMENT. *TW
NHTSA ODI report, 19941121
8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and injectors.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000807
5% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
SAFETY TIMELINE
INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
Campaign 90V072000 — check if this car was fixed
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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 OPERATE
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 A
Campaign 95V103002 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V072000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V103002 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.