RoadVitals

1989 Nissan Pathfinder

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Mar 9, 2005
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 24, 1995
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Nissan Pathfinder, most frequently naming the engine, seat belts and driver assistance categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 12 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine423.5%
  • Seat belts423.5%
  • Driver assistance317.6%
  • Suspension211.8%
  • Steering211.8%
  • Electrical15.9%
  • Brakes15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
95V103002

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

May 24, 1995
2,730,462 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
90V072000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Apr 17, 1990
750,000 units potentially affected
The defect: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES WERE PRINTED ON CERTIFICATION LABELS.
The risk: INCORRECT TIRE INFLATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
The remedy: INSTALL CORRECTED TIRE INFORMATION LABEL ON DOORPOST CERTIFICATION LABEL.
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA95007ClosedEngineering Analysis

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

Opened Mar 10, 1995
Closed Aug 2, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYLed to recall 95V103002

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 15
Filed Mar 9, 2005

THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE 1989 NISSAN PATHFINDER HE HAS CONSIDERED PURCHASING HAS ANY RECALLS. *NM *JB

NHTSA ID
10115556
Incident
Mar 1, 2005
Seat belts
Filed Nov 13, 2001

SEAT BELT CABLE ATTACHMENT JUST BROKE OFF WITH NO LOAD. *AK

NHTSA ID
754483
Incident
Sep 15, 2001
Suspension
Filed Aug 31, 2001

CONSUMER STATES FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENT MAYBE BROKEN OR LOOSE.*JB

NHTSA ID
785505
Incident
Aug 31, 2001
Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2000

THE MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE DEFECTIVE ON THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THESE THINGS WHEN I GET THE CAR INSPECTED. NISSAN FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THESE THINGS ARE FAULTY PREVIOUS TO 1995. WHAT I FIND INTERESTING IS THAT WHEN THEY DO REPLACE THEM (AT YOUR EXPENSE) THEY USE A MUCH HEAVIER DUTY BOLT! WHY? BECAUSE THEY SCREWED UP THE FIRST TIME. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT'S EXHAUST RELATED AND RI HAS BECOME MUCH TOUGHER ON THESE ISSUES, WHICH COULD FORCE ME TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THESE THINGS!*AK

NHTSA ID
737126
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Nov 8, 1999

WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE UP AND STILL IN PARK, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND THE PEDAL WENT HALF WAY TO THE FLOORLBOARD. VEHICLE KEPT GOING AT HIGH SPEED, AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP. *AK

NHTSA ID
852657
Incident
Aug 27, 1999
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Jul 16, 1999

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
708687
Engine
Filed Jul 12, 1998

EXHAUST HEADER LEAKED AND CRACKED. THIS IS A NON-MOVING PART AND SHOULD NEVER WEAR OUT.

NHTSA ID
538277
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 25, 1998
Crash reported

VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE ,WENT IMMEDIATELY INTO HIGH SPEED BACKWARDS, HIT TREE DRIVER. PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL ,JUMPED GEAR INTO DRIVE, BRAKES DID NOT HOLD ,HAD TO HIT ANOTHER TREE IN ORDER TO STOP.THROTTLE STUCK WIDE OPEN WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL, RESUTLING IN INJURIES TO DRIVER. *AK

NHTSA ID
824676
Incident
Jun 24, 1998

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB-09-101

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

NISSAN: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WARNING LIGHT ON/FLASHING. NO MODELS OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED ON 08-11-2011. *KB

NTB-09-129

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

NISSAN: VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT. WHEN REPLACING THE EVAP CANISTER VENT CONTROL VALVE FOR REASON: USE THE ONE LISTED ON PAGE 2; FOR VENT CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE SECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE MANUALS (ESM; WHEN INSTALLING THE NEW VALVE, DO NOT ADD ANY LUBE TO ITS O RING; FOR FRONTIER (D40 SERIES) ONLY, INSTALL THE PROTECTOR LISTED IN PARTS INFORMATION. *PE INCLUDES 2005-09 FRONTIER. UPDATED 12/8/10. *PE

NTB-09-030

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

NISSAN: THE 12 VOLT BATTERY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IS REQUIRED TO STAY CONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS/CAUTIONS. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE

99022

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT

NTB99022C

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH PLATE RETAINING BUTTON MISSING. *TT

NTB01031

SUBJECT REGARDING ESSENTIAL TOOL - REAR AXLE BEARING REMOVAL KIT. *TTTHE KIT IS AN ESSENTIAL TOOL AND AND WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SENT TO ALL NISSAN DEALERS.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Nissan Pathfinder by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026800—
2025471049.7
2024732052.2
20231011046.8
20221335054.1
2021000—
2020470041.9
2019742053.4
2018773053.3
20171842048.8
20161052156.1
20153195154.6
201457411361.4
201389011458.3
2012232053.1
2011452040.3
2010405150.8
2009374150.8
20083285151.5
20075612148.5
20068375151.0
20051,0504150.9
2004677454.6
20031107461.8
20021569259.8
20012307156.9
20001126156.4
19991045160.2
19981494159.6
19972174157.9
19961595159.3
19951700038.4
1994912156.0
1993490038.1
1992300041.1
1991391150.4
1990382152.4
1989Viewing152157.0
1988172145.4
1987192149.6
1986100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.