Pathfinder / QX4 Reliability (Post your mileage)

A forum for the legendary Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4.
99pathfindercarnegie
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 24, 2015 7:34 pm
Car: 1999 Nissan Pathfinder

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I have a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder with 185,435 miles. It has minor body rust and I am repairing that, other than that it is in excellent shape.


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bgruhn76
Posts: 54
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:05 am
Car: 2000 Nissan Pathfinder SE Ltd 2WD - Black
Location: Clearwater, FL
Contact:

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I have a 2000 Pathy with 182K on her - solid, zero rust, lots of new parts. Black on gray leather - SE Ltd.

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Mischi
Posts: 75
Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 7:15 am
Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4

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I just passed 250,000 two weeks ago!

jiannichan
Posts: 48
Joined: Sat May 02, 2015 2:54 am
Car: 2000 Infiniti QX4 223,xxx Miles as of 9/22/2015

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2000 QX4 with 224,600 miles on there. Only thing I've done so far is replace an o2 sensor, had the AC drain hose unclogged, replaced the radiator and the L/R CV axles. Everything else was regular/minor maintenance. Car still runs great. Bought it used with 219k on there from a friend who has owned it since new. Will add in a tow hitch and probably buy the air lift 1000 for it.

fatman023
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Sep 27, 2015 10:20 pm
Car: 2003 QX4 - Some Chromed Canadian variant
Location: Seattle, WA

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just picked up a 2003 QX4 with..... wait for it.... 37,000 original miles.

Apparently it was sitting in a driveway for many years. Had to some work on the exhaust, plugs, trailing arms, and new tires (Michelin Defender LTX M/S). Canadian version with the fancy chrome roof rails (which i am not a fan of).

looking forward to putting many miles on this thing.

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atraudes
Posts: 1106
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
Location: Sammamish, WA

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Well, if you don't like the chrome roof rack, just throw up a new post. I'm sure there's dozens of people here that would gladly trade you and probably even spring for the shipping :chuckle: Congrats on the find!

dml996
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2015 4:03 am
Car: 2001 pathfinder

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I just picked up a salvage title 2001 se 4x4 ( cost me $600 ) Salvage title due to some damage to the rear Qtr panel in a minor fender bender. 140,000 miles - steering rack had a leak so i swapped that but everything else seems good. Its a backup tow / winter weather car.

Chillenhardasfuck
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2015 10:20 am
Car: 98 qx4

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I have a 98 qx4. Bought it about a year and half ago with 111,000 on it and it had a new transmission put in at like 110,000.. Now I have 126,000 and I have had to
Get new rotors
I got the car tuned up before moving to Colorado from Georgia. New plugs wires blah blah..
Broke down in Kansas, needed new water pump and timing belt..
Got to Colorado and it started gushing. Got new gasket covers..
Got it back and it started to stalling out.. Was told I need a new IACV, but we ghetto rigged it and it went for another 6 months..
As of now it is sitting in my drive way and won't start.. I'm buying a new starter, IACV, and I guess sending my ECM over the next few weeks..

Other than that I like the truck it's the nicest car I have ever owned by FAR.. Beats my ghetto a** Altima, accord, and Corolla.. Well idk the Corolla never once messed up and I used drive that s*** off-road drunk AF, and would skate the back bumper haha.. But it's nice and the driver seat is actually amazing for tall people Ive never had a seat with so much lean lmao.. But yeah I'm gonna get all that fixed by someone for cheap because if you take this truck in the shop it cost so much money it's laughable.. And the gas mileage blows.. But I like it, planning on taking it on some journeys through the mountains once I have it running again.. But I like it other than all that

Renthal
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:12 pm
Car: 2001 QX4

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2001 qx4
215,xxx km's
replaced the last year
Starter, alternator, rear control arm bushings, HID ballast just died, 2 MAF's in the last year, battery, exhaust is getting noisy, and the belts sound rough, needs new tires as well.

Renthal
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:12 pm
Car: 2001 QX4

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2001 qx4
215,xxx km's
replaced the last year
Starter, alternator, rear control arm bushings, HID ballast just died, 2 MAF's in the last year, battery, exhaust is getting noisy, and the belts sound rough, needs new tires as well.

Texas Tony
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2015 6:54 pm
Car: 2004 Pathfinder LE 4x4

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Hi All!
Just picked an '04 LE with 90K miles.
So far it's been a fun ride.
Replaced a '00 Trooper with 241K miles.
Bose system is ok will uprgrade soon.
So how does one insert a photo here?

Cheers!

EdBwoy
Moderator
Posts: 3507
Joined: Tue Dec 25, 2012 12:47 am
Location: Indiana, USA
Contact:

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Image
2002 qx4.
A little over 293k miles recently.
New IACV, rebuilt ECU, crankshaft position sensor etc.
Other consumables like intake gaskets, rear brake cylinder, front brake rotors, tires, battery etc.
Body still looks decent, the engine & trans are still very strong, but the suspension needs some work, especially the rear.

