This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. While the vehicle was being inspected at the dmv, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear strut was rusting. In addition, the contact stated that the steering made an abnormal popping noise while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they were unsure how to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist due to the age of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 293,000.
On a long road trip from Indiana to North Carolina, the rear-end of my vehicle began swaying or rocking from side-to-side as I was going 60 mph or more and whenever I changed lanes. It felt very unstable, as though it may rollover. Upon my return home, I took it in for repairs and was informed it was the sway bar, the shocks and maybe the tires. I replaced &/or repaired everything. It seemed ok until my recent road trip from Indiana to Missouri when the exact same thing occurred with the rear-end swaying more this time but usually only upon deceleration. I now notice it during city driving which I wasn't sure about before due to all the potholes and bumps in the streets. I researched the problem online and found several other owners of this make and model reporting the exact same problem. There is even a 1998 service bulletin posted by a Nissan dealer on how to fix this "front/rear suspension excessive play" problem. This problem is dangerous. This is not normal. This must be a manufacturer's defect and these vehicles should be recalled to fix the problem.
All of these complaints are the same complaint, yet nothing is done for the consumer of what was a very expensive vehicle when new even though it is dangerous and many consumers spend a lot of money trying to fix the problem (or give up and park the vehicle), often spending the money on the wrong fix because this information has not been given to them and there is, almost unbelievably, no recall. Dangerous and violent side to side shaking at less than highway speeds which could lead to crash, serious injury and death. Repair is costly and is a known defect with dealerships and Nissan but not necessarily known by other auto mechanics........................................................all of these complaints are the same complaint: NHTSA id number: 10695520 NHTSA id number: 10583582 NHTSA id number: 10575024 NHTSA id number: 10523182 NHTSA id number: 10478531 NHTSA id number: 10448749 NHTSA id number: 10429267 NHTSA id number: 10417692 NHTSA id number: 10400070 NHTSA id number: 10380091 NHTSA id number: 10379998 NHTSA id number: 10374836 NHTSA id number: 10347481 NHTSA id number: 10345594 NHTSA id number: 10341396 NHTSA id number: 10319474 NHTSA id number: 10292498 NHTSA id number: 10280742 NHTSA id number: 10278532 NHTSA id number: 10272428 NHTSA id number: 10262357 NHTSA id number: 10261360 NHTSA id number: 10222448 NHTSA id number: 10220528 NHTSA id number: 10218798 NHTSA id number: 10218166 NHTSA id number: 10217609 NHTSA id number: 10214503 NHTSA id number: 10212982 NHTSA id number: 10212954 NHTSA id number: 10202233 NHTSA id number: 10198385 NHTSA id number: 10192615 NHTSA id number: 10192045 NHTSA id number: 10177396 NHTSA id number: 10176855 NHTSA id number: 10175863 NHTSA id number: 10174818 NHTSA id number: 10172078 NHTSA id number: 10171995 NHTSA id number: 10096233 NHTSA id number: 10073991.
As vehicle approached 50mph it would shake violently from side to side forcing me to let off of the accelerator. The shaking made it very difficult to control the vehicle and was very frightening not only to me, but also to my family (we were on vacation). Since this was obviously a dangerous situation I looked for a recall. There was none. I did, however, find many similar stories on the internet. The local Nissan dealership replaced rear suspension bars. "verified rear suspension links were bad, bushings tore-replaced all 4 bars" mileage on the vehicle at the time was 60,687. The vehicle was not used off-road. The repair cost me $740.20 mostly it is just shocking that such a dangerous condition is not a recall. There was no control of the vehicle once it's speed exceeded 50mph. I am pretty sure that the vehicle would have flipped over had I attempted to go faster rather than let off of the accelerator. I still own the vehicle and keep it well maintained... mileage is now 103,957.
The Nissan Pathfinder I drive sways violently from side to side at varying speeds. This seems to stem from the rear of the vehicle and seems as if the entire vehicle will flip over at any moment if uncontrolled. The only solution is to let off the accelerator or speed up a bit. Unfortunately, when I purchased this vehicle not a mention was made of the violent roll. I bought this for my 16 year old to drive to school, but now will not let him until repairs are done. After completing an internet search, it appears that this problem is widespread. I have not taken the Nissan to my mechanic but will shortly and see what can be done. I hope the repairs that are suggested by several people work although none have indicated one way or the other.
