Two problems related to multiple axle suspension have been reported for the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Vehicle has developed a terrifying, uncontrollable "wobble" side to side at freeway speeds, after hitting a bump or dip in the road on one side. The wobble first began to appear over a year ago and has become progressively worse, even after numerous repair attempts. Nissan dealer plays dumb about problem and wants to charge estimated $1200 to diagnose and repair. This is a well documented problem and there is even a TSB from Nissan regarding it. This is dangerous, caused by design, and should be fixed under recall by Nissan.
All 8 rear bushings have failed. It was first diagnosed by lithia Nissan. We had two second opinions done by outside mechanics, who both felt that the rubber inside had turned into liquid and ran out. You could see the rubber hanging down in strands. Both mechanics felt that it was a faulty part and the damage was not from wear and tear. Nissan will not recognize it as a factory defect and offers no warranty. The whole hind end of my Pathfinder fishtails around, the hind end has nothing to keep the rear wheels square. I am unable to drive it, until the parts are replaced, which I am in the middle of fighting with them about. (I was originally told my problem was the shocks and struts so I replaced them first).