1996 Nissan Pathfinder: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Nov 17, 2009 · Suspension · 110,000 miles · AZ

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 -

Filed Mar 18, 2009 · Suspension · 102,000 miles · CA

I just bought a nissan pathfinder le 1996 - I found many owners are experiencing problems with the rear suspension of the vehicle (see posts: http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/t5lstpr50npco9ctl/p7) - local mechanic has indicated the repair on mine would be around $700 - $1000 - the real problem is premature wear of upper and lower rear control arms bushings (this applies to 1996-2001 apparently). I drove the vehicle from oregon to california and it was a real challenge to manage the swaying from side to side - the only way to mitigate the car from wobbling is to either reduce speed or accelerate. This should had been a safety recall from nissan instead a service bulletin - the vehicle turns to be quite difficult to drive at freeway speed and could easily roll over. *tr please investigate. Thank you in advance, dino andretta yorba linda, ca

Filed Sep 7, 2007 · Suspension · 187,000 miles · VA

We own a 1996 nissan pathfinder 4 wheel drive that had developed a severe side to side wobble at 55-60+ MPH . Mechanics said it was struts/shocks. We replaced all 4. Same problem exists. This is life threatening on the highway. My daughter and myself have both experienced it and you nearly lose control of the SUV if you don't let off the gas quick. I would hate to see the result of an evasive maneuver - it will be catastrophic. Dealers are acting like they know nothing, yet 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, it goes away. I am asking the federal safety agency to get involved now and force nissan to do a no-cost recall. We own 2 other nissan cars and I have owned over a dozen cars/trucks in 32 years and never experienced anything like this. And, I work on cars and motorcycles in my spare time, and I know what I am addressing here. This is a major, serious engineering design flaw.

Filed May 30, 2007 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · NY

1996 pathfinder, 120k miles. Approx. One year ago vehicle developed scary side-to-side rocking at highway speeds, and especially when driving on curved roads. Replaced rear shocks- no help. I have found lots of other pathfinder owners that have this same exact condition. Turns out the problem is with the rear control arm bushings and rear link arm bushings. Bushings develop dry rot with age and shrink, making excessive play in the control arms. Many people have complained to nissan, but nissan refuses to even consider a recall.

Filed Dec 22, 2006 · Suspension · 140,677 miles · VA

I purchased a used vehicle from a private owner, a 1996 nissan pathfinder with 139,500. Immediately after my drive on the highway, I noticed a substantial amount of body sway from the rear end of the vehicle.I decided to research my problem on the internet and found several references to issues related to the premature wear of the bushings in the rear upper and lower links (control arms) that attach the axle to the frame (ref. Nissan bulletin# ntb 98-001).this bulletin describes in detail about worn bushings which it creates excessive sway, rocking and pull at any speed at that point, I decided to bring my vehicle at my expense to have an authorized nissan dealer to examine and document the potentially hazardous condition.they verified and concur with the wear in the rear links and recommended the replacement of the upper and lower links along with the rear shock absorbers (part # 55080-0w001 (2) and #08911-6441a (2))-part numbers for the links. In addition, I spoke to several owners of nissan pathfinders with the same condition which was built in 2004 on the same chassis. As a result, I contacted nissan motors of north america and filed a complaint/inquiry based on this defect (ref# 5555692) on 12/7/06.they refused to assist with the complaint based on a tsb and not a safety recall. Also, the vehicle was inspected by a virginia state annual vehicle safety inspection last month and was passed in error by an inspector who had missed this safety defect. I reported this issue to the virginia state police and the problem was verified and investigated by trooper fowler in williamsburg va. This defect is definitely a safety related issue as described in the standards for vehicle inspection. Not being an engineer, I would suggest that I could have lost control of the vehicle at times of highway passing,around on ramps or evasive maneuvering that could cause the vehicle to roll over. I paid to have the parts replaced at a body shop at my expense.I have the old part.

Filed Oct 27, 2006 · Suspension · 68,000 miles · MA

Dangerous wobble of car when on the highway. From reports I've read on the internet, seems to be caused by degrading control arm bushings. Fix may be to replace all 8-10 bushings and/or control-link arms. Problem seems to be common on '96-97 nissan pathfinders.

Filed Aug 22, 2003 · Acceleration, Suspension · IL

Accelerator pedal sticks. When placing vehicle into gear must apply pressure to accelerator to release it. Subsequently, it releases suddenly in a way which causes sudden acceleration. Also vehicle shakes while driving . Dealer has replaced ball joints, but problem. Still exists.