1996 Nissan Pathfinder suspension problems

Filed Feb 11, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 293,000 miles · PA

Tl* 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.

Filed Sep 21, 2015 · Suspension · 121,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Mar 25, 2015 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · CA

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: the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10695520 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10583582 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10575024 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10523182 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10478531 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10448749 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10429267 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10417692 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10400070 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10380091 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10379998 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10374836 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10347481 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10345594 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10341396 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10319474 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10292498 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10280742 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10278532 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10272428 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10262357 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10261360 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10222448 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10220528 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10218798 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10218166 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10217609 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10214503 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10212982 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10212954 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10202233 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10198385 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10192615 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10192045 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10177396 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10176855 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10175863 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10174818 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10172078 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10171995 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10096233 the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 10073991.

Filed Mar 19, 2015 · Steering, Suspension · 60,687 miles · CA

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.

Filed Apr 18, 2014 · Suspension · 210,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Mar 26, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · CA

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

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 138,000 miles · NJ

Tl* 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 the federal safety agency campaign number 11v244000 (steering, suspension) was previously performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 138,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2013 · Suspension, Transmission · 193,000 miles · WA

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 nissans 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!!

Filed Oct 3, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 109,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Feb 18, 2012 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · MT

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.