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.
1996 Nissan Pathfinder: tire blowout or tread separation
8 of the 159 complaints about the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder describe tire blowout or tread separation.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- recalls
- 0
Tire blowout or tread separation by model year
What owners say
Noticed there was a huge bump/bulge on a futura super sport gls 255/70/15 tire on my SUV. The bump was about 7 inches long and about 1 inch higher than the normal tread. When driving at highway speeds, noticed car was bouncy/rocking. Took it in to pep boys who said it was a defect and replaced at prorated rate. I was lucky to have spotted. If the tire blew while driving, it would have been dangerous. Two days after having the defective tire (mentioned above) replaced, noticed a second futura super sport gls (purchased at the same time) was showing the same defect. The bulge wasn't as bad but it was starting to form and grow. Took it to pep boys who replaced again at prorated rate.
Noticed there was a hug bump/bulge on a futura super sport gls 255/70/15 tire on my SUV. The bump was about 7 inches long and about 1 inch higher than the normal tread. When driving at highway speeds, noticed car was bouncy/rocking. Took it in to pep boys who said it was a defect and replaced at prorated rate. I was lucky to have spotted. If the tire blew while driving, it would have been dangerous. Two days after having the defective tire (mentioned above) replaced, noticed a second futura super sport gls (purchased at the same time) was showing the same defect. The bulge wasn't as bad but it was starting to form and grow. Took it to pep boys who replaced again at prorated rate. It seems like there is something wrong with these tires. What are the chances that of the 3 tires I bought in 2006, 2 have the same manufacturer's defect? I have photos of the defect if interested.
Tread separation occurred for rear-passenger side tire while traveling at 65 MPH. (dunlop grandtrek 265/70/r15) the tire came as original equipment with the SUV, it was the (full-size) spare. This tire was mounted on the rear wheel a year or about 10,000 miles ago. The vehicle spun out of control and crashed into the concrete barrier.
The rear passenger tire experienced tread separation.
Insured experienced tread separation and lost control of vehicle,(general grabber 235/70/r15 dot adm1 2wh 385), claim 43-r724-500.
Pe00 -020; consume rwas traveling about 60mph on highway and heard a poppy noise. She was looking through sideview mirror and a saw dust from t blowen tire. She lost control, and vehicle went into guardrail. Rear driver's side tire tread separated. Also, the front tire blewout. Firestone, firehawk, p23570r15. Airbags did deploy, and there were minor injuries.
Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 50mph on highway and she heard a noise, right rear tire exploded. Tread had separated from the tire, and consumer lost control, and vehicle rolled more than once. Vehicle was totaled, and there were two injuries. These were bridgestone dueler h/t 689, size was p26570r15. *ak
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder tire blowout
Is tire blowout or tread separation a common problem on the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder?
8 of 159 owner complaints about the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder (5%) mention tire blowout or tread separation. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
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