I haven't started collecting data on the Pathfinder and QX4 yet, because not enough are signed up.

To encourage participation, anyone who helps provide the reliability data will have free access to the results.

Information: Vehicle reliability research

Comments and questions very welcome.

Michael Karesh
TrueDelta

Modified by mkaresh at 6:59 AM 5/4/2007



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: elwesso at 3:09 PM 12/13/2006

This concerns mainly the R50 and JR50 (QX4 and same years Pathy)... Anything that applies on the QX applies to the pathy since theyre basically the same thing... I dont knnow much about the new ones (2005s, plus theres not enough with some miles to know for sure) or the really old ones, is that by now on the older ones (up to 95 pathfinder) have rust problems.....

the eariler years (up to 2001) with the 3.3L motor had a timing belt, so be sure that every 100k you are replacing the timing belt. Theres no problems related with the belt or tensioners that seems to be "regular".

Other issues are the o2 sensors and the intake timing sensors.... The rear o2 sensors have a common problem with the heaters, and you have to take them to the dealer to get the computer reprogrammed to fix the problem... The intake sensors also occasionally go bad...

Overall they are very reliable vehicles... There are a few other less common problems but they do occur... There are basically no major mechanical flaws, as the engine and trans are very "old school" in nissan terms....



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (elwesso)
Posted by: mkaresh at 12:25 PM 12/17/2006

The research I conduct is ongoing, where members report repair trips the month after they happen. This approach avoids the biases you get when simply asking people to report problems that have already happened (in which case people who have had no problems are much less likely to respond).



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: elwesso at 2:25 PM 12/17/2006

go Nissan!!!



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: mkaresh at 9:02 AM 2/12/2007

(I drove to NC and back, and I've been playing around with it a lot)



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (KoukiS14)
Posted by: fueler at 12:35 PM 2/13/2007

The 2001 model year is now more than halfway to the minimum, with 14 signed up.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: mkaresh at 7:00 AM 5/4/2007

not what you're looking for I'm sure, but I'll keep this thread alive.

edit: I guess I can sticky this. . might as well be a mod and do mod things. .



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: 03Chillinkoot at 12:41 PM 5/6/2007

The best suv's on the road.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (03Chillinkoot)
Posted by: mkaresh at 5:06 PM 5/7/2007

Nissan calls changing the oil every 6000km and rotates at 12000km, also lubeing the prop shaft at 12000. They call a big service at 48000km where they recommened replacing diff fluids/LSD oil, transfer case fluid, coolant flush, replace ATF, replace fuel filter, drive belts and bearing repack. And thats pretty much it from what I know for the 2001-2004 pathfinders with the VQ35 engine. oh yeah they also say replacing plugs at 168000km.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: kram613 at 12:09 PM 5/9/2007

Today I found out I need a new rear drive shaft and belt tensioner; the shaft is covered under warranty not the tensioner. I have driven nothing but highway miles for the 56K on my Pathfinder, never gone off road, never gone over 75MPH yet I need a new rear driveshaft!

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but a driveshaft is not something that should go in 56K of highway miles?

Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (kram613)
Posted by: SnowSurfLax at 10:40 AM 5/12/2007

I have a 99.5 QX4 and I've had a couple probs with it, but I did buy it used. Blew the transmission pan gasket, real tranny probs except for my huge post, check it out if you're curious. Did have to put on new front axles because the CV boots tore (it was 2 hours less work to put axles on, actually saved $ on labor because they charged $90/hr., stupid Sunnyvale, CA).

Put on a timing belt and let them talk me into new water pump and hoses, but that's preventative.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (SnowSurfLax)
Posted by: mkaresh at 10:58 AM 5/12/2007

But this doesn't happen when there is a timing chain. Do pumps fail in those vehicles?



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: stevebaz at 11:21 AM 5/18/2007

1. 02 sensor went bad- Replaced @ 70k miles.

2.A/C Compressor pulley went bad at 77k miles.

3.Bose Front speakers cut in and out (possibly faulty amp). started at around 71k miles.

Other than that, it seems pretty reliable.

Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (GTSTWINCAM)
Posted by: ky03pathy at 9:04 AM 6/24/2007

Aside from going through 3 sets of rotors, belts, battery, tires and oil changes, this truck has
been fantastic. the only problem to date has been having the driver's seat motor assembly
break $489, and having the TPMS reset $50. It just seems like routine maintenance is
expensive, but considering how I drive it, it isnt too bad. I have pondering trading it for something
that gets better gas mileage, but everything else I look at just seems "cheap" compared to the quality
of this japan built SUV. I did replace the Bose head unit, but that was my choice. Really, a Swiss Army
Knife.

Modified by ky03pathy at 9:39 AM 6/24/2007



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (GTSTWINCAM)
Posted by: mjohnson804 at 11:24 AM 6/30/2007

Went to Autozone with a "check engine" light on my 1999 QX4. They told me it was likely a bad oxygen sensor, specifically "bank 2, sensor 2." I'm not mechanically inclined, but they said this is a job I can do myself. Would anybody have instructions to help me replace this sensor?



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mjohnson804)
Posted by: mkaresh at 6:44 PM 6/30/2007

rear o2 sensor
and coil pack only real matinence

most anoyance is the power drivers seat keeps going out.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: coloradopathy at 10:15 AM 10/29/2007

Anyhow, I've had a 97 Qx4 and now I have a 00 Pathy. With the Qx4, the only thing that ever went wrong was the exhaust manifold issue that seemed pretty common. Never a breakdown, just some annoying ticking accompanied by crappy gas mileage. Other than that, nothing!

On the Pathy, I heard the problem has been fixed so I am not anticipating to much, as far as I'm concerned, the good ol' 3.3L is rock solid. I've been in the desert, up in the mts at -20, serious off-roading, the beach, and cross country trips with out a hiccup.

What a rig!



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (coloradopathy)
Posted by: tmorgan4 at 10:52 AM 10/29/2007

AC Clutch was replaced just before I bought it.

Suspension was shot. Replaced struts and shocks. Rear coil springs are weak. Probably will go with Air shocks.

Even after new suspension steering was still very mushy nearly to the point of feeling out of control. Turned out tires were shot(seperated belts).
After new Goodyears and new brakes truck drives nice (but rear springs still mushy).

Multi-disc cd changer does not work and blows a fuse whenever you try to use it.

Transmission shudders sometimes when shifting into overdrive which seems like a slip which takes longer to engage the gear. Not sure what that is about but similar transmission problems seem to be quite normal on these trucks.

Seems to be underpowered under hard acceleration.

Ed



Post Title: Re: 1999 QX4 (hunziker)
Posted by: plugnickle at 8:58 AM 1/3/2008

Interior Still excellent shape, no cracking leather- 3 kids, power passenger seat squeaks when moving forward and backward just annoying .

Engine 3.0 WEAK! But zero problems. Regular maint. Only. Full synthetic every 6000 miles. Air conditioner clutch has been noisy since about 60,000 miles but still going. Tail pipe is starting to show some black…. May be valve seals……

Transmission, weird, minor annoying shifting issues, seems to be poor computer programming ????? I changed fluid to B&M Trick Shift with new filter and cooler seems to have helped some of the issues.

Exhaust, 95% original. I had to remove most of the heat shields at about 130,000 miles. Tail pipe rusted into over rear axle, repaired. Since repairing the pipe the end of the tail pipe seems to hit my after market mud flap when accelerating, VERY Annoying.

Suspension Front no issues Rear replaced shocks with much heavier units, considered coil over's, may still do. Need to replace the bump stops, all chewed up. Plus it's Hard to find tires that fit well.

This ride developed a bad vibration around 130,000 mile and I can't get rid of it.

The only thing I don't like about this ride is the fact that it's way under powered which leads to poor fuel economy and I feel premature engine death. I had hoped to get 300,000 miles out of the engine but with the hills around here I doubt it.

Will a bigger engine fit?????




Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: kip at 3:37 PM 1/4/2008

I just want to say that I have a 2002 Pathfinder SE with a 5 speed manual transmission and I have 115000 miles on it and have had no problems at all. Besides the wonderful gas mileage that is and the having to use premium gas. It has been an amazing truck and I change my own oil using mobile 1 synthetic and had maintenance done on it at 75000 miles and it just runs and runs.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: Qxxx4 at 7:17 AM 2/10/2008

-changed ignition and distributor cap (previous owner did a shotty remote starter installation)
-new center muffler pipe and end pipe
-small oil leak and burns some oil (conventional)
-recently switched to semisynthetic
-Expensive to maintain 4WD system but it works flawlessly
-ran with nearly no coolant and a cracked rad cap for a while and didnt cause problems whatsoever (thank goodness)
-timing belt and water pump to be changed in another 50000kms, going to put a huge dent in my bank account!

no major issues, its an expensive car to maintain, but if you spend lots on preventative maintenance, its very nice to you. I hope this lasts me years to come.



Post Title:
Posted by: chickenknob at 12:19 PM 2/24/2008

98 QX4 with 171,XXX miles and i replaced plugs for the second time and just serviced the trans. it just developed a crazy idle it will go dead at a stop and go up and down on the highway.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (Qxxx4)
Posted by: rumjungle at 11:42 PM 3/1/2008

By the way, any suggestions out there for a replacement stereo with nav/dvd, xm, bluetooth & iPod connect and backup camera? Price is not a big factor. I was going to buy a new SUV, and for what I save in just a few months by not making payments on a new one, I figure I can upgrade this one with all the stuff the new ones have.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: Densetsu at 9:31 AM 3/12/2008

There have been no major mechanical issues with the vehicle. 1.5 quarts of oil was burned after 3k on dino oil. A bit high compared to the other vehicles in my family I do maintenance on. Switched to semi-synthetic and I'll be watching the levels this time around, topping off as necessary. Might make the move to full synthetic depending on how well it likes the semi-synthetic.

There is some minor rusting in both rear wheel wells, which might have been aggravated by all the salt that Canadian cities put on roads during the winter. I'll take care of it once it's warm enough outside for some sanding/priming/painting. In the meanwhile, I've just been controlling the rust with WD40. Paint on the hood also seems to chip easily.

Winters tend to easily freeze windows shut, and/or power windows aren't powerful enough. The Bose 6CD changer skips frequently when it's cold out as well.

Mileage in the winter has been around 15-16mpg with 60/40 city/hwy driving. Hoping it'll get up around 17-18mpg in the summer. A gas guzzler, but not overly bad when compared to other vehicles in it's class.

Power is impressive with the 3.5L. More than enough passing power and handles hills well. Towing the contents of my apartment in a moving trailer wasn't difficult at all. I'll be anxious to see how it handles steep mountain roads during vacation this summer.

With all-mode 4WD, the "auto" setting doesn't seem to improve traction much during winter on snowy roads. Left it in 4Hi most of the time for city driving and haven't had much trouble.

It came with a trailer hitch, but no trailer lights connector. Installing a connector wasn't difficult; but removing and reattaching the plastic covers that run along either side of the cargo area revealed cheap, plastic snaps that can be easily fatigued and broken. Rumours of the extra electrical load trailer lights add burning out the brake lights fuse were greatly exaggerated, and all went well.

Even though it's probably premature, I'll be doing full maintenance on the vehicle (plugs, fluids, filters) this summer. It's just nice to have a baseline point for maintenance tasks when you buy a used vehicle. Hopefully it might bump up the MPG a few points, too.

Overall, I'm very happy with the vehicle. I'll be watching out for some of the common problems... O2 sensors and timing belts, mostly, from what I've heard from other Pathy owners.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (Densetsu)
Posted by: landl at 7:28 AM 3/31/2008

I am the second owner bought it with 37K miles on it and I am a mechanic so I didn’t worry about what I was getting into although I knew I was going to have issues having owned a I30 previously.

I have a subscription to ALL DATA for all my cars which is a big help. Anyway here is my laundry list so far but I don’t remember the exact mileage for these issues but the truck is at 83K now. I bought it in 2003.

Drivers side cam position sensor (replaced myself very easy)
Drivers power seat (repaired myself not very easy but doable)
Evaporator canister bypass valve (repaired semi difficult)
Exhaust pipe over rear axel (repaired myself with inner sleeve and two clamps may last a couple of years but best solution for this is welding)
Mass air flow sensor (cleaned it with control cleaner)
I recently had to replace no 2 coil took about 8 hours to figure out, 10 minutes to actually replace, good luck trying that with any of the other 5 coils. Just to clarify sometimes if you have a miss that is not constant you get a DTC of 1320 the scanner wont always tell you which cylinder to I just kept clearing and checking till it finally was able to pin it down, I was either that or replace all at around $90 a pop.
That thing with the windows in the winter being slow, I have that.
Replace rotors one time around 74K
Rear brakes no problem yet.
Don't remember when it started but I have a very noisy transfer case which I will try to tackle this summer.
Everything on the bottom of this truck gets so rusty. I forgot to mention the first time I went down there to change the oil, the plastic cover that you have to remove to change the filter, half the screw were broken off and I havnt gotten around to drilling and re-tapping those out either.




Post Title:
Posted by: TOPATHFINDER at 11:07 PM 6/21/2008

My brother has 99 QX4, many many problems at 160K. He's going to sell it.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: rosiesc at 12:09 PM 7/15/2008

It is currently at 210,373 km and runs just perfect with not a single leak.

I should include
-champaign gold w/ tan leather interior
-fully loaded except CD changer

This truck was USED too. It was used at these people's lake house for pulling a boat and driving off road. So the body has a little wear on it, but the engine and drivetrain keep humming along with no problems, and it's especially good in the snow. Apparently they had always had it serviced at the perscribed intervals at the dealership they bought it from.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (hearse83)
Posted by: mkaresh at 11:21 AM 8/31/2008

I'd like to get rid of that asterisk and include more model years. Need the help of more people here to do this...

Vehicle reliability research



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: saurus at 5:41 PM 9/8/2008

currently has 120k

since i have owned it i have had the following issues:

rear O2 sensor went at about 95k - cheap
sway bars replaced at 110k - cheap
new exhaust system including 2 pipes, manifold, rear section/tail pipe, at 120k - $750

everything else no problems.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (saurus)
Posted by: emjay2001 at 10:12 AM 9/10/2008

I have a 2001 QX4 that we bought new in April 2001. It has been an excellent vehicle for us. We had the sensor issue posted earlier, but that is about it. So far just regular maintenance. A bit of rust is starting to show up now. I just love, love, love my QX4. I am from Ontario and we have quite a bit of snow and it has done great. We are looking to put a trailer hitch on it for a bike rake. So I am off to search the forums.

Mary Jo

P.S. I have about 95K on it.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (emjay2001)
Posted by: Buzzman at 4:04 PM 9/12/2008

Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: Presscott707 at 6:43 PM 10/30/2008

Only routene maintenaine in 71,000 miles. Just added a new set of tires and still have the originasl brakes......

DanO



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: spiceman at 7:09 AM 1/3/2009

Very reliable except for the melting of the fuel vapor switch, and the fuel vapor cannister cracked.

Luckily this was covered under an extended warranty. Of course the dealer didn't discover that the cannister was cracked until we told them that replacing the switch did not correct the engine light problem. Would have cost almost $1k without the warranty- of course that includes extra labor as they did not catch the problem with the cannister the first time in.

Besides these fuel vapor/emissions problems, it's been maintenance, and replacement of the front brakes.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: uniquem at 11:12 AM 1/8/2009

-disassembled and cleaned turn signal switch (lights not working properly)
-removed running boards (rusted through and dealer wanted $1800!!!)
-replaced all tune up items and fluids
-removed the removable roof rack bars (for better mpg?)
-disassembled and cleaned A/C-heater blower (had to 'smack' it every time to get it to start working)
-replaced stereo & speakers - added an amp & sub
-replaced shocks/struts - KYB
-replaced front brakes, rotors, grease seals, o-rings & repacked wheel bearings
-replaced gas cap
-replaced fuel filler tube (dealer recall)
-replaced evap charcoal canister and vent control valve
-replaced power steering pump (O'Reilly), high pressure PS hose, PS belt, A/C belt, alt belt, A/C idler pulley, alt idler pulley, harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley and flushed PS system
-replaced muffler and rear silencer (removed heat shields) - Autozone

I guess that's 'kinda normal' stuff. I dunno. I do all of my own maintenance (except timing belt and recall item) and I buy OEM parts online (unless otherwise noted) so it's not too terribly expensive. My goal is to sell it before it needs another timing belt. I can't see sinking another $1000 into it at the dealer and I'm too chicken to do the timing belt.

