Four problems related to differential unit have been reported for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Suspension causing vehicle to sway violently when going 50mph. . Consumer states the tires wore out at 20,000 miles, the shocks and struts were replaced at 42,000 miles, consumer was informed that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle after complaining about the vehicle swaying, however the vehicle was taken to another shop and the trailing arms were replaced which then corrected the problem, also the power steering fluid was leaking, the muffler was replaced due to rust and the exhaust manifold was cracked due to stress, the front differential pinion seal was leaking, the center cap that goes on the stock wheels on the front seat was installed.
Rear differential failed.
Rear differential failed, causing a loud thump then lurches forward.
Defective rear differential has a loud clunking sound and vehicle lurches forward upon stopping and starting from a stopped position.