Pathfinder / QX4 Reliability (Post your mileage)

A forum for the legendary Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4.
davidrberg
Posts: 7
Joined: Sun Jul 24, 2016 10:09 am
Car: Nissan Pathfinder 1994
Nissan Xterra 2009

Post

1994 pathfinder 215k miles
some issues with emmisions and hesitation - trying to fix them now


ckhross
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 12:55 pm
Car: 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD Manual Trans

Post

I have a 2002 white Pathfinder 4WD w manual transmission, currently at 340,800 kilometers. I bought it at 139,000km and I've owned it for 8 years. Other than regular maintenance, I had the the spark plugs/rotor/distributor cap replaced a number of years ago and about 6 months ago replaced the mass air flow sensor and alternator. A warped valve or something has been causing a rapid loud 'ticking' for about 3-4 YEARS but it hasn't negatively affected performance (other than my ability to pick up chicks ;-).

However, last weekend it started misfiring on random cylinders and surges and loses power under acceleration. Engine light is flashing. Fix could end up being expensive. Lots of other minor things like CD player doesn't work, rear passenger side door handle is busted, fuel pressure sensor in gas tank is busted (filling the tank is a SLOW process now), I had to solder bad connections in the daytime running light module but they are failing again so fog and one brake light don't work. This might be the end of the road for my beloved pathfinder. It has been a fun and reliable truck. Will be sad to see it go.

akers912
Posts: 26
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2016 2:30 pm
Car: 1999 Infiniti QX4

Post

1999 QX4 with 163,000 miles. I've owned it since mid April and haven't had any problems with it!

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

Post

2002 Pathy checking in with 196k. Was driving the other day and noticed smoke coming from underneath. Everything was running fine. Pulled over to notice coolant leaking from the engine. Attempted to drive it to the station less than a mile away, but the temp started spiking so I pulled over immediately and shut down. Waited 3 hours for a tow that never arrived. Turns out an outlet control hose was the culprit. Most of the cost was labor. Ended up replacing a thermometer as well since everything was removed to replace the busted hose. She's back in service and heading for 200!

Haydenpaul1
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2016 7:13 am
Car: 2002 Infiniti Qx4

Post

2002 Infiniti qx4 220,000 Miles on it and i still drive it everyday! :woot:
Only had to replace a valve gasket once and 1 coil pack but besides spark plugs and coil boots everything is original and keeps going!! :rotfl Nissan did something right.

sonnyc
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2015 2:03 pm
Car: '99 Pathfinder SE

Post

I'm at a low 191500 miles on my 1999 SE. Bought it new and in 17 years haven't had any major issues. I had valve gasket replaced, plugs a few times, cv boots, radiator and belts etc...Just got brand new tires so I expect it to last at least another 50k :)

Jonthemoon
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 4:57 am
Car: Pathfinder 2002 LE 4WD. 197K KM Sept 2016

Post

Hi ! Just bought a pathfinder with 197k km on it this week-end. Its a 2002 LE 4wd. It has a bit of surface rust but nothing too deep yet so i'll try to maintain it properly to prevent further degradation.

It seems to run fine, I'll take it to a mechanic to have it checked and will surely have a lot of questions :-)Cheers !

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

Post

I just turned 270,000 miles yesterday. It's still my daily driver.

Tank99
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2016 12:33 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti QX4

Post

Little late but just joining the forum. 99 qx4, 177,500 miles and still going strong. Just had to drop about $1k into it this year for an alternator, brake booster, a bad coolant leak and axels being replaced. Currently have my 4wd light going on and off for the past 2 days but that's all. (Hoping whatever that is doesn't cost an arm and a leg)

User avatar
rcrxboy2002
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2016 5:56 pm
Car: 2002 Infiniti QX4
Location: California

Post

138K Miles and still going strong. Just have a gas smell after I drive sometimes. Replaced all filters and had to install a new OEM Bose radio.




:werd: :bigthumb:

mxsmith4
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 12:51 pm
Car: 2014 Pathfinder

Post

2014 Pathfinder less than 20,000 miles. Front and rear brakes needed to be replaced. Tire are shot too. Recent recall took several months for the dealer to get the parts. Other than that, no problems.

Bdub1028
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2016 5:43 pm
Car: 2001 Pathfinder LE 3.5L 4WD

Post

2001 Pathfinder LE, just rolled over 250,000 miles. Hit a deer last week, took me a few days to get her back on the road, but we are rolling again, intent on putting another 250,000 miles behind us!

