MYRModel Year Report

1994 Nissan Pathfinder

● Typical for this model
1994 Nissan Pathfinder
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:42:46.940Z

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
101
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

1986: 1 complaint 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 15 complaints 1990: 40 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 complaints 1994 101 1995: 170 complaints 1996: 159 complaints 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 1989 1990: 40 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 complaints 1994 101 1995: 170 complaints 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 1990 1991: 40 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1992 1993: 49 complaints 1994: 101 complaints 1994 101 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

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
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.

Engine and engine cooling

36% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.

CRASHFIRE
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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-26

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-19

Structure

24% · 24 reports

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, 1995-01-23

Power train

11% · 11 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-26

Transmission bearings/3 gears failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-08

Vehicle speed control

7% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASH

Service brakes

7% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1996-11-25Seat belts96V170001 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2002-04-11Recall queryClosed 2002-12-17 Seat belt latch failures
  3. R
    2002-12-16Seat belts02V125000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1994 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 36 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V170001 · Seat belts
  • Recall 02V125000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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