1996 Nissan Pathfinder: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder: 3 recalls, 159 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #96V034000 · 1996 · 1,775 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to the type of lubricant used in the steering transfer gear assembly, the effort required to turn the steering wheel at low ambient temperatures (less than -30 c) could increase to the point where some drivers would have difficulty in turning the wheel.
Why it matters: This condition could result in the inability to change the direction of the vehicle while attempting to turn the wheel, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers are replacing the steering transfer gear assembly with a new assembly having different lubricant.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V031000 · 1996 · 1,775 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to the thickness of the carpet padding on the transmission tunnel, the space between the brake pedal and the transmission tunnel could catch a driver's right foot under the brake pedal.
Why it matters: This condition could inhibit a driver from applying the brakes, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will remove the carpet padding on the transmission tunnel adjacent to the accelerator pedal.
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. 0 mention a fire, 28 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (64): the most common themes are steering problems (12), noise or vibration (7).
- Steering (24): the most common themes are steering problems (16).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (14): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Engine & cooling (14): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 1996 Nissan Pathfinder has 159 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 36 Pathfinder model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 203). Complaints peaked in 1998 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 121,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (170 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (217 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 | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 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 1996 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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1996 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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
Owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (64), steering (24), brakes (hydraulic) (14).
What gas mileage does the 1996 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 1996 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.