I still have a check engine light due to some catalyst/O2 sensor related codes, but like some here, I just deal with the light.

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Jack44
Posts: 36
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2003 1:41 pm

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227,000 miles on a 2001 QX4...Just belts and tires and some O2 sensors...Now I believe need of a new AC Compressor [Makes rattling sound when turned on ] ... no problem when off...No problem until summer...

rcpathfinder
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2016 4:55 pm
Car: 1999.5 nissan pathfinder

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hello all I'm new here. I've owned my 99.5 pathfinder since July of 99 and have over 232k miles on it. It has been an excellent vehicle. Hope to learn how to fix one of the very few issues I've had with this vehicle in this forum. I tell you what, I'm not sure if they make cars to last as long as this one has anymore. Aside from normal maintenance, this vehicle has been excellent(knock on wood).

ss1
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:46 am
Car: Nissan Pathfinder LE 2002

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2002 Pathfinder LE. About 131,000 miles. Replaced rear shocks a few months back as they were leaking.
O-rings on oil cooler changed.
It came from salt state so had to get exhaust re-welded.
Got Power steering pump replaced due to leak(I think it could have been due to hose which goes from pump to reservoir). Mechanic diagnosed it as power steering pump leak but not sure anymore as hose connected to it also had to be replaced immediately afterwards as leak became much worse. I believe the oil leak is causing alternator issues now and I may end up getting it changed also but considering cleaning it first.

adamt314
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2014 9:51 am
Car: 2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 3.5L

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Just passed 192,000 on my 2002 Pathfinder SE. Bit of maintenance the past 3 months.

Replaced oil cooler/o-rings
Replaced rack & pinion
I had my front ball joints replaced a few years ago, but I kept hearing a creaking noise when it was cold out. New mechanic said they were incorrectly installed. Nice.....
Got a 4-wheel alignment and removed bearing housing and replaced bearings.

wildpig
Posts: 72
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:08 am
Car: 2003 BMW M3 Convertible
2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe
2002 Pathfinder SE 4x2

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2002 Pathy 155K miles got it back in 2010 with 117k miles. Generally reliable except for the O2 sensor which trigger the engine check light once a while. but the light generally stays off for extended time after I reset with my obd... AC compressor replaced. All four tires replaced. Usual regular oil changes. Battery changed once. Nothing else changed o/w

a month ago it won't make any noise at all when I turn the key completely silence not even any cranking noise but all interior accessory powered up. Turned the key a couple times and it did start again. Was then fine for a wk then same problem came back a wk later. called tow truck but then it started fine again. Hasn't had the problem again for 3 wks now...

ME84
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:51 am
Car: 2001 nissan pathfinder

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2001 pathfinder with over 260k and still going strong.
Have replaced:
Rack and pinion $900
Main seals $1000
And basic maintenance.
I have a popping noise coming from driver side when i turn wheel all the way or when i hit big pot holes, anybody have an idea on what it could be?

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atraudes
Posts: 1106
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
Location: Sammamish, WA

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It's probably a CV joint on its way out.

04pathse
Posts: 776
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 2:55 pm
Car: 2004 Nissan Pathfinder SE
2008.5 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3

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ME84 wrote: I have a popping noise coming from driver side when i turn wheel all the way or when i hit big pot holes, anybody have an idea on what it could be?
How do the strut towers look?

97-04-pathfinder-qx4-strut-housing-corr ... 34872.html

Pathy415
Posts: 219
Joined: Wed Jul 21, 2010 8:44 pm
Car: 2002 Pathfinder LE 4WD

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Just picked up a 2002 Pathfinder LE 4WD with 156,xxx miles

Was on this forum a few years back when I had a 99.5 2WD LE. Great to be back in another R50 again.

Good to see my 3.3L Spark Plug DIY is still up after all these years!!! Looking forward to re-learning everything!

:biggrin:

ME84
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:51 am
Car: 2001 nissan pathfinder

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The shocks and struts are next to be replaced, anybody know of cheap shocks and struts online?

Bolo2112
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:33 am
Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4

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2001 QX4 Luxury 4WD (Purchased brand new)
229,151 Miles
Transmission rebuilt at 209,000 miles (We towed a boat every year since purchasing in 2001 5 to 10 times a year to the Colorado river from Laguna Niguel, Ca.)
MAF Sensor replaced @ 220.000 miles
Rear Shocks replaced @ 225,000 miles with KYB KG4163 Gas-a-Just Monotube (Front Struts will be replaced next month with KYB struts)
All 6 ignition coils replaced @ 220,000 with Hitachi coils :bigthumb:
All 6 spark plugs replaced @ 220.000 with Denso Iridium Long Life #SK16HR11 – 3417
Every 15,000 miles air filter replaced with K&N #33-2031-2
Starter replaced @ 225,000 with Bosch starter.
Brakes front and rear serviced when applicable and oil changes every 5,000 miles with WIX oil filters

Engine still runs incredibly strong but I have lost mileage over the years. Currently I am getting 12-15 highway where I used to get closer to 18.

