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Engine coolingPart report

1990 Nissan Pathfinder Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
37%of 38 total for the year
Median mileage
192,412miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder, 37% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 192,412 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Exhaust manifold studs have broken on both manifolds at an estimated repair bill of $800. We have no choice to have it repaired as we cannot receive our emmission test approval to get our vehicle registered (1990 Pathfinder) there is no warning for this defect and it was not detected last may because it did pass the inspection at that time. The bolts on the valve covers work themselves loose and I am able to move them with my bare fingers. Also, we can not figure out why the high-beam of the left front headlight won't work.”

NHTSA complaint #10060326, filed 2004-03, 226,904 miles

“Nissan recognized exhaust manifold design defects leading to manifold warpage and repeated exhaust manifold bolt breakage. Eventually causing exhaust gas leaks and noise problems . Nissan recognizes design failure but refuses to fix the problem. I've spent over $1500 repairing exhaust manifolds and broken exhaust manifold bolts. Please have Nissan recall the faulty exhaust manifolds and bolts!”

NHTSA complaint #760684, filed 2002-04

“There are 2 recurring problems that appear to be patent defects with most early 90's pathfinders. They deserve investigation by DOT. First is premature and repeated failure of the automatic transmission, probably (but not certainly) due to inadequate oil cooling. I note that in the your database there are 30+ reports of transmission failures (several of them indicating multiple failures) for model years 1989-1991. …”

NHTSA complaint #707774, filed 1999-06

“Exhaust manifold warped, causing bolts , that hold the engine, to break. Vehicle made a loud noise. Also, exhaust vapor got inside of vehicle. Dealer said it was a common problem, and that the bolts were too small to hold the engine.”

NHTSA complaint #867760, filed 2000-08

“Inquiry whether Nissan is obligated to repair or cover the cost of repair for broke exhaust manifold studs which could cause carbon monoxide problems.”

NHTSA complaint #10064994, filed 2004-03

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202512%
202411%
202311%
201911%
201811%
201721%
201611%
201510%
201451%
201351%
201214%
201025%
2009411%
2008237%
200712823%
200618522%
200529028%
200434%
20032523%
20023522%
2001167%
200054%
199966%
199864%
1997178%
1996149%
19955231%
19943538%
19932551%
1992827%
1991821%
19901437%
1989427%
1988529%
1987526%

Other parts of the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Tires
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology