The vehicle swings left to right when cruising at about any speed. When the vehicle is pulling it does not swing or sway, however once the vehicle has got up to a desired speed and you try to maintain a steady speed it starts a “death wobble” which nearly cannot hold it on correct side of the road. You have to increase speed or reduce speed dramatically to regain control of the vehicle.
1997 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems
19 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 19
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission5
- Driveline: differential unit4
- Manual transmission2
- Clutch assembly2
- Axle assembly2
- Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1997 Nissan Pathfinder owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle sways very bad during moderate acceleration and stop if you push the brake or speed up. Feels really dangerous and found others with same vehicle and same problem.
Clutch bad.
While driving 55 MPH vehicle rocked back and forth due to axle failure.
Engine problem light comes on. Both transmission computers malfunctioning and shortening each other out. Dealer repaired for several hundred commenting that this is common problem w/ model and nissan is aware of transmission failure that could lead to injury but refuses to recall due to excessive cost of doing so even though it is dangerous.
Suspension causing vehicle to sway violently when going 50mph.*ak. Consumer states the tires wore out at 20,000 miles, the shocks and struts were replaced at 42,000 miles, consumer was informed that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle after complaining about the vehicle swaying, however the vehicle was taken to another shop and the trailing arms were replaced which then corrected the problem, also the power steering fluid was leaking, the muffler was replaced due to rust and the exhaust manifold was cracked due to stress, the front differential pinion seal was leaking, the center cap that goes on the stock wheels on the front seat was installed.
When applying clutch it make a whinning sound intermittently. Dealer was contacted for another appointment. Feel free to provide any further information.
The struts went at 52,000 miles $800 to replace, exhaust manifold needs to be replaced(warranty). Today the news that the speedometer was just"worn out " $235, the rear suspension lincs were "worn out" $350, the intake pinium(sp?) was leaking $660. Something has to be done about nissan and their "worn out" vehicles. It's not even paid for yet!
Have problems with vehicle idling. Engine revs up and tach sticks from 1500-2000 RPM almost constantly. When vehicle is in first gear it will stick and take off by it self and even speed up even though it is a manual transmission. Dealer has seen truck 4 times now and "can not" find the problem. Non dealer repair diagnosed the valve in one visit. Are there reports of any other nissan pathfinders or vehicles that are having this problem? It's dangerous!!!!!!
Since purchasing this vehicle, I've had complained about the alignment (taken to deal and numerous other places) it has been aligned, tires rotated, balanced, etc. 7 (times) and I was told nothing was wrong hmmmm. Had to have all four tires replaced at 30,740 miles. Nissan denies its a defect on their car. I've repeatedly complained about a clunking noise in the rear (or brakes) again "no problems found--cant duplicate problem". Well, now I'm told my transmission needs to be replaced. The front end "steering" if very sensitive and when making a sudden movement, the car overcompensates tossing you throughout the cab. Cd and radio as well as antenna motor have recently been replaced. This car is a lemon and dangerous!!!!!! I want my money back!!!!!!!
Questions about the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder transmission
Does the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the transmission of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, 9% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Nissan Pathfinder have bad transmission?
The Nissan Pathfinder model years with the most transmission complaints are 2005 (585 complaints), 2006 (450 complaints) and 2013 (371 complaints).
Other 1997 Nissan Pathfinder problems
Suspension 105Steering 26Body 17Engine 17Acceleration 16Tires 16Brakes 15Airbags 13Fuel system 10Seat belts 5Electrical 3Wheels 3Driver assistance 2Visibility 2
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