Recently during a detailing job the gentleman lightly steam cleaned my under carriage engine area and now the "Overdrive" indicator light on my dash board does not work. It worked before the detailing and now it does not. The actual overdrive capability was not compromised. Can anyone lend some insight to some resolutions?

Thank you! :dblthumb:

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atraudes
Posts: 1106
Joined: Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 pm
Car: 2001.5 Infiniti QX4 4WD
Location: Sammamish, WA

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@ME84: The cost-effective shocks most people get here are the KYB GR2/Gas-a-Just like Bolo2112 used. Check out this thread for more info on replacing them.

@Bolo2112: Why did you replace the K&N filter every 15,000 miles with a new one? They can be cleaned and reused, and even then it's only necessary every 50k miles. The overdrive question might be a broader conversation. I'd open a new thread for it.

Bolo2112
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2016 11:33 am
Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4

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@ atraudes

Thanks for the feedback, as for the K&N filters, aware they can be cleaned @ 50k but a pal of mine gets them for free and passes them along to me. I figured why not change them @ 15k if they're free?

I will open a thread concerning the O/D light indicator, hopefully I will find a resolve I can do myself. :bigthumb:

EdBwoy
Moderator
Posts: 3507
Joined: Tue Dec 25, 2012 12:47 am
Location: Indiana, USA
Contact:

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We have finally hit the big 3. Only big issue at this point is a transmission code, 2-3 shift solenoid IIRC.
I'm still sitting on some poly bushings that I intend to install to remedy the death sway. It's not that I was doubting it's ability to roll over 300, just need enough down time to fix those issues.

Strong engine, tows it's fair share of vehicles (I even used it to pull the RWD qx4 when I bought it), and still won't get stuck in the snow or mud.

Without further ado...Image
Now, I need to figure out where to get those neat 300,000 miler stickers I've seen on some Volvos and Benzes.

mkaresh
Posts: 1038
Joined: Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:45 am
Car: 2003 Mazda Protege5
Contact:

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We've updated our reliability stats for the Pathfinder to include owner experiences through the end of 2015, about eight months ahead of other sources. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year--lower is better:

2014 Pathfinder: 46, moderate
2013 Pathfinder: 62, high
2008 Pathfinder: 110, high, very small sample size
2005 Pathfinder: 71, low, small sample size
2003 Pathfinder: 59, low, very small sample size
2002 Pathfinder: 54, low, very small sample size
2001 Pathfinder: 125, high, small sample size

We have two additional statistics, "Nada-odds" and "Lemon-odds", to indicate the percentage of cars with no repairs in the past year and those that required 3+ trips to the repair shop:

2014 Pathfinder: 64, < 1
2013 Pathfinder: 52, < 1

No stat, or a small sample size? Then we especially need more owners involved for that model year.

For the repairs behind these stats, reliability information on other models, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Nissan Pathfinder reliability ratings and comparisons

PATHYLOGICAL
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2016 11:16 am

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2004 PLATINUM LE PATHFINDER 297K MILES STILL GOING.

Wwaterman
Posts: 30
Joined: Sat Jun 22, 2013 1:18 pm
Car: 1996 Pathfinder

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I have only owned pathfinders since I was able to drive and I am now 33 years old. Ironically, my grandfather served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II and fought the Japs, as he called them, and refused to own a Japanese vehicle. My father was convinced they are the greatest cars in the world. Both My grandfather and my father have passed. The list is as follows:

1988 2-door 4x4 Black: Given to me by my dad as my first car, it was formerly his, as my first vehicle with 225,000 miles. I took it to about 290,000 and my parents donated to a NPO for a tax write-off. The transfer case was blown since I received it, I imagine my dad used it at high speeds on his commute from Connecticut to New York City. Still did what it needed to do in the snowy winters in the Northeast. I still have dreams about this car. I hooked up with my first young women in this car.

1999.5 XE 4x4: I moved to Utah from Connecticut to pursue snowboarding with a side of college. My dad bought me this vehicle with 76,000 miles on it. I drove this thing across the country and back at least 6 times. Before my dad passed, he and I drove this car from Arizona to Alaska. I then drove it from Alaska to Connecticut when my dad's cancer had advanced. I sold this vehicle with 220,000 miles on it. I should have kept it and put some more money into it.

1996 4x4 -- Guessing XE? My current ride. Purchased for $2200 with 155,000 miles on it, currently at 201,000. I immediately had the clutch and timing belt done. Bought it from a father that bought it for her daughter and she got a DUI -- was a DIY mechanic. He did many repairs/upgrades. Everything currently works on this vehicle as if it were just driven off the showroom floor. I have been dealing with a wobble and I just ordered all bushings from 4x4parts.com. Damn... I just received my first shipment of bushings. They are pretty.

benzguy95
Posts: 21
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:58 pm
Car: 00 Mercedes C280 Sport, 04 Pathfinder Platinum Edition (family's car)

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2004 Platinum Edition Pathfinder we're the second owners and with 162k miles it only needs an alignment and fluid flushes but was dealer maintained from day 1 up til now.


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