- Reese, MI, USA
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The problem started about a month after we bought the vehicle back in 2009, at first it would only start to wobble at 60 mph so we took it in for inspection they told us it needed alignment so we had it done. It worked for a while but then it started all over again and now at just 30 mph so we took in again, this time they did tires and balancing but it is just getting worse.I feel like the steering wheel is loose when it starts to wobble and like my tires are going to fall off. I try not to drive that car so much any more specially when I have my granddaughters with me. I would really appreciate any feedback you may have concerning the problem I'm having with my 1996 Nissan Pathfinder 4X4 thank you
The contact owns a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, it was found that the front suspension housing and struts were severely corroded. The contact also stated the steering wheel shook while driving at 50 mph. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer informed the contact that NHTSA campaign number 11V244000 (steering, suspension) was previously performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 138,000.
I was driving my 96 Nissan Pathfinder straight on a 30mph road when I let off the accelrator and the rear end of the vehicle started to sway, shake and to rock back and forth as if the rear axle was twisting seperate from the vehicle. This motion of rocking a swaying then started every time I would step on or let off of the gas and when the vehicle would shift up or down a gear. I then started to hear a poping noise from the back of the vehicle as well when I would turn a corner. I have had this Pathfinder into the mechanic multipe times already with issues due to Nissan suspension problems. I would not recomend a Nissan product to anyone. I have already complained to Nissan and they will do nothing to protect their customers from their manufacturer defects. Where are the recalls for this issue? do not buy a Nissan!!
While driving at highway speeds of 65 mph vehicle went into violent body rolling and shimmy causing driver to almost loose control. Body was rolling severely, as if steering wheel was being rocked back and forth, however steering wheel was steady. Unable to stop body roll until brakes applied. Unable to identify any damage at time if event, but happened several more times during trip. Upon detailed inspection, rear tires showed severe scuffing on outside of tires and it is suspected that there is an issue with rear axle links based on some internet research.
Our 1996 Nissan Pathfinder started to wobble violently -- the so-called "death wobble" that '96-'97 Pathfinders are now known for -- around 140,000 miles. The wobble was more severe at higher speeds (>50 mph) but also occurred at lower speeds, particularly when cornering, encountering minor road defects or when in 4-wheel drive. The wobble was particularly severe if there were passengers in the back seat and/or when there was additional weight in the far back. The only way to stop the violent wobbling or its severity was to reduce speed immediately. Replacing the tires and struts, and installing heavy duty shocks did little to mitigate the problem. The violent rocking was reminiscent of a blow out and made it very difficult to control the vehicle. It appears that Nissan has been aware of the problem but has failed to conduct a recall or provide adequate redress. Since the vehicle is unsafe to drive, we will be taking it to our local Nissan dealer for repairs at our expense.
The contact owns a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that after having repairs under NHTSA campaign id number: 11V244000 (suspension:front), the strut housing started to detach from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting a knocking sound from the front driver side suspension. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the dealer offered to repair the defective strut housing. The dealer also advised that the front passenger side strut housing needed to be repaired as well due to rust. The dealer offered to repair both strut housings and/or buy back the vehicle but the manufacturer was not confirmed of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The axle has heavy twist rock sway at highway speeds shakes violently side to side very constant I feel like we could crash at any moment this is happening have tried to obtain part online and in part store I can't afford it at the dealership it is 700 to 1400 dollars I feel it should be covered by the dealer aka recall maybe my family will be the one to parish due to this faulty part then it will be a recall. Hope not. I can't just go get a new car this is my vehicle a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder we as a Nissan family have a 1996 Pathfinder also with the same issue please change this before somebody gets killed if I have 2 Pathfinders with the same problem I see on average 20 to 30 of the same models daily.
The contact owns a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact noticed the strut tower was corroded. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic but not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 166,000.
