1991 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.
38% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM PLANETARY HOUSING AND GEAR, CAUSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950323
23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE EMC UNIT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. CAUSING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO CATCH ON FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19951026
10% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
ABNORMAL TREAD SEPARATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030711
10% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anti-theft device and steering wheel/handle bar.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE COMPARTMENT FIRE, SECURITY SYSTEM WIRING CAUGHT FIRE, FACTORY INSTALLED SECURITY SYSTEM. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950303
STEERING MECHNISM HAS FAILED, CAUSING UNVEN WEAR ON THE TIRES. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030725
Also filed under SUSPENSION
STEERING COLUMN LOCKED UP TWICE, PREVENTING STEERING WHEEL FROM TURNING. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19941114
8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1991 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103002 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.