1996 Nissan Pathfinder Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 8%of 159 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,237miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, 8% of the 159 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,237 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“I just purchased this vehicle less than 2 weeks ago,on july 2nd while driving down the road I came upon a few slight rough spots in the road,this suddenly caused the vehicle to sway back and forth violently,as if someone way rocking a boat of jerking the steering wheel back and forth,after applying the brakes it stopped for a bit until more rough spots in the road or if speeding up or slowing down caused the same problem,I had my grand kids in the back seat at the time,it scared us all to pieces,because I just bought this vehicle I need it,has Nissan called a recall on this problem? …”
NHTSA complaint #10523182, filed 2013-07, 148,599 miles“I was driving my 96 Nissan Pathfinder straight on a 30mph road when I let off the accelrator and the rear end of the vehicle started to sway, shake and to rock back and forth as if the rear axle was twisting seperate from the vehicle. This motion of rocking a swaying then started every time I would step on or let off of the gas and when the vehicle would shift up or down a gear. I then started to hear a poping noise from the back of the vehicle as well when I would turn a corner. I have had this Pathfinder into the mechanic multipe times already with issues due to nissans suspension problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10495349, filed 2013-01, 193,000 miles“Clutch sticking - SUV towed to dealer - clutch fluid replaced as possible problem, however, a week later clutch started sticking again when depressed - drove SUV to dealer - they kept overnight and said they could not reproduce problem - picked-up SUV at dealer started it next morning and clutch was sticking again.”
NHTSA complaint #10056179, filed 2004-01, 67,875 miles“Consumer called complaining about having problems with the transmission. Also stated that while driving the vehicle she has had problems with the brake pedal and acceleration pedal. Dealer was contacted and stated that never heard about this problem. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001415, filed 2002-12“While driving she has problems with the transmission, brake and accelerator pedal. Dealer was contacted and stated that never heard of the problem and there was nothing they could about it. Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10004243, filed 2003-01Transmission 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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder
64 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTires
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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