MYRModel Year Report

1990 Nissan Pathfinder

▲ Better than typical
1990 Nissan Pathfinder
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:37:24.521Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Pathfinder Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1990 highlighted. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 38 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 91 complaints 1995: 170 complaints 1996: 159 complaints 1996 1997: 217 complaints 1998: 149 complaints 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 112 complaints 2001: 230 complaints 2001 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 110 complaints 2004: 67 complaints 2005: 1050 complaints 2006: 837 complaints 2006 2007: 561 complaints 2008: 328 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 40 complaints 2011: 45 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2013: 889 complaints 2014: 573 complaints 2015: 318 complaints 2016: 103 complaints 2016 2017: 183 complaints 2018: 76 complaints 2019: 73 complaints 2020: 50 complaints 2022: 133 complaints 2022 2023: 97 complaints 2024: 68 complaints 2025: 42 complaints 2026: 7 complaints 2026
1990: 38 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
198719
198817
198915
199038
199139
199230
199349
199491
1995170
1996159
1997217
1998149
1999104
2000112
2001230
2002156
2003110
200467
20051050
2006837
2007561
2008328
200937
201040
201145
201223
2013889
2014573
2015318
2016103
2017183
201876
201973
202050
2022133
202397
202468
202542
20267

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 24%

24% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

EXHAUST MANIFOLD STUDS HAVE BROKEN ON BOTH MANIFOLDS AT AN ESTIMATED REPAIR BILL OF $800.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040304

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

MULTIPLE STUDS BROKEN ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD MULTIPLE TIMES. RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE TWICE. LEFT SIDE ONCE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030130

SEAT BELTS 5%

5% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 5%

5% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19900625 — equipment

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

I 19950310 — EA (closed 19950802)

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19950929 — seat belts

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 power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V072000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V103002 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 2009 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2013 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

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 power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.