1990 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 34%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder, 34% of the 38 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Transmission failure. Transmission failed due to failure of internal componenets. There seem to be a large number of complaints around the transmission of the 1990 Nissan pathfinders. I have had 2 transmission failures in 10 years of ownership. The primary driver of the vehicle for the first five years was different than the primary driver for the second five years. This seems to be a recurring problem. In addition my dealer informed me that Nissan did redesign the transmission because of failure of the transmission. Thi is a huge problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #746898, filed 2001-06“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“Was driving and truck stalled ( cut off) while the engine was still running, took to mechanic, he said it that the rear thrust washer in automatic transmission failed.”
NHTSA complaint #808801, filed 1997-06Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 27% |
| 2025 | 8 | 14% |
| 2024 | 9 | 10% |
| 2023 | 13 | 12% |
| 2022 | 17 | 12% |
| 2020 | 9 | 17% |
| 2019 | 9 | 12% |
| 2018 | 12 | 15% |
| 2017 | 34 | 18% |
| 2016 | 7 | 7% |
| 2015 | 77 | 24% |
| 2014 | 215 | 37% |
| 2013 | 371 | 42% |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% |
| 2011 | 7 | 16% |
| 2010 | 11 | 28% |
| 2009 | 8 | 22% |
| 2008 | 155 | 47% |
| 2007 | 337 | 60% |
| 2006 | 450 | 54% |
| 2005 | 585 | 56% |
| 2004 | 9 | 13% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 5% |
| 1999 | 8 | 8% |
| 1998 | 20 | 13% |
| 1997 | 19 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 8% |
| 1995 | 20 | 12% |
| 1994 | 10 | 11% |
| 1993 | 3 | 6% |
| 1992 | 9 | 30% |
| 1991 | 14 | 36% |
| 1990 | 13 | 34% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1990 Nissan Pathfinder
14 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle 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 31, 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