Recently purchased a used 96 Nissan Pathfinder, and immediately noticed an uncontrollable sway or wobble at highway speeds, very nearly causing an accident. Internet research has shown that this problem is widespread. Apparently it's source is the failure of the rear link bushings. This is not an isolated problem, every vehicle with this suspension will experience this problem given enough length of service. Also, there is not an inexpensive fix, with bushings costing several hundred dollars to replace, and requiring a hydraulic press to install the new bushings (something I don't have in my garage). Recall searches have identified recalls for issues such as potential corrosion possibly affecting steering, replacement lights not having enough amber color, and thickness of the carpet padding. If these issues are serious enough to warrant a recall, why is suspension failure not? I feel safe in saying that this issue has undoubtedly caused accidents, injuries, and perhaps death, whether or not anyone cares to admit it. I also know that mine is not the first complaint to the NHTSA regarding this issue. Something needs to be done, these vehicles are not safe!!!
While driving on the highway in clear conditions on smooth payment with my two small children in the back at speeds of 65-70 mph, the vehicle suddenly began swaying and wobbling in a severe manner, nearly causing me to lose control of the Pathfinder. As I was not in an area where I could safely stop, I had to continue to drive some distance and the swaying and wobbling continued intermittently and without warning, making it difficult to control the vehicle. After researching this issue, I discovered numerous similar incidents and am dismayed there has been no recall as this is a hidden defect. My mechanic could not locate the problem until I showed him my findings from my research, and confirmed the rear bushings are defective and must be replaced. This is an extremely dangerous condition and there should be a recall.
While driving my 96 Nissan Pathfinder, I've noticed that after 30 miles per hour my vehicle starts to sway uncontrollably. I have to take my foot of the gas pedal and reduce the speed for the vehicle to eventually stop the swaying. Nissan is aware of their problem but yet doesn't want to make this safety issue a priority and recall and fix the problems. I can no longer pickup my grandson at daycare because we're afraid that this issue will cause a fatal accident. So basically I can only drive my vehicle within town limits while driving as if I was an elderly person, and refraining from using my vehicle. In trying to find the parts in aftermarket sources, because my mechanic can only find them directly from Nissan dealer which are astronomically high in price, I've noticed they are aware of this issue and therefore control the buying market, so customers to spend more money than necessary, especially in these hard economic times when millions including myself are unemployed and barely making it! Nissan should be ashamed of themselves for not taking care of this issue, how many fatalities will it take before they act on this issue?
My 1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE has a terrible wobble, swaying motion ( left to right) that resembles that of rocking a boat. I had the shocks replaced, new tires, ect., but it still exist when you get up to about 60 mph. I have almost had some serious accidents and eventually, I am sure it will happen. I have a friend who has the same problem. I am completely baffled and do not know what the problem is.
Pathfinder 1996 - all 8 rear bushings have failed - the whole rear end fishtails around; the rear end has nothing to keep the rear wheels square - sway bar stabilizer link - rubber bushings on the rear stabilizers are defective - causes total loss of control - driver & passenger neck snaps back and forth dangerously - rear upper and lower control link rod bushings defective - which could lead to a crash, serious injury and death - an internet search turns up people all over the country that have or are having the exact same problem. Most are saying if you replace the rear lower control arm bushings or the entire arms ? tsb - does nothing - no report of defective equipment that was included with the vehicle at time of purchase - Nissan has stuck it's head in the sand -
When traveling 50 mph going either in left (most prevalent) or right direction - vehicle makes a rocking motion that seems to start in rear - gets worse in time - may cause total loss of control - have had several mechanics look at problem and they cannot figure it out - have written to Nissan without a response.
1996 Nissan Pathfinder. Entire vehicle sways when reaching speeds of 50+mph, as if you are playing with the steering wheel and rocking the car back and forth. Nissan issued a tsb back in 1998. The # is: Ntb 98001. My daughter drives this vehicle and it makes for very unsafe conditions. No accident due to condition yet. However, I feel it is just a matter of time. I would be stunned if Nissan has not already been sued over this issue. If you google: Pathfinder sway wobble, you will see how many other owners have experienced this same condition. The rear link arms/bushings are defective, yet they have never recalled.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lochaven, PA, USA