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1990 Nissan Pathfinder problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Pathfinder model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
38
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
13
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
15-16mpg

The worst 1990 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    14
  • Transmission
    13
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

Transmission failure 7

Recalls 2

Seat belts: front: buckle assemblyReported May 24, 1995 · 2,730,462 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 95V103002 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported April 17, 1990 · 750,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Incorrect tire inflation pressures were printed on certification labels.
Risk
Incorrect tire inflation could result in loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Remedy
Install corrected tire information label on doorpost certification label.

Recall number 90V072000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

Defect investigations

Takata seat belt buckle failureOpened March 10, 1995, closed August 2, 1995

There is no summary currently available

EA95007

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder 13

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 13 bulletins for the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

1990 Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylRWD14-1517-1815-16
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD141715

What 1990 Nissan Pathfinder owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 26, 2004 · Engine · UT

Inquiry whether nissan is obligated to repair or cover the cost of repair for broke exhaust manifold studs which could cause carbon monoxide problems. *ph

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Engine, Lights · 226,904 miles · AK

Exhaust manifold studs have broken on both manifolds at an estimated repair bill of $800. We have no choice to have it repaired as we cannot receive our emmission test approval to get our vehicle registered (1990 pathfinder) there is no warning for this defect and it was not detected last may because it did pass the inspection at that time. The bolts on the valve covers work themselves loose and I am able to move them with my bare fingers. Also, we can not figure out why the high-beam of the left front headlight won't work.

Filed Jan 30, 2003 · Engine · 157,921 miles · CO

Multiple studs broken on exhaust manifold multiple times. Right (passenger) side twice. Left side once.

Filed Apr 14, 2002 · Engine · WA

Nissan recognized exhaust manifold design defects leading to manifold warpage and repeated exhaust manifold bolt breakage. Eventually causing exhaust gas leaks and noise problems . Nissan recognizes design failure but refuses to fix the problem. I've spent over $1500 repairing exhaust manifolds and broken exhaust manifold bolts. Please have nissan recall the faulty exhaust manifolds and bolts!

Filed Dec 31, 2001 · Tires · VA

Original equipment, general ameri-tech tires, size p23575r15, dot#3hl27w443; rear driver's side tread separated while traveling 65mph. Dealer has been contacted. Consumer has tires. Consumer is requesting to send tires to office of defects. *ak tread kicked up, smashing rear left panel, left tail light and mud flap.

Filed Jun 15, 2001 · Transmission · VA

Transmission failure. Transmission failed due to failure of internal componenets. There seem to be a large number of complaints around the transmission of the 1990 nissan pathfinders. I have had 2 transmission failures in 10 years of ownership. The primary driver of the vehicle for the first five years was different than the primary driver for the second five years. This seems to be a recurring problem. In addition my dealer informed me that nissan did redesign the transmission because of failure of the transmission. Thi is a huge problem. Is there a way to begin an investigation into nissan surrounding this vehicle problem.

Filed Dec 1, 2000 · Engine · NC

Exhaust manifold leaks are a common problem with the pathfinder with many of the repairs being performed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. My first repair was completed in the fall of 1996 with the manifolds removed, trued to factory specifications, broken manifold studs replaced with the factory recommended parts and reassembled by a local repair shop. The repair cast $800.00 and lasted 6 months. Nissan is aware of the problems with these manifolds and in 1997 issued a "silent" recall on their 1996 and 1997 pathfinders but will not help the folks with the older trucks. Factory replacements of the manifolds have not eliminated the problem for others and at $800.00 for the repair doing it more than once seems excessive. There are several web sites that have addressed this problem and it seems well documented, we feel that nissan needs to be pushed to do what's right. Thank you.

Filed Aug 14, 2000 · Engine · UT

Exhaust manifold warped, causing bolts , that hold the engine, to break. Vehicle made a loud noise. Also, exhaust vapor got inside of vehicle. Dealer said it was a common problem, and that the bolts were too small to hold the engine.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Engine · CA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Aug 7, 2000 · Fuel system · CA · fire

When driving consumer noticed black smoke coming from engine compartment. Loss of all brakes and clutch when the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment, cause of fire may be linked to the fuel injector which possible had a crack causing a leak which caused the fire. Vehicle was a total loss. Please provide any further details.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder before you buy

Compare the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

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Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020222023202420252026

Questions about the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

Is the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder, fewer than a typical Pathfinder model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder?

Engine and cooling, with 14 complaints. Next is transmission (13).

How many recalls does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder have?

2 recalls, covering seat belts and equipment.

What year does the Nissan Pathfinder have bad engine?

The Nissan Pathfinder model years with the most engine complaints are 2005 (433 complaints), 2006 (331 complaints) and 2007 (242 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 17-18 highway.

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