1998 Nissan Pathfinder Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder.

19971999
Complaints
194
Crashes
31
Fires
1
Injuries
41
Fatalities
4
Recalls
1

Worst 1998 Nissan Pathfinder Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#120 complaints

Suspension Failures

Avg mileage:132,659 mi
Crash-related:1
#217 complaints

Suspension:Rear

Avg mileage:136,661 mi
#313 complaints

Automatic Transmission

Avg mileage:72,752 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder.

Suspension Failures
20
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
132,659
Suspension:Rear
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
136,661
Automatic Transmission
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
72,752
Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal
11
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
48,419
Tire Defects
10
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
9
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
130,130
Suspension:Front
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
122,300
Unintended Acceleration
7
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
155,400
Air Bags:Frontal
6
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
60,716
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
53,000
Body Structure
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
86,500
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
143,533
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Column
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Bumpers
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 1998 Nissan Pathfinder

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~195,991 vehicles.

11V244000Suspension:front · Steering:column
~195,991 affected

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Other Nissan Pathfinder Years

1998 Nissan Pathfinder — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1998 Nissan Pathfinder has 194 NHTSA complaints, 31 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Suspension Failures with 20 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder?
Top reported problems: Suspension Failures (20 complaints, avg 132,659 mi); Suspension:Rear (17 complaints, avg 136,661 mi); Automatic Transmission (13 complaints, avg 72,752 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 107,510 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA complaints for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder include 31 crash-related reports, 1 fire reports, 41 injuries, and 4 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 195,991 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1998 Nissan Pathfinder

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