VehicleVerdict

1991 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1991 Nissan Pathfinder is among the quieter years of the Pathfinder on NHTSA's books: 49 complaints (61% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (31% of the total).

49

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1531%
Engine918%
Tires & Wheels510%
Steering36%
Fuel System36%
Seat Belts36%
Seats24%
Speed Control24%
Electrical System24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Brakes12%

Does the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM PLANETARY HOUSING AND GEAR, CAUSED TRANSMISSION FAILURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. *SKD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 1994 · crash

“THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAKS EXHAUST FLUID. WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP THE FUMES COME UP TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“1991 NISSAN PATHFINDER DEVELOPING PROBLEMS WITH THE GOODYEAR FORTERA TIRE EQUIPMENT. [REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED]. *MR ONE OF THE VEHICEL' S FRONT TIRES WAS CUPPED SEVERELY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO WANDER WHEN DRIVEN (GOODYEAR FORTERA H1). *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 1, 2005

“THE FUEL TANK WAS NEITHER DAMAGED OR RUSTY, YET AT ONLY 65K MILES IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS THE TANK FAILED THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED PRESSURE TEST IN DE WHEN UNDERGOING ITS 2 YEARLY INSPECTION. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE TANK HAD WARPED JUST ENOUGH WHERE THE PUMP SEALS TO THE TANK THAT IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 1998

1991 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 49 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1991 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (15 complaints), engine (9 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 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.