Two problems related to multiple axle suspension have been reported for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While traveling on the highway, the car started rocking side to side as if it wanted to roll over. Had the shocks and springs replaced. This wasn't the problem. Apparently because of a design flaw, the shocks wear out faster than normal. But the swaying was caused by the rear bushings going bad and wearing faster than normal. Apparently Nissan knows about the design flaw but isn't willing to address it or issue a recall.
The suspension on this car had to be replaced. The problem resulted in the back end of the vehicle wobbling violently at highway speed. The cause was the failure of rubber bushings on the rear axle link assy. This vehicle is a 4wd with an "off road" package. Even though this vehicle has never been used for off road driving, the suspension still failed and caused an unsafe condition on the highway. The required parts are backordered.