Cfiske
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 30, 2012 9:02 am
Car: 2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE

Post

2003 Pathfinder SE. 178K miles. Engine strong as ever. Needing to fix the exhaust for the third time. May go from resonators back this time. BOSE CD player is shot. And the A/C has not worked in about 20K miles. Only put on about 500 a month now. Put was piling in 20K a year for a bit.

Warhorse2
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 10:51 pm
Car: 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 Manual

Post

Hello Nico! First post here as a member, here's some detailed info on my Pathfinder:

1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 - Manual trans
Current mileage: 225,000+ (362,102 KM)

Background

I bought this Pathfinder SUPER CLEAN at 161,000 on the odometer. Not so much as a scratch on it, interior/exterior was tight. It was a dealer car for the first 70,000 miles of its life. Second owner was the brother of the guy that worked at the dealership, sold it to me saying it "was the best car he ever owned."

The first 10,000 miles this car ran like an absolute top. Then at 171,000 things started falling off. Since its been about 3 grand a year in maint to keep it on the road. Here are some of the issues/maint I have done out of necessity.
  • Blew a front radiator hose. Replaced all hoses and basic belts. Hoses are a serious job on this truck and they're are a lot of them, if you're being thorough.

    Original starter went out at 170k

    Original alternator went out about the same time, 170-175k

    Cracked the radiator overflow bottle, replaced.

    MAF sensor went out, about a $300 part, easy DIY repair.

    Charcoal canister disintegrated, expensive to do at a garage because there was charcoal in the lines. Do yourself a favor and when you throw that EVAP code, fix it right away instead of driving on it for 10k like I did. :gapteeth:

    Radiator replaced around 215k

    Timing belt and water pump replaced at 210k

    New rubber at 190k

    Spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor done at approx 190k

    Brake shoes at 170k

    Clutch replaced (almost certainly the original) at 219k!!

    Stock Bose stereo swapped out for Pioneer headunit

    a single O2 sensor replaced.

    Passenger side electric window switch replaced (easy ebay diy)
Its been a rock solid ride, although I would like to get 6-8 months in without having to drop a grand on something, which is the pattern. I plan on driving it until at least 260,000 if I can make it without any major engine problems. Currently I have a some sort of a suspension issue that is causing it to drift and it seems out of alignment all of a sudden. Feels like suspension. I'm taking into the shop tomorrow for a look see but I've been coming on these forums for years now for good intel and boooy there is a lot of it. Congratulations on a great community! Happy to add to it. Cheers all!

Image

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

Post

Warhorse2 wrote: Currently I have a some sort of a suspension issue that is causing it to drift and it seems out of alignment all of a sudden. Feels like suspension. ]
Might be this...

2001-pathfinder-rear-end-shimmy-wobble-t595712.html

replacing-rear-control-arms-guide-t5876 ... ath%20sway

Warhorse2
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 10:51 pm
Car: 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 Manual

Post

04pathse wrote:
Warhorse2 wrote: Currently I have a some sort of a suspension issue that is causing it to drift and it seems out of alignment all of a sudden. Feels like suspension. ]
Might be this...
Thanks for the reply 04pathse. I won't hijack the thread w a long reply but just got back from the suspension shop, its not the death wobble, rear susp is good. What it IS though, is the bushings for the front steering column were shot. . . one was crushed, one was MISSING. The whole column was sliding as a result, hella dangerous. :eek: Cheap fix though. Struts are also shot so add that to the list.

WhoDatPopcorn
Posts: 13
Joined: Sun Feb 12, 2017 6:32 pm
Car: 2001 Pathfinder 3.5 SE 2wd

Post

01 SE, just bought last week. 132,000 miles. P01145 CEL. Engine and trans still strong. Has whine from rear end...possibly needs front and rear pinion bearings not sure

beams
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2017 11:11 am
Car: 99 infiniti qx4
07 aston martin v8 vantage

Post

99 qx4 145,050 miles. just changed the struts in all 4 corners (bought the parts, did it myself). it's my daily driver and our activity car (snowboarding, camping, etc). i love this vehicle! had wanted one since i was in high school haha.

nrobn
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2017 7:01 am
Car: 2000 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.3 221K miles

Post

2000 Pathfinder SE 3.3L R50 - Second owner - Purchased in 2004 (at 34K miles); I now have 222,000 miles and still going strong. Wish I could find another as rugged and reliable as this beast. :-) Only issue I have is a rough/sluggish shift into 2nd gear... Otherwise all is well.

rmore98
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2017 5:19 am
Car: 1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder SE Limited

Post

I have a 1999.5 Pathfinder with 213,000 Miles on it, and it has been in my family since new

GStyle
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2017 2:10 am
Car: Black 2000 Nissan Pathfinder Le
410,000 miles and running strong

Post

My 2000 Nissan Pathfinder has four hundred ten thousand miles and change

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

Post

GStyle wrote:My 2000 Nissan Pathfinder has four hundred ten thousand miles and change
:greg:
You take the crown for this one. I sold my 2k2 Q with 313,***miles. Engine was strong, it's the other things around the vehicle that were falling apart.
Has it been in your possession since new? Any major repairs to keep it on the road?

