Pathfinder / QX4 Reliability (Post your mileage)

A forum for the legendary Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4.
mkaresh
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I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that included actual repair rates. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

Thanks to help from this forum (and AZhitman in particular), we've been providing stats for many Nissan models. But we could do a better job covering the Pathfinder--we need to get more owners involved!

(It didn't help that I forgot about this thread for a few year!)

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Pathfinder, for free. I'll share results for the Pathfinder in this thread after each update (now that I've remembered that it exists).

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research
Last edited by mkaresh on Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:23 am, edited 1 time in total.


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elwesso
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Ill try and go over as much as i know....

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....

mkaresh
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Thanks for the great info. I haven't looked around, but hopefully this forum has this info in an easy to find FAQ.

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).

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elwesso
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Most of that stuff is in the FAQ stickied above.

mkaresh
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Still looking for more of these SUVs. Up to 48 total for the Nissan, but that's spread across many model years.

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cmkelly
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2001 3.5L LE 2x4. I've had mine since it had 36,000 miles on it. Now I have 136,000. No problems to report other than the o2 sensor problem that seems to be standard. Other than that, never taken it to the dealership and have only had to replace brakes, belts and tires ;>)

go Nissan!!!

mkaresh
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Up to 54 for the Nissan.

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KoukiS14
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I bought my 99.5 QX4 on Halloween (10/31). No problems . . almost 5k miles later.

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

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fueler
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128k miles on 99 QX4 - only preventative maintenance - not a single problem to date!

mkaresh
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That's quite impressive.

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

mkaresh
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Still looking for me of these.

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KoukiS14
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99.5 QX4. I'm at 67k miles, 10k of which I've added (last 6 months)... not a single problem. I've even had it stuck in the mud (high centered) and it withstood tugging from a Bobcat, constant rocking. . no trans or 4wd / diff problems.

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. .

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03Chillinkoot
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Just got a 2003 Pathfinder Chilkoot. It had 93500 canadian KM on it when acquired. To date it has just over 95000 on it. But I can tell you the previous owner didn't do any maintenance but change the oil. Everything still works perfect and it drives like brand new. My dad had a 93 pathfinder 280000 km and my brother has a 97 pathfinder 230000 km also with no major problems.

The best suv's on the road.

mkaresh
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How much maintenance does Nissan call for beyond changing the oil? I'd definitely change the coolant and maybe change the transmission and rear diff fluids. But anything else?

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03Chillinkoot
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mkaresh wrote:How much maintenance does Nissan call for beyond changing the oil? I'd definitely change the coolant and maybe change the transmission and rear diff fluids. But anything else?
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.

kram613
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I own a 05 SE and as per my post, its redesign was a step in the wrong direction! From what I read all over the net, the 2001-2004 Pathfinder is much more reliable and less problematic than the 05+ generation!

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?


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SnowSurfLax
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Uhh, yeah, a drive shaft should never go bad unless you abuse it.

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.

mkaresh
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The water pump tends to be done any time a timing belt is done, because they don't want to risk having to repeat all the labor a year or two later to get at a relatively cheap part.

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

stevebaz
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2001 pathfinder r50 3.5 liter automatic 4-wd se 53,000 miles2nd ownerbose cd repaired 3 times under my ownership.1 rear o2 sensor replaced on drivers side.in the shop 3 times to repair the variable timing system 2 solonids replaced and one sensor and the light is now on again.Auto shifter brake lock out solonid failed at 40,000 miles.front rotors replaced at 30,000 miles due to warpage.paint chips easily,black anodizing on roof rack failing.rear coils springs sag badly over 1.5 inches in 6 years and no load other than driver in the truck.origional tires didnt last 30,000 miles.battery failure in 5 years.very un happy with nissan due to the cd player and timing issues.transmission shifts weird when cold below 40degrees f for the first 2 blocks.windows roll up poorly when cold.alot of rust on exhaust system and tail pipe failure in 40,000 miles.all in all isnt too bad until you factor in the origional price for this pathfinder. for that amount of money these issues shouldnt exist and the dealer should fix it at their cost.

GTSTWINCAM
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1999 Infiniti QX4. 78k miles.

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.


ky03pathy
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2003 Pathfinder LE, 59.4K miles

Aside from going through 3 sets of rotors, belts, battery, tires and oil changes, this truck hasbeen fantastic. the only problem to date has been having the driver's seat motor assemblybreak $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 somethingthat gets better gas mileage, but everything else I look at just seems "cheap" compared to the qualityof this japan built SUV. I did replace the Bose head unit, but that was my choice. Really, a Swiss ArmyKnife.
Modified by ky03pathy at 9:39 AM 6/24/2007

mjohnson804
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1999 QX4 Oxygen Sensor replacement

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?

mkaresh
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You might want to post this in a separate thread. I don't know if enough people will see your question in this one.

Maximus300Z
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Reliability?Ha, 19 years and counting!

Randomsoleil
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Car: '01 Pathfinder

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2001 110k one owner

rear o2 sensorand coil pack only real matinence

most anoyance is the power drivers seat keeps going out.

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coloradopathy
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Car: 2000 Nissan Pathfinder LE (R50)

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Hey everyone, I'm new to the site! I haven't posted any pics but I will tonight when I get back home.

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!

tmorgan4
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Coloradopathy...sign up on Roninwheelers.com. It's a local Nissan group that could use some more R50s.

hunziker
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1999 QX4 ~95000 miles when I bought it last year. Now has about 103k miles. Cosmetically very nice shape.

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

plugnickle
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:21 pm
Car: 1999.5 pathfinder le

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1999.5 Pathfinder LE159,286 miles original ownerBlack Paint, rock hard only 2 paint chips to speak of. Both smaller than a pencil eraser. Has never spent the night indoors, minor fading above drivers door.

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?????

kip
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Car: 2002 pathfinder se

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Hi Everybody,

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.


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