Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 1992 Nissan Pathfinder, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 10 | 28% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 22% |
| Tires | 3 | 8% |
| Structure | 3 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 6% |
| Structure | 2 | 6% |
| Seat belts | 2 | 6% |
| Fuel system | 1 | 3% |
| Steering | 1 | 3% |
| Equipment | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER EQUIPPED WITH SIGMA STAMPEDE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE SEPARATED ALONG THE SIDEWALL WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE FUEL HO
NHTSA complaint: Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A FUEL LEAK AND WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME RAIL WAS RUSTED AND THERE WERE
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS IGNITED SPONTANEOUSLY. FIRE DEPARTMENT OPENED CAR AND EXTINGUISHED BLAZED. OBSERVED MELTED DASH BOARD BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL AND DETERMINED THAT CAUSE W
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
1992 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS PROBLEMS WITH REAR SUSPENSION FRAME.*MR WHEN TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER THEY SUGGESTED THAT THE CONSUMER BUY A NEW CAR BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS BROKEN, BUT WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN
NHTSA complaint: Structure
NAR 03/03/2003. THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS A CALIFORNIA SMOG TEST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *JB
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
IN ORDER FOR THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE TO DISENGAGE THEY WOULD HAVE TO MAKE A TURN CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED ALL IS NORMAL. TS
NHTSA complaint: Power train
INDEX AND MIDDLE FINGERS BENT AND TWISTED TOWARDS THE BABY FINGERS. SEE PHOTOS AT: HTTP://PHOTOS.YAHOO.COM/MIKETOMICH THIS INFORMATION BEING SUBMITTED ON BEHALF OF JOHN REED BY MIKE TOMICH 989, 665-2311 DT
NHTSA complaint: Steering
TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY 11/99. REPLACED AT DEALER W/REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN 11/01 AND MUST BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA complaint: Power train
| Reliability raw | 88 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 81 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 59 | average |
| Performance | 64 | average |
| Efficiency | 29 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other other in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 10 of them (28%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 88/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 81/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 1992 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 72/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.