1992 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1992 Nissan Pathfinder is among the quieter years of the Pathfinder on NHTSA's books: 38 complaints (69% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (26% of the total).
38
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1992 compare to other Pathfinder years?
What are the most common 1992 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 10 | 26% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 8 | 21% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 16% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK, IT SUDDENLY LUNGED BACKWARDS, SHIFTER WOULD NOT ENGAGE PARK OR NEUTRAL AND KEY COULD NO BE TURNED, VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO REST AFTER IT HIT A PARKED VEHICLE, 1 PERSON WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC”
“ON A NISSAN RELATED WEBSITE, AT LEAST 10-15 OTHERS HAD SAME PROBLEM!!!, DEALER SAYS THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT WON'T FIX IT AFTER 60,000 MILES. THERE MUST BE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS LIKE ME. IS THIS JSUT SOMETHING US CONSUMERS HAVE TO LEARN TO LIVE WITH? CAN MANUFACTURERS JUST GIVE US DEFECTIVE…”
“I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 20 GOING FROM AUGUSTA, GA TO ATLANTA, GA AT APPROXIMATELY 2:30 PM ON 10-10-1998. MY REAR RIGHT TIRE EVIDENTLY BURST DUE TO DELAMINATION AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. FROM POLICE REPORTS AND EYE WITNESSES, MY SUV THEN FLIPPED MULTIPLE TIMES ACROSS THE MEDIANAND LANDED IN THE…”
“THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ROADWAY, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OFF THE ROAD AND INTO THE MEDIAN, THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED IN THE MEDIAN AND THEN RE-ENTERED THE ROAD, DRIVER WAS INJURED (GEORGIA UNIFORM MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT, BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE, 31X10.5R15LT, FIREHAWK ATX…”
“1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS IGNITED SPONTANEOUSLY. FIRE DEPARTMENT OPENED CAR AND EXTINGUISHED BLAZED. OBSERVED MELTED DASH BOARD BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL AND DETERMINED THAT CAUSE WAS ELECTRICAL. CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND FOUND THAT ENGINE WAS INTACT.…”
1992 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions
Is the 1992 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 38 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1992 Pathfinder problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (10 complaints), engine (8 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints).
Does the 1992 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1992 Nissan Pathfinder.
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.