Oh, and I'm about to replace the right rear O2 sensor (Autozone).

Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (uniquem)
Posted by: Wkz1gg0a at 6:16 PM 3/26/2009

Of course i have a sensor who passed out years ago but the dealer told us it was going to be very expensive to repair so we let it that way.

The tranny blew at about 260 000 Km but we did a lot of towing and I hear the path miss a tranny radiator and that is quite common.

The water pump died at about 220 000 and we change the timing belt too.

The exhaust was rusty and we change it too as well as rear suspension but afterwards we didn't see a lot of change.

Now at about 290 000 Km (180 000 Mi) rust is coming out of the rear panel and the chrome bumpers.

This was a work truck; we carry loads of woods well over the limits of the towing capacity, we cross snow banks higher than the hoods, and when the snow was not packed we can still go on with snow coming on top of the hood.

This truck never refuse to start, by +40 C or by -40 C, and this is real numbers.
Great truck with a lot of torque who miss a little power and ABSOLUTELY MISS A REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: QX4ME at 10:34 PM 4/26/2009

Aside from that its regular stuff, and preventative maintenance....oil, filters, brakes, tires, bulbs, thats it. this thing rocks

oh and its got a 5 star crash rating and i get roughly 16-19 MPG



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (Qxxx4)
Posted by: Nismo92Pathy at 9:16 AM 7/9/2009

1992 Nissan Pathfinder Xe
5spd 4x4

I've had her over a year 3rd owner 187xxx miles
Maintinace according to Record book
TIming Chain Replaced by Nissan @ 110xxx miles
regular Preventative maintinance at reccommended intervals
Clutch replaced at 98xxx miles

Recent Repairs:
All Struts replaced (left rear Snapped at Bolt hole)
All Fluids changed (transmission, Differencials, Transfer case)
flushed cooling system.
Alignment Due to lift with torsen bars in front (lots o negative camber lol)

Love this Pathy, Bought it for my wife and it has never let us down
its even had to pull start my rotary a couple times



Post Title: Re: 1999 QX4 (hunziker)
Posted by: rodguitar at 6:32 AM 7/14/2009

Pully on crank for A/C and Alt seperated at rubber for me too..

Replaced O2 sensors at 117,000 and had to do again cause check engine light came on a month later.. tech said it was because i used after market part.. Opt for OEM!!



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: korbeano89 at 5:50 PM 7/17/2009

knock on wood



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (mkaresh)
Posted by: plowjockey at 8:46 AM 7/26/2009

135,000 miles

Everything is original except headlamps, struts, shocks, tires, LF brake caliper and tune up parts.

Once, I was stupid enough to consider trading it on a used Ford F250 with a V10 engine, until the salesman quipped, "yea, those Nissan will run forever".

Nuff said.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (plowjockey)
Posted by: Mischi at 3:14 PM 8/4/2009

before

after



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (Natedogg1701)
Posted by: guttz03 at 5:20 PM 10/21/2009

I have a 1997 Pathfinder, with 142k miles on it. I got it a month ago and I am amazed how well it drives. I used to have the same year Grand Cherokee with ~90k miles and it's not even close in terms of quality and mechanical condition.



Post Title:
Posted by: EmpressChe at 10:13 AM 10/28/2009

Finally did the first actual "repair" on my '03 Pathy. Had to swap out the DTRL control assembly when my driver-side low beam stopped working and I eliminated every other possible cause. Lights worked fine after this was replaced. The part was $200 from courtesyparts.com (including UPS brokerage fees), compared to $300+ from local dealerships.

Other than that, it's been routine maintenance and touch-up paint jobs. Pretty happy with the purchase so far. Bought it in Nov '07 with 112,000 km, now it has 163,000km.



Post Title: Re: Seeking information on Nissan Pathfinder and Infini ... (Densetsu)
Posted by: SpartanAir at 11:42 AM 11/3/2009

Get this:

510,000 km, or 317,000 miles ON THE ORIGINAL ENGINE.

Still running strong, and purrs like a kitten. I love my new pathfinder!!!

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