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
- 40
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 1991
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
1991: 40 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
38% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
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 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and catalytic convertor.
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 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Abnormal tread separation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-11
Steering
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing anti-theft device and steering wheel/handle bar.
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 reportsMost 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 →
-
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
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 →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.