VehicleVerdict

1990 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1990 Nissan Pathfinder is among the quieter years of the Pathfinder on NHTSA's books: 44 complaints (65% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (39% of the total).

44

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted1,560 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 108 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 214 complaints1997: 293 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 144 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 299 complaints2002: 206 complaints2003: 147 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 1,560 complaints2006: 1,224 complaints2007: 846 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 51 complaints2010: 61 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 1,208 complaints2014: 747 complaints2015: 432 complaints2016: 128 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 121 complaints2019: 119 complaints2020: 74 complaints2022: 195 complaints2023: 147 complaints2024: 114 complaints2025: 74 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1739%
Transmission1330%
Seat Belts37%
Fuel System37%
Tires & Wheels25%
Body & Structure12%
Lighting12%
Electrical System12%
Latches & Locks12%
Brakes12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103002Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 2,730,462 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER RELEASE BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE.

90V072000OtherApril 17, 1990 · 750,000 units

Defect

INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence

INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“NISSAN RECOGNIZED EXHAUST MANIFOLD DESIGN DEFECTS LEADING TO MANIFOLD WARPAGE AND REPEATED EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT BREAKAGE. EVENTUALLY CAUSING EXHAUST GAS LEAKS AND NOISE PROBLEMS . NISSAN RECOGNIZES DESIGN FAILURE BUT REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I'VE SPENT OVER $1500 REPAIRING EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 1998

“WAS DRIVING AND TRUCK STALLED ( CUT OFF) WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, TOOK TO MECHANIC, HE SAID IT THAT THE REAR THRUST WASHER IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 27, 1997

“WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOSS OF ALL BRAKES AND CLUTCH WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSE OF FIRE MAY BE LINKED TO THE FUEL INJECTOR WHICH POSSIBLE HAD A CRACK CAUSING A LEAK WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · fire

“ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, GENERAL AMERI-TECH TIRES, SIZE P23575R15, DOT#3HL27W443; REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TREAD SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING 65MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. CONSUMER HAS TIRES. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING TO SEND TIRES TO OFFICE OF DEFECTS. *AK TREAD KICKED UP, SMASHING REAR LEFT PANEL, LEFT TAIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 14, 2001

1990 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 44 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1990 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.