Rear Suspension problems of the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder

21 problems related to rear suspension have been reported for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2015

The contact owns a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving 40 mph, the rear of the vehicle wobbled violently especially when making a turn. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

2 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 06/27/2009

97 Pathfinder safety problem with rear suspension links. Side to side sway. Almost caused vehicle to flip it is so bad. Numerous complaints. Why has the NHTSA not done something about this problem! dangerous???.

3 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2008

Rear bushings on Nissan Pathfinders. Mine is a 97 model. That sways as soon as I hit 65 mph. I have to tap on the brake or accelerate for the swaying to stop. It starts again soon after. I looked online and found out about the rear bushings. . Read more...

4 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2007

I have a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder that has a very dangerous condition. At 55-65 mph it shakes uncontrollably. It has been explained to me that this is a common problem with this model and the wobble is caused by bad bushings in the rear of the suspension system. There is no doubt in my mind that this condition will cause loss of life if it has not already. In my case I escaped injury when it caused me to lose control of the vehicle.

5 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/08/2007

97 Nissan Pathfinder - dangerously sways left to right once you drive above 60 mph. Been to repairs many times and has not fixed the problem.

6 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2006

The rear end on my 97 Pathfinder shifts intermittently and has almost caused me to lose control many times. After taking it into the dealer, they told me it wasn't a recall. I was very surprised cause this is a major safety hazard.

7 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2006

Reporting a vehicle issue that is known by Nissan "if a 1996-98 Pathfinder exhibits the following conditions, the cause may be from worn bushing(s) in the rear suspension upper and/or lower links. Excessive play in the rear axle especially during moderate acceleration or deceleration. Vehicle pulling at a constant speed. Excessive sway and rocking motion in the front suspension when coming to a stop. To correct these conditions, use the service procedure on page 2. " this is a very dangerous condition that can easily lead to loss of control of the vehicle. It causes very violent shaking/rocking of the chassis.

8 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2006

1997 Nissan Pathfinder rear link arm bushing failure.

9 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/10/2005

- the contact stated that while driving his 1997 Nissan Pathfinder (50000 failure mileage) at 50 mph, the vehicle began to sway from right to left without any warning. The contact had to reduce his speed in order for the swaying to stop and regain control of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they notified him that the rear stabilizer arms were worn and had to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired.

10 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2005

My 1997 Nissan Pathfinder has the well documented "death wobbles" on the highway where it is nearly impossible to control the vehicle. Apparently it is the rear bushings that are defective. Causes severe uneven tire wear. I've heard the same story from many Nissan owners. I'm frightened to even sell the vehicle for safety reasons even when I tell a buyer about the factory problem.

11 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2004

No crash and no injury. Vehicle at speeds above 40 mph begins to rock violently side to side. Internet postings describes a known problem with the Nissan unibody chassis that causes this problem. Reat bushings need to be replaced to correct safety problem.

12 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2004

1997 Nissan Pathfinder. Sways and rocks while driving. Seems very dangerous and is scary when it really gets going. The same thing happened to a friend with the same make and year Pathfinder. My mechanic has not yet diognosed but my friends was the trailer arms we worn/bent. As I have invesitgated this seems to be a common problem.

13 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 07/07/2004

While driving there was heavy vibration coming from the rear. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

14 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2003

My 1997 Pathfinder's body rolls dangerously left to right while at highway speeds. It is very pronounced and continues until you slow down. I had new front struts and tires installed by a national tire dealer and later found out from one of the tech's with experience with Nissan that it is a common flaw on this model. He said that the trailing arms/links fail on the rear suspension. He further said that updated links are available from Nissan. There also have been factory bulletins on this but I have not received a recall notice. I believe the condition to be dangerous enough to warrant one. The first time it happens it could result in a life threatening accident. I had my wife and two small children in the car the first time it happened unexpectedly. I think its terrible that they would not have issued a recall since they were aware of the problem. I think a recall should be issued and that it should be repaired at no cost to consumer since it involves a safety issue.

15 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2002

The back end of the car begins a violent wobble unexpectedly at 50 to 70 miles per hour on the straight and level. After much trouble, the dealer has confirmed that bushing failures in the rear axle link assemblys are the culprit, and the car has only 59,000 miles on it. This is erxtremely dangerous, and shocking that a worn part could cause unexpected loss of control of the vehicle.

16 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2002

Rear end of car sways violently and unexpectedly, back and forth, at speeds above 45 mph. Started at about 75,000 miles. Got new tires, shocks and struts, even dealer was either unable ,or unwilling to diagnose problem correctly. Finally was informed by dealership service department that a recent service bulletin indicated problem was due to premature failling of rear rear support link bushings(about $1000 to fix). Nisson needs to address this very serious safety issue.

17 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2001

Problem: the Pathfinder sways/rocks "like a boat in water" when it hits small bumps on the freeway. The problem gets exacerbated if I am driving over 60mph.

18 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 09/08/2001

: the contact stated that while driving between 30 to 65 mph, the vehicle violently swayed from side to side or performed a death wobble. The vehicle was taken to the independent repair shop on 08/27/03 and the front struts were replaced. The contact has replaced the tires, struts, shocks, and had a wheel alignment, but the problem keeps occurring daily on all road conditions. There was no warning prior to the failure and the vehicle wobbles more violently as speed increases.

19 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2001

The struts went at 52,000 miles $800 to replace, exhaust manifold needs to be replaced(warranty). Today the news that the speedometer was just"worn out " $235, the rear suspension lincs were "worn out" $350, the intake pinium(sp?) was leaking $660. Something has to be done about Nissan and their "worn out" vehicles. It's not even paid for yet!.

20 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 03/29/2000

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 at Nissan so I suspect this may be a bigger problem than just my vehicle.

21 Rear Suspension problem

Failure Date: 12/16/1997

1997 Pathfinder wobbles in the rear wildly at times, usually when I hit the accelerator.



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Pathfinder Service Bulletins
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Pathfinder Defect Investigations