1993 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1993 Nissan Pathfinder sits mid-pack among Pathfinder years: 67 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 124, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (27 of 67), far ahead of body & structure at 11.
67
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1993 compare to other Pathfinder years?
What are the most common 1993 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 11 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 7% | — flat |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE EXHAUST PIPE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BURNED A HOLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK”
“THE REAR BUMPER IS SEVERELY RUSTING AT THE CRASH PROTECTION SPOTS-- CHROME IS PEELING AND RUST IS PREDOMINANT, LIMITED TO THE 2 AREAS WHERE FASTENED TO THE FRAME-- EACH RUST AREA APPROX 5 INCHES SQUARE; ALSO, BOTH SIDE STEP RAILS THAT RUN THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE HAVE SEVERE RUST HOLES FORMING. *AK”
“I HAD A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH DESTROYED THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: RADIO, TRANSMISSION, ALTERNATOR, REAR DEFROSTER, REAR WIPERS, REAR WINDOW LOCK, POWER WINDOW MOTOR, TURN SIGNALS, RELAYS, TRANSMISSION SENDING UNITS. AT APPROXIMATELY 82000 MILES THE BATTERY EXPLODED EATING THE PAINT…”
“*NOTE: THE TIRES IN QUESTION ARE SIZE 235/75R15...THIS SIZE OPTION WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE DROP DOWN BOX./// BLOWOUT AND NEAR ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER FURTHER EVALUATION IT WAS DETERMINED THE SIDEWALLS OF THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE HAD COLLAPSED UPON ENTERING A SLOW CURVE. THE CONDITION HAD EXISTED…”
“THIS IS THE SECOND 1993 NISSAN PATHFINDER I HAVE OWNED AND BOTH HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE FRAME. THE REAR CROSSMEMBER COMPLETELY RUSTS OUT AND FALLS OFF THE PROBLEM IS VARY DANGEROUS NOT ONLY TO OTHER DRIVERS BUT IT ALSO SEVERS THE REAR BRAKE LINE. I WAS DRIVING IN MY ALLY HIT A POT…”
1993 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions
Is the 1993 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 67 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pathfinder year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1993 Pathfinder problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (27 complaints), body & structure (11 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Does the 1993 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 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.