Nissan Pathfinder

For the model marketed as Nissan Terrano II in parts of Europe, see Nissan Terrano II.

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.

Nissan Pathfinder/Terrano

Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1986–present
Predecessor	Nissan Bushmaster
Class	Compact SUV (1986–1995) Mid-size SUV (1996–present)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The Nissan Pathfinder is a SUV manufactured by Nissan Motors since 1986, derived from Nissan's compact pickup truck platform. The Pathfinder is slotted in size between the Murano and Armada or Patrol, but in price between the Xterra and Murano. The Pathfinder's traditional Japanese competitor is the Toyota 4Runner.

First generation WD21 series (1986.5–1995)

First generation

Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Terrano Nissan Terramax
Production	Japan: 1986–1995 Indonesia: 1986-2007
Assembly	Kyūshū, Japan Purwakarta, Indonesia[1] Jakarta, Indonesia (Nissan Motor Indonesia)[2]
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Engine	2.4 L Z24i I4 106 hp (79 kW) 2.4 L KA24E I4 140 hp (100 kW) 3.0 L VG30i V6 145 hp (108 kW) 3.0 L VG30E V6 153 hp (114 kW) 2.7 L TD272 I4 Diesel 84 hp (63 kW) 2.7 L TD27T2 I4 Turbodiesel 99 hp (74 kW) 2.7 L TD27T4 I4 Turbodiesel 113 hp (84 kW)
Transmission	3-speed (1986.5–87 models only)automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	104.3 in (2,649 mm).
Length	171.9 in (4,366 mm).
Width	66.5 in (1,689 mm).
Height	XE: 65.7 in (1,669 mm) 1986–89 SE & LE: 66.1 in (1,679 mm). 1990–98 SE: 66.7 in (1,694 mm).
Related	Nissan D21 Pickup

1986–1989 Nissan Pathfinder 2-door

1993–1995 Nissan Pathfinder 4-door

The North American first generation Pathfinder came in two different bodies and shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. Built on a ladder-type frame, the Pathfinder was Nissan's response to the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco, Jeep Cherokee, and non-American SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Trooper, and the Mitsubishi Montero. WD21 Pathfinders were available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. In the US from 1986.5 to 1989 Pathfinders came with a two door body. In early 1990 it became a four door in the United States. Some US 1990 Pathfinder's came with the two door body, but they are rare. Before the Pathfinder there was the Nissan Bushmaster (an aftermarket conversion of the Datsun Truck), but this too, is rare.

When the four door version was introduced, Nissan chose to conceal the door handles as a part of the "C" pillar trim to visually make it appear like a two door truck with a camper shell, with the conventional door handles on the front doors. This appearance approach was also used on the first generation Chevrolet S-10 Blazer with conventional door handles for the rear doors. This design tradition is still used on some Nissan SUV's currently offered, to include the Nissan Armada and the Nissan Xterra.

The 2-door version was available in Canada until 1990. From 86.5 to 1989 Pathfinders were available with either the Nissan VG30i 3.0 L V6 (145 hp (108 kW), 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) torque), or the Nissan Z24i 2.4 L (106 hp (79 kW)) I4 (the same engine choices as the Nissan Hardbody Truck). In 1990 the V6 received an upgrade from throttle body injection to a multi point fuel injection system. This engine was known as the VG30E, and was rated at 153 hp (114 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) torque. Also in 1990, the Z24i was replaced with the KA24E. The first generation continued until 1995. In certain countries this generation also came with a 2.7 L I4 Diesel Engine known as the TD27 with the option of a turbocharger to increase the power rating.

The first generation (WD21) Pathfinders are known to develop rust in the following areas: the frame above and behind the rear wheels, the floor directly above the catalytic converter and under the back seats. On automatic-equipped models, the transmission cooler is notorious for clogging up and starving the transmission of fluid, resulting in a costly rebuild or replacement. Installation of an aftermarket transmission fluid cooler is recommended for any WD21 Pathfinder with an automatic transmission. Nissan techs generally recommend that the stock cooler in the radiator not be used at all.

Facelifts

A facelift occurred in 1990 when the 4-door model arrived. The front grille was revised, various interior trim level options became available and various exterior packages were offered by dealerships. The 1993 models received a third brake light. The 1994 model received a curved dashboard. When the 2-door model disappeared from Canada in 1992, the Pathfinder was sold only as a 4-door in 1993, and the bumpers got a minor facelift that time.

Second generation R50 series (1996–2004)

Second generation

Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Terrano
Production	1996–2004
Assembly	Kyūshū, Japan Barcelona, Spain
Body style	4-door SUV
Engine	3.3 L VG33E V6 168 hp (125 kW) 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 250 hp (190 kW) 2.7 L TD27ETi I4 Turbodiesel 127 hp (95 kW) 3.0 L ZD30DDTi I4 Turbodiesel 168 hp (125 kW) 3.2 L QD32ETi I4 Turbodiesel 150 hp (110 kW)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2,700 mm).
Length	1999–2002: 178.3 in (4,529 mm). 2000–04: 182.7 in (4,641 mm).
Width	2000–04: 71.7 in (1,821 mm). 2000–04 XE: 69.7 in (1,770 mm). 1996–99: 72.4 in (1,839 mm). 1999–2002 XE: 68.7 in (1,745 mm).
Height	2003–04 SE: 72.7 in (1,847 mm). 2000–04 LE & 2000–01 SE: 70.9 in (1,801 mm). 2000–01 XE: 67.9 in (1,725 mm). 1999–2002 XE & 1998–99 LE: 67.1 in (1,704 mm). 1999–2002 SE & 1999–2000 LE: 67.9 in (1,725 mm).
Related	Infiniti QX4 Nissan Frontier (D22)

The second generation was introduced in 1996 with more rounded styling. The second generation Pathfinder was completely redesigned from the first generation, switching from body on frame construction to unibody construction. The engine was upgraded to the VG33E, with 168 hp (125 kW) and 196 lb·ft (266 N·m) torque. For the 1999½ model year, the Pathfinder was freshened. 2001 brought a new 240 hp (179 kW) V6 engine, the VQ35DE. With its facelift, the Pathfinder also grew in size, making way for the compact Xterra.

