Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
As vehicle approached 50mph it would shake violently from side to side forcing me to let off of the accelerator. The shaking made it very difficult to control the vehicle and was very frightening not only to me, but also to my family (we were on vacation). Since this was obviously a dangerous situation I looked for a recall. There was none. I did, however, find many similar stories on the internet. The local Nissan dealership replaced rear suspension bars. "verified rear suspension links were bad, bushings tore-replaced all 4 bars" mileage on the vehicle at the time was 60,687. The vehicle was not used off-road. The repair cost me $740.20 mostly it is just shocking that such a dangerous condition is not a recall. There was no control of the vehicle once it's speed exceeded 50mph. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. While the vehicle was being inspected at the dmv, the mechanic informed the contact that the rear strut was rusting. In addition, the contact stated that the steering made an abnormal popping noise while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they were unsure how to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist due to the age of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 293,000.
Whenever I reach an excess speed of 40+ and take my foot off the gas the car rocks back and forth uncontrollable. I am a mother of four and the is a very terrifying experience for both me and my children.
On September 4th 2011, I was driving my 96' Nissan Pathfinder at approx. 30mph. I made a left hand turn and was coming out of the turn when my steering wheel repeatedly jerked from side to side causing me to loose control. The vehicle subsequently flipped rolling into a car dealership and causing damage to 2 used vehicles on the lot before landing on its top and spinning around. Luckily, I only suffered minor injuries such as cuts bruises and muscle strain resulting from broken glass, seat belt pressure, loose objects flying through the vehicle and the jostling as the vehicle made its journey. I was charged with reasonable control and the accident was brushed off due to my age (19) and being an 'inexperienced driver' even though I explained to everyone that the steering seemed to have 'a mind if its own'. …
Brought my Pathfinder to star Nissan for the corrosion recall, I was told my car was too far gone to repair and they said that a rental car would be provided to me, "at no cost" while compensation for vehicle was being processed. I agreed to this, at the rental car location I was informed that Nissan will cover rental but not insurance, I have state required liability but not theft and collision as the car is a 1996 with 210000 miles on it and the premium out weight the value of the car. So I had to agree to the collision and fir, theft insurance of $9 a day. Now Nissan says they will not pay the $9 a day "supplemental" insurance. I claim this insurance is not ""supplement" but mandated as the rental was a new car and if stolen I, not Nissan would be held liable I would like, no demand payment for the insurance I have paid to cover, "there " not my rental. …
I bought this car a couple years ago and couldn't drive it right away because I bought it a little before I got my license. So eventually when I got it on the road I ended up getting a rejection sticker because the e break and a few other reasons. One thing I've noticed about my s.u.v is the wind shield wipers work when they want to. The whole underneath is rotted out, (that's what the guy told me who inspected my car) an ever since I've had it, I've had a problem with my steering, I've tried the power steering fluid didn't work. I'm not positive that there was a recall, but I was refered to this so I'm trying to see what I can do if I can do anything.
While driving at highway speeds of 65 MPH vehicle went into violent body rolling and shimmy causing driver to almost loose control. Body was rolling severely, as if steering wheel was being rocked back and forth, however steering wheel was steady. Unable to stop body roll until brakes applied. Unable to identify any damage at time if event, but happened several more times during trip. Upon detailed inspection, rear tires showed severe scuffing on outside of tires and it is suspected that there is an issue with rear axle links based on some internet research.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, it was found that the front suspension housing and struts were severely corroded. The contact also stated the steering wheel shook while driving at 50 MPH. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The manufacturer informed the contact that NHTSA campaign number 11V244000 (steering, suspension) was previously performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 138,000.
Consumer was entering onto the highway, traveling about 40-50 MPH in rainy weather conditions when the vehicle flipped over three times. Occupants were trapped in vehicle. The air bags deployed, and occupants inhaled chemicals escaping from air bags, causing occupants to choke. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Power steering failed.
Car has many after market parts which are old and rusted which causes the entire vehicle to break down even after replacing many parts also when searching gor parts its hard to find I have to get parts for a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder when my vehicle is a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Due to the type of lubricant used in the steering transfer gear assembly, the effort required to turn the steering wheel at low ambient temperatures (less than -30 c) could increase to the point where some drivers would have difficulty in turning the wheel.
Remedy: Dealers are replacing the steering transfer gear assembly with a new assembly having different lubricant.
NHTSA investigations
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of April 20, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-2003 Infinity QX4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.The vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states…
Steering complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, 15% of the model year's 159 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Nissan Pathfinder steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-034 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Feb 22, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Nissan Pathfinder steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 138,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.