Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am having multiple issues with my 1998 Nissan Pathfinder due to corrosion. The most recent incident was while I was driving my muffler fell off. I took it to a shop and when they raised the vehicle, the entire exhaust system had corrosion and holes from it. This was followed by last years strut housing corrosion which broke off the strut from the frame of the vehicle while I was driving. I lost brakes and had to step on pedal all the way, and then the vehicle gradually came to a stop. The recall notice came after the incident. This was followed by the previous year's gas tank corrosion which caused gas to drip. Also a recall notice came in and Nissan dealer fixed issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact was unable to shift the gear into reverse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Updated 7/16/15
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. When the shift lever was shifted into the reverse position, the vehicle failed to operate without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The automatic transmission failed on my car. After traveling from philadelphia to queens ny approaching a stop light I slowed down while doing so the SUV suddenly made a loud grinding noise and the engine reved very high however the output of the vehicle was only at a crawl. I imediately pulled over to the side of the road and shifted to park the loud grinding noise could be heard again only louder. This car was my first new purchase I routinely service it at the dealership, and now at 78,000 miles am found stranded in ny trying to replace the transmission. I have been researching the Pathfinder only to find that the whole transmission is susceptible to over heating which cause metal deterioration in the trans itself. Why haven't we heard of a recall yet! How long can this problem continue?
I was on my way to work mileage at 88000 on the Pathfinder when the vehicle started to jerk and took it to my mechanic and he told me the planetarium on the transmission was shot now I need to rebuild or get a new one and this is not the only 1998 vehicle I been hearing a lot of complaints about this year Pathfinder transmission.
Transmission drive causes a big clunking noise when in drive position, it happens when stopping or starting. Nissan dealer indicated that repair is only done to vehicles under 60K miles even though they recognized it is a known defect. ****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*****755943.
While driving my 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, with no warning, the vehicle began bucking and stalling until it would not drive. The car was towed to the local Nissan dealership. The next day, we received telephone call from the service dept who informed us that the transfer case was damaged. The service rep told me that there was an internal defect on the part and that the problem was very uncommon. The transfer case is associated with the four wheel drive on the Pathfinder - which is something we have probably used less than 10 times in the 4 1/2 years that we have driven the car. Parts and labor on this repair would be approximately $2,500. I asked for Nissan's customer service number and contacted them immediately. We were told that the part had to be specially ordered and would not be fixed for 4-5 days. …
Dt: the contact owns 1998, Nissan Pathfinder. Transmission malfunctioned at 114,000 miles on vehicle. The filter had been changed three times, and she also changed the transmission fluid. A ring gear and a bunch of metal shavings was found in the pan.
The consumer stated that dearlership changed her vehicle from four- wheel drive to two- wheel drive without her permission. The problems is the vehicle cannot pull on hills, and the anti-lock brake system doesn't kick in on dry or wet pavement.
While driving 55 MPH on the highway with the standard shift in 5th gear, the vehicle without warning went into reverse, causing a collision. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
Transmission complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, 13% of the model year's 149 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 1998 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.