1998 Nissan Pathfinder: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder: 2 recalls, 149 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V435000 · 2007 · 372,250 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, tennessee, vermont, virginia, west virginia , wisconsin and the district of columbia, during the coating process of the fuel filler tube assembly, an…
Why it matters: This May result in surface rust but not perforation of the tube. However, in those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, if a mixture of snow/water and salt makes contact with the bare metal, corrosion May occur to a degree which results in perforation of…
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filler tube assembly with a new one with an improved coating process. The recall began on November 26, 2007.
Suspension, Steering Vehicle recall #11V244000 · 2011 · 195,991 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: The strut housing May crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. This May lead to grinding noises, increased steering effort, and possibly the steering column to break, resulting in the loss of steering control, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Nissan will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification letter was sent out in May 2011. The second notice was mailed on July 25, 2011.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 29 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (47): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (6), steering problems (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), hard / delayed shifting (5).
- Speed control / throttle (16): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (14): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (12), noise or vibration (3).
The 1998 Nissan Pathfinder has 149 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 36 Pathfinder model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 203). Complaints peaked in 2011 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 112,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (217 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (104 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 16 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
Owners have filed 149 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (47), transmission & drivetrain (20), speed control / throttle (16).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.