1997 Model Year

Nissan Pathfinder

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
217
Recalls
0
Crashes
18
Severe
34

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 2021

The vehicle swings left to right when cruising at about any speed. When the vehicle is pulling it does not swing or sway, however once the vehicle ha...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 2020

I HAVE TAKEN MY NISSAN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DECODE MY ENGINE LIGHT. I HAVE PAID FOR SEVERAL REPAIRS TO HAVE THE EVAL CODE CORRECTED. AFTER THE LAST AT...

Suspension
Jan 2019

VEHICLE HAS A SEVERE SHIMMY WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR, EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON DRY PAVEMENT ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHW...

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 2017

A DEFECT IN THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FILL TUBE ALLOWED ROAD SALT TO FORM RUST ON THE FUEL FILL AND OR VENT TUBE RESULTING IN FUEL VAPORS TO ESCAPE...

STEERING,SUSPENSION
Dec 2017

THE VEHICLE LOST STRUTS, STEERING RACK, AND HAS SERIOUS ISSUES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T NEED TO F...

STEERING,SUSPENSION
Jan 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING , SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO...

STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
Jan 2016

DRIVING TRUCK GOT SO BAD IT WAS HARD TO KEEP IN ROAD..WOULD GO SIDE TO SIDE ON HIGHWAY AND TURNS WERE NOT EASY TO SAY IN LANE.TOOK TO CLARKTIRE CO .....

Suspension
Jan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOBBLED VIOLENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE FAIL...

Steering
Dec 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWAYED FROM LEFT...

Steering
Aug 2014

STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN IN 2011 ( REPLACED WITH USED PART ) STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN IN 2013 ( REPLACED WITH NEW NISSAN ORIGINAL PART) STEERING S...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 1997 Nissan Pathfinder has 217 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Suspension. 18 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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