Three problems related to power train have been reported for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder based on all problems reported for the 2002 Pathfinder.
We were driving north bound on 395 about 30 miles south of ritzville, at 3:30 on Saturday, may 5th. Clear skies, clear road conditions. Sparse traffic, we were in the outer most lane. Kids were quietly watching dvd in backseat, wife and I were casually talking. No music on, no cellphones, no distractions. All of a sudden, we herd a thunk and the rear tires locked up. I immediately took my foot off the gas and dropped the clutch (manual transmission), however the car was unresponsive. Essentially it was as if I had slammed on the breaks. After a second of skidding, we started a slow spin to the left, crossing the 'fast' lane. We ended up doing a 360, then hit the shoulder and the car immediately rolled, finally landing driver side down. Something on the Pathfinder malfunctioned and caused this problem. I am hoping this is an isolated incident, but would like to report it in case this is a much bigger issue.
Details: we have been loyal Nissan customers since 1987 and my 2002 Pathfinder started making a loud rattling noise. We had it towed to the dealership and the technician checked it out and told us that 2 screws had fallen out of the power valve and were bouncing around in the cylinder, and there was nothing we had done wrong. It is a design flaw that Nissan refuse to correct. I am told it could have been corrected for $150. 00. The cost of repair the Pathfinder is $7,899. 99 which Nissan north american has refuse to pay. We have talked to their consumer affairs specialist and she refuse to authorize the dealership to fix this problem. After being a loyal Nissan customer since 1987, I do not understand why they refuses to help us. I have a 1994 with over 100,000 miles on it and never had any engine problems. I went on line and find out that many Nissan Pathfinder customers are having the same problem. We kept the oil changed every 2,000-2,500 miles. I need help.
Car had viration during test drive before purchase. Dealer said minor problem and would be fixed. 8 trips and many repairs and parts by dealer over 3 month period, same vibration problem still exists. Car is impossible to drive over 55 mph due to constant viration that I fear may develope into a larger problem and could cause loss of control on hwy. Dealer now calims he drove same make, model vehicle and it has same viration therefore he claims vibration is normal for that year vehicle.