1997 Nissan Pathfinder
This year had more than double the complaints 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 38 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 49 |
| 1994 | 91 |
| 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 | 889 |
| 2014 | 573 |
| 2015 | 318 |
| 2016 | 103 |
| 2017 | 183 |
| 2018 | 76 |
| 2019 | 73 |
| 2020 | 50 |
| 2022 | 133 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: suspension — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO VEER OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A CURB. THE VEHICLE'S AXLE BROKE AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANALYSIS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031024
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT 65 MPH AND WAS CUT OFF. SHE TURNED THE WHEEL TO AVOID IMPACT, AND THE VEHICLE TURNED OVER. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS IN A RECLINING POSITION WITH RESTRAINTS AND WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND KILLED .
NHTSA ODI report, 19970814
VEHICLE HAS A SEVERE SHIMMY WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR, EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190125
13% of complaints: suspension — 28 distinct reports on file.
INJURY13% of complaints: suspension — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PLEASE NOTE THAT NISSAN DEALERSHIP ONLY PATCHED UP THE STRUT TOWER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY PROBLEMS WITH STEERING. I AM AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120323
6% of complaints: tires — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE WITH AN IMPROVED COATING PROCESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 07V435000 — check if this car was fixed
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA,
Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. O
Campaign 11V244000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V435000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V244000 (steering, suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.