1996 Nissan Pathfinder EX 3.3 from North America
Summary:
Great till 95,000 miles, Miserable from there on!!
Faults:
I have replaced the brakes and struts almost every 30,000 miles. I have now replaced them 3 times in the time I've owned it. Note: you will replace the struts on Pathfinders. They blow when you roll over anything.
Other repairs include:
A new plunger and locking device for the tire tailgate (it locked shut after years of use). Repair performed at 90,000 miles.
New Clutch and Timing at 95,000 miles.
So, I thought the vehicle would be great for another 60-70-80K at this point - Dead wrong.
Since 95,000 miles, I've had a problem with front and rear control arms, a leaking miserable sunroof, a broken antenna, bad oxygen sensors (all), loose and rattling heat shields, a terrible loss of compression, extreme vibration above 65MPH, a broken factory CD player, and on and on.
General Comments:
The Nissan Pathfinder was fun to drive and own through 90,000 miles. Since then, it's been nothing short of a nightmare. Repairs have run almost $6000 at this point, and they will only go higher if I'm still thinking about running it till 160K.
If you own a Pathfinder and are considering selling it - do so before you get to 100K!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 27th August, 2003
29th Jan 2004, 05:48
I certainly agree with the first comment. I heard of a few problems from owners of 96-97 pathfinders; mainly 96. But as you said, each car maker has lemons. I know my 1990 Pathfinder is a totally different vehicle than the one on this post (body style changed in 1996), but I have had minimal problems so far. I have the original transmission, engine, and rear suspension (still not bouncy at all). And I have 245,000 miles. So please do not criticize an entire make or model based on ONE bad experience.
16th Sep 2003, 21:49
This owner must realize that every vehicle has it's share of lemons. For nissan it appears to be 1 in about 150. Sounds like he has one. Certainly not the norm.