Welcome to Nico!

RR425
Posts: 97
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 10:39 am
Car: 2001 Infiniti QX4
Location: Issaquah, WA

Post

Image

158,000. Just got new 32" rubber today on 16x8 wheels. Hope this rig lasts me till 250,000. Getting a Nissan Armada then :naughty:

Paint is real bad though so I plan to plasti-dip it anthracite grey this summer. And maybe replace the radiator by the end of the year for preventive maintenance.

andy168
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon May 16, 2016 2:47 pm

Post

hi! Original owner 03 Le Pathfinder with 221,100 miles. :woot: :woot:

p598738
Posts: 8
Joined: Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:02 am
Car: 1999 Infiniti QX4 160K miles

Post

I bought my QX4 in 2000. It had about 21K miles on it. After about 16 years it now as 188K miles. No major issues. The QX4 was and still is a great machine.

I did the timing belt at 93K and think I will do it again soon. What does it cost these days ?

Thanks.

wesinatl
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue May 30, 2017 11:32 am
Car: 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5
2007 Honda Pilot FWD
2014 Toyota 4 runner SR5 4WD
2019 Toyota 4 runner SR5
Location: Metro Atlanta

Post

2001 with approximately 192k on it.

Have replaced brake booster, trailing arms, front struts, rack and pinion, oil pan gasket. I change the oil every 5k. I need to fix a small leak in AC, change the spark plugs (never done it - thanks for making it inconvenient Nissan!) and possibly look into replacing the timing chain. I don't really want it to break where I am stuck somewhere. I too get false 02 sensor readings and they usually just go away eventually. CD player broke a long time ago...but who listens to CD's anymore.

Donready1989
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 7:56 am
Car: 03 R50 Nissan Pathfinder LE , 2013 Nissan Altima S

Post

I work in sales and when this pathfinder came in I couldn't pass it up . 2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4 pretty sure it's got every option offered that year . It's a 2 owner car with a branded title so we got in it VERY cheap . We were sending it to auction as a wholesale piece as we don't retail rebuilt / branded vehicles . After looking at the carfax I was intrigued it was deemed a lemon In 2004 with 12k miles and sold at auction . My dealership bought it and sold it to the last owner in 2005 . He then drove it for the last 12 years so I say to myself .. the problem must've been fixed / it wasn't a real problem . So today here I sit with a gem 12 years later the pathy has 62k miles .. service records from my dealership for the entirety of him owning it including oil changes , transmission, front and rear differential fluids flushed and changed , tires, brakes and calipers in the last 3k miles , mass air flow sensor last 2k miles . I'm still in shock I got this baby for 3500 on the road!! Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

FlyingZippy
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2016 9:49 am
Car: 2004 Pathfinder LE 4x4

Post

My 2004 Pathfinder has 257k miles (and I'm on a 5 week road trip right now, carrying 6 hang gliders on top!)

My oil burning has recently add a leak :(
My paint is deteriorating rapidly.
I had to replace my catalytic converters to pass California emissions. Looking on here today because I need to do my brakes & wanted to check if there are any easy upgrades.
I started towing a travel trailer regularly last year, so I know I'm going to reduce my car's lifespan.

Overall, I'm so happy I bought this car 9 years ago w 38k miles & feel like I've hardly done anything to it. You should have seen the obstacles I overcame 2 years ago in Moab, Utah getting to a hang gliding launch! Pathfinders are amazingly capable!

Bolide
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2017 11:19 pm
Car: 1999 Nissan Pathfinder Chilkoot

Post

Image

Just hit 435 000km's (270 000 miles). Original everything. Bought it off a friend whos family bought it with 125 000k

Oracle
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 04, 2017 12:28 pm
Car: 2001 Infinity QX4

Post

My 2001 QX4 has just broken 130k...


Return to “Nissan Pathfinder Forum / Infiniti QX4 Forum”