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Engine coolingPart report

1997 Nissan Pathfinder Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
8%of 217 total for the year
Median mileage
107,298miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, 8% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,298 miles.

Example complaints

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

“While driving there was a clicking noise underneath the front of the vehicle. The noise occurred because of a crack in the manifold. The manifold was replaced but the crack recurred. The first manifold cracked after 75000 miles. The second manifold cracked after 30000 miles. The consumer is concerned that if the manifolds continue to crack that the exhaust fumes could enter the cabin of the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10073685, filed 2004-06, 75,000 miles

“I have noticed a different soound comming from the exhaust. I took the vehicle to the mechanic and was told that both exhaust manifold was crack. This is why I want to know if it is a safety or manufacture defect. Please let me know if the manifold will be replaced by the dealer or what should I do. Thank you.”

NHTSA complaint #10086230, filed 2004-08

“The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact started the ignition and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The warning light remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to three different independent mechanics regarding the failure. The vehicle was repaired yet the problem persisted. On a separate occasion, the technician performed a diagnostic test which detected an emission trouble code. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10425404, filed 2011-09, 128,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving 45 MPH and sometimes slower the vehicle would stall. The failure occurred between 4 -5 times. The vehicle is able to be restarted normally. When the stalling occurs, the rpms increase and the check engine indicator illuminates. An appointment was made with the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls, but there is a tech bulletin for the 1996-1999 models regarding idle speed failures. The contact wanted to know if this pertained to her vehicle as well. …”

NHTSA complaint #10260713, filed 2009-03, 124,000 miles

“The struts went at 52,000 miles $800 to replace, exhaust manifold needs to be replaced(warranty). Today the news that the speedometer was just worn out $235, the rear suspension lincs were worn out $350, the intake pinium(sp?) was leaking $660. Something has to be done about Nissan and their worn out vehicles. It's not even paid for yet!”

NHTSA complaint #743265, filed 2001-03

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 1997 Nissan Pathfinder

Suspension
105 complaints
Steering
26 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaints
Body and structure
17 complaints
Tires
16 complaints
Vehicle speed control
16 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Other or unknown
8 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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