1997 Nissan Pathfinder Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 48%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,800miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, 48% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,800 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The trailer arms failed. This is what holds the rear axle steady and will cause the truck to sway or hula hoop the rear end. I replaced them myself $160.00 for the parts 3hours under the car. Also replaced the shocks 5 days later. Rides like new. Looks like the frame is also rotting out. Hope they open a recall on the frame. I will check the front strut housing for rust.”
NHTSA complaint #10584759, filed 2014-04, 198,000 miles“Hit a pothole and then started hearing a noise from the front driver side of the vehicle. I then noticed that my odometer was no longer working. Upon inspecting the vehicle I found that the driver's side front strut tower had a large rusted out area and that the spot welds of the panels were separating. This problem seems to be the same as those listed in NHTSA action number: pe11004”
NHTSA complaint #10383815, filed 2011-02, 94,249 miles“At random... This Pathfinder will go into a crazy death wobble, to the point to were it wants to put your head and the heads of your children threw the windows. I have replaced the shocks in the car. But yet the problem remains. My car is at the Nissan dealership right now racking up a bill that I can not afford, for something they will most likely not be able to fix. I have read a hundred complaints on line that describe the same problem to a t. God help us!”
NHTSA complaint #10502656, filed 2013-03, 120,000 miles“I have a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder that has a very dangerous condition. At 55-65 MPH it shakes uncontrollably. It has been explained to me that this is a common problem with this model and the wobble is caused by bad bushings in the rear of the suspension system. There is no doubt in my mind that this condition will cause loss of life if it has not already. In my case I escaped injury when it caused me to lose control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10199012, filed 2007-08, 112,000 miles“I am having problems with the performance of my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder se (81,000 miles); at first I thought that the front shocks were shot; then a mechanic told me that no - it was the front struts. I have since found a web site with many owners of this vintage model that tell me the problem is with the 8 rear control arm bushings. Nissan should issue a recall on this - this is dangerous. At very least, they should notify owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10208511, filed 2007-11, 75,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V244000Apr 20, 2011Nissan is recalling certain model year 1996-2004 pathfinder and model year 1997-2003 infiniti qx4 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in…Covers: Nissan Pathfinder 1996–2004, Infiniti QX4 1997–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10206391Dec 7, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10188377Feb 12, 2021STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10040905Dec 20, 2013Nissan service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. 1996-2004 pathfinder. In states where heavy concentrations of road salt are used, in the winter, the front…
- 10192216Jul 23, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item…
- 10192145Mar 19, 2013SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin provides information to identify: - A leaking strut or a shock absorber that qualifies for replacement under warranty. - A strut or shock…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 15 | 3% |
| 2013 | 29 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 22% |
| 2011 | 6 | 13% |
| 2010 | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 9 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 4% |
| 2003 | 21 | 19% |
| 2002 | 43 | 28% |
| 2001 | 68 | 30% |
| 2000 | 41 | 37% |
| 1999 | 35 | 34% |
| 1998 | 47 | 32% |
| 1997 | 105 | 48% |
| 1996 | 64 | 40% |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% |
| 1994 | 2 | 2% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsTires
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsElectrical 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 30, 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