Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25mph uphill, the carpet around the gear shift suddenly erupted into flames. The flames were extinguished by the driver with water and the authorities were not contacted. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and later transferred to the insurance agency for inspection. Upon inspection it was determined the heat shield was missing from the catalytic converter and the floor board in that area was completely rusted through allowing extreme heat to contact the carpet. The contact is concerned about the dealer selling the vehicle without first inspecting for safety problems. The rust could have easily been viewed by simply inspecting the undercarriage.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving approximately 50 MPH, a clicking noise was heard from the outside of the vehicle. The failure recurred sporadically before progressing to a permanent occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact that the failure was contributed to the exhaust manifold, which required replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
Vehicle stalled while driving. When this occurred consumer coasted the truck off the road. Upon exiting the truck consumer noticed gasoline leaking out of the smog filter. Truck was towed to a mechanic after the fire department had secured it for travel. Mechanic indicated that one or two of the valves in the fuel system, and the fuel cap could be the cause. Both valves, fuel cap, and the smog filter were replaced, but the failure recurred.
At my 60K service the mechanic diagnosed a faulty exhaust manifold and replaced it. Fortunately, this was covered by my extended warranty. I've come to realize that is was a common problem with Nissan pathfinders although no recalls have been instituted. I'm concerned that this will reoccur again as my vehicle approached 100K.
Last February it was the right side exhaust manifold bolts. This year it was the left side. Fortunately I knew what it was when I heard that familiar ticking noise. Again, I'm told this is a common problem with the Nissan Pathfinder, and I could have severely damaged my engine had I not brought it in when I had.
Driver and passenger side exhaust manifolds have failed and have been replaced. Carbon monoxide was entering directly into the passenger compartment and forced me to pay the ~$900 to have them repaired. Attempting to receive reimbursement from manufacturer.
Engine was making a ticking noise, so I brought it into the dealership and was told it was the right-side exhaust manifold bolts that had broken off. I was told this was a common problem, and if not caught in time would cause extensive damage to my engine.
Passenger side front most cylinder had one exhaust manifold stud break off and after carefully inspecting other studs on passenger side at least one more is broken. Seems like a common problem, but very expensive to fix also very frustrating!!!
This problem involves the exhaust manifold and the bolts that secure it to the engine head. Thousands of mechanics around the world will testify that Nissan is well aware of the design flaw inherent in the manifold. Here s what happens super heated exhaust fires out from the piston head and is captured by the manifold. But, due to the angle of the manifold curve (the bend in the metal piping) the gas hits the metal too head on and over-heats the manifold. The heat is so intense that it warp the metal. The toque of the bending metal is so strong it literally shears the bolts that are supposed to secure the manifold to the head. The metal should never get that hot, yet it does solely because of Nissan s design flaw. According to the Nissan dealer I talked with .this problem then leaks carbon monoxide into the car. One mechanic said he sees maybe 4 of these every two weeks! …
I have recently had to replace my right exhaust manifold due to a very noisy "leak" including exhaust leaking into the passenger compartment (rotten egg smell) with the ventilation system running!!! Not a good situation to have. The mechanic at town north Nissan (austin, tx) said that either the manifold bolts or the gasket failure caused the manifold to distort, causing the leak. After 2 weeks, I have noticed that the left manifold is now leaking at the gasket too. The labor and 2 new manifolds will cost a total of $1000 to fix. I have talked to a lot of Nissan Pathfinder owners that have noticed the samething. See web site http://Saturn.guestworld.tripod.lycos.com/wgb/wgbview.dbm?owner=pathqa for more information.
Engine complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Nissan Pathfinder, 32% of the model year's 170 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.