What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (1996–2004) Pathfinder?

Front 3/4 view of a Nissan Pathfinder

Pathfinder owners have made 82 complaints about the 1996–2004 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 16th out of 54 Nissan generations in overall reliability, with some engine and body concerns.

Compare With Other Pathfinder Generations

Common 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Pathfinder owners have to deal with.

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (1996–2004) Pathfinder Key Numbers

  1. 9 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 82 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 16th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.