MYRModel Year Report

1994 Nissan Pathfinder

● Typical for this model
1994 Nissan Pathfinder
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:42:12.488Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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, 1994 highlighted. 1986: 1 complaints 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 40 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 complaints 1994 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: 890 complaints 2014: 574 complaints 2015: 320 complaints 2016: 105 complaints 2016 2017: 186 complaints 2018: 77 complaints 2019: 75 complaints 2020: 52 complaints 2022: 134 complaints 2022 2023: 103 complaints 2024: 76 complaints 2025: 49 complaints 2026: 9 complaints 2026
1994: 101 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
20051050
2006837
2007561
2008328
200937
201040
201145
201223
2013890
2014574
2015320
2016105
2017186
201877
201975
202052
2022134
2023103
202476
202549
20269

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 36%

36% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME. THIS RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021126

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, LOSES POWER STEERING AS A RESULT OF ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN ENGINE INJECTORS. HAD PART REPLACED TWICE.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20020919

STRUCTURE 24%

24% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and support device/strut.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

REAR HATCHBACK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ON RIGHT SIDE FELL OFF WHILE IN USE AND DOOR FELL DOWN ON OWNER CAUSING INJURIES. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950123

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STEEP HILL, THE AXLE OF THE TRAILER DISCONNECTED FROM THE WHEEL, CAUSING TRAILER TO SKID/LOSE CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19951026

TRANSMISSION BEARINGS/3 GEARS FAILED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19941108

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7%

7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASH
SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19961125 — seat belts

THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PAR

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.

Campaign 96V170001 — check if this car was fixed

I 20020411 — RQ (closed 20021217)

SEAT BELT LATCH FAILURES

R 20021216 — seat belts

ON CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 22, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON

Campaign 02V125000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (36 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 96V170001 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 02V125000 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2010

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2013 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Nissan Pathfinder?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 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.