1991 Nissan Pathfinder

▲ Better than typical
1991 Nissan Pathfinder
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:01.503Z

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
40
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 40 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 40 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 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: 1,050 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: 890 complaints 2014: 576 complaints 2015: 321 complaints 2016: 105 complaints 2016 2017: 186 complaints 2018: 78 complaints 2019: 76 complaints 2020: 53 complaints 2022: 136 complaints 2022 2023: 107 complaints 2024: 89 complaints 2025: 57 complaints 2026: 15 complaints
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 40 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 40 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 complaints 1995: 170 complaints 1995 1996: 159 complaints 1997: 217 complaints 1998: 149 complaints 1998 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 112 complaints 2001: 230 complaints 2001 2002: 156 complaints 2003: 110 complaints 2004: 67 complaints 2004 2005: 1,050 complaints 2006: 837 complaints 2007: 561 complaints 2007 2008: 328 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 40 complaints 2010 2011: 45 complaints 2012: 23 complaints 2013: 890 complaints 2013 2014: 576 complaints 2015: 321 complaints 2016: 105 complaints 2016 2017: 186 complaints 2018: 78 complaints 2019: 76 complaints 2019 2020: 53 complaints 2022: 136 complaints 2023: 107 complaints 2023 2024: 89 complaints 2025: 57 complaints 2026: 15 complaints 2026
1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1988 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 40 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 40 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 complaints 1994 1995: 170 complaints 1996: 159 complaints 1996 1997: 217 complaints 1998: 149 complaints 1998 1999: 104 complaints 2000: 112 complaints 2000 2001: 230 complaints 2002: 156 complaints 2002 2003: 110 complaints 2004: 67 complaints 2004 2005: 1,050 complaints 2006: 837 complaints 2006 2007: 561 complaints 2008: 328 complaints 2008 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 40 complaints 2010 2011: 45 complaints 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 890 complaints 2014: 576 complaints 2014 2015: 321 complaints 2016: 105 complaints 2016 2017: 186 complaints 2018: 78 complaints 2018 2019: 76 complaints 2020: 53 complaints 2020 2022: 136 complaints 2023: 107 complaints 2023 2024: 89 complaints 2025: 57 complaints 2025 2026: 15 complaints

1991: 40 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
198719
198817
198915
199040
199140
199230
199349
1994101
1995170
1996159
1997217
1998149
1999104
2000112
2001230
2002156
2003110
200467
20051,050
2006837
2007561
2008328
200937
201040
201145
201223
2013890
2014576
2015321
2016105
2017186
201878
201976
202053
2022136
2023107
202489
202557
202615

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

38% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Defective aluminum planetary housing and gear, caused transmission failure, resulting in loss of control/accident/injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-23

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The emc unit was not working properly. Causing the catalytic converter to catch on fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-26

Tires

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

Show complaint excerpts

Abnormal tread separation.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-11

Steering

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing anti-theft device and steering wheel/handle bar.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle compartment fire, security system wiring caught fire, factory installed security system. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-03

Steering mechnism has failed, causing unven wear on the tires. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-25

Also filed under Suspension

Steering column locked up twice, preventing steering wheel from turning.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-14

Seat belts

8% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
  2. 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

1991 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V103002 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.