1998 Nissan Pathfinder
This year had 30% to 100% more 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
- 149
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 149 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.
Suspension
32% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing rear and front.
Show complaint excerpts
Our 1998 Pathfinder has what is described by many people as a "Death wobble." It began after we bought it in 2003 and has happened several times since. It happened as recently as 2017 and I am beginning to be afraid to ride in it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-18
Power train
14% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 55 MPH on the highway with the standard shift in 5TH gear, the vehicle without warning went into reverse, causing a collision. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-12
Vehicle speed control
11% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the brakes failed. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated causing her to crash into a brick wall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-15
Also filed under Service brakes
My Pathfinder has been involved in two similar incidents in a span of 5 months.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-01
Structure
11% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Service brakes
11% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1998Complaint volume 149 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I
2011-01-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-06-30 Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
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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.…
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Nissan Pathfinder — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 16 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 →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder have?
- 4 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.