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 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

1997 Nissan Pathfinder

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

1997 Nissan Pathfinder
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 217
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

1997: 217 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	574
2015	321
2016	105
2017	186
2018	77
2019	76
2020	53
2022	135
2023	104
2024	85
2025	51
2026	10

Known problem areas

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

Suspension

53% · 114 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show 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, 2003-10-24

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic and vehicle speed control

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, 1997-08-14

Vehicle has a severe shimmy when letting off the accelerator, even at low speeds.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-25

Steering

12% · 26 reports

Most commonly citing connecting and idler and attachment.

Power train

9% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 17 reports

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

Structure

8% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

▮
1997Complaint volume 217 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-11-26Fuel system, gasoline07V435000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2011-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-06-30 Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
R

2011-08-25Steering, suspension11V244000 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…

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.…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 114 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 26 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 07V435000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 11V244000 · Steering, suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.