Diesel engines continued to be used in Japanese and European models.

As of the 2002 model year, the Terrano / Pathfinder is no longer sold in Japan, and is currently available in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

1996-2000 Pathfinder rear bushing problem

Nissan has issued a TSBS (Technical Service Bulletin) on the issue (NTB908-001, NTB098-012), but has not dealt with it as a recall. It is an expensive fix ($700-1,400) repair due to faulty control arm bushings. A Polyurethane after-market bushing replacement is suggested over the OEM part (since it is faulty).^[3]

Their TSB website says: "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"

Many customers have complained of this issue happening at highway speeds 55 mph+ which causes the vehicle to sway back and forth dangerously. NTSB "complaint" board has numerous owners that have complained about the problem but Nissan has not addressed the design flaw or issued notices or recalls to the owners.^[4]

1996-2004 Pathfinder Strut housing rust issue

NHTSA website says that the front strut assembly can develop corrosion due to salt intrusion from road salt. This can cause the front strut to become rusted out and separate from the vehicle creating a safety hazard.

• Summary: "NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES."

• Consequence: THE STRUT HOUSING MAY CRACK AND PULL AWAY FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO GRINDING NOISES, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, AND POSSIBLY THE STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

• Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS WILL BE MAILED ON OR BEFORE MAY 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261." ^[5]

Facelifts

The Pathfinder was given a significant facelift for the 2000 model year with a new front fascia two grille variants, rear fascia, and interior. Another face lift occurred in 2002, when the current Nissan logo was added and received a bolder grille versus the 2000 model, as well as a new steering wheel and radio display.

• 

  Nissan Terrano StarFire

• 

  1999–2005 Nissan Pathfinder Ti (Australia)

• 

  2001 Nissan Pathfinder SE

• 

  2002–2004 Nissan Pathfinder

Third generation R51 series (2005–present)

Third generation

Production	2005–present
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Barcelona, Spain
Body style	4-door SUV
Platform	Nissan F-Alpha platform
Engine	4.0 L VQ40DE V6 266 hp (198 kW) 2.5 L YD25DDTi I4 Turbodiesel 190 hp (142 kW) (Non-US & Middle East models) 5.6 L VK56DE V8 310 hp (230 kW) 3.0 LV9X Engine V6 Turbodiesel 240 hp (175 kW) (Non-US & Middle East models)
Transmission	5-speed automatic 6-speed manual (Non-American models)
Wheelbase	112.2 in (2,850 mm).
Length	2005–07: 187.6 in (4,765 mm). 2008–present: 192.5 in (4,890 mm).
Width	2005–07: 72.8 in (1,849 mm). 2008–present: 72.8 in (1,849 mm).
Height	S & SE 4WD: 72.8 in. SE Off-Road: 73.3 in (1,862 mm) LE 4WD: 72.9 in (1,852 mm). S & SE 2WD: 72.4 in (1,839 mm). LE 2WD: 72.5 in (1,842 mm).
Related	Infiniti QX56 Nissan Armada Nissan Frontier Nissan Titan Nissan Xterra

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled a completely redesigned Pathfinder for the 2005 model year. The new R51 Pathfinder uses the Nissan F-Alpha platform, and is powered by a 4.0 L V6 engine VQ40DE (266 hp (198 kW), 288 lb·ft (390 N·m)) or a 2.5 L YD25DDTi (174 hp (130 kW), 297 lb·ft (403 N·m)) Turbo Diesel.

In late 2003, a full-size SUV, the Pathfinder Armada, debuted. Although they share a common name, they have little similarity and use different platforms. The "Pathfinder" prefix was dropped for 2005, leaving just the name "Armada".

The Pathfinder is sold as the Terrano in many markets outside of North America. In 2005, when the redesigned Pathfinder was released the Pathfinder name became international as it sold worldwide. These were the first to be sold in the UK.

The 2005 model introduced a third row of seats to the Pathfinder line for the first time. It has been subject to a class action lawsuit because of repeated coolant leaks that permanently damage the transmission.

2008 facelift (US and Middle East)

2008 Nissan Pathfinder V8

The facelifted 2008 Nissan Pathfinder debuted at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, and added new models with a V8 engine from the related Nissan Titan.

2010 facelift (Europe, South America, Asia/Oceania and the Caribbean)

An updated version debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. Now available with a Nissan 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel (V9X Engine) producing 240 hp (175 kW),406 ft·lbf (500 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm while an upgrade YD25DDTi Turbodiesel power rises to 140 kW (190 PS) – up 14 kW (19 PS) – while torque increases by a healthy 47 Nm to 450 Nm. Over the combined cycle manual versions use 8.4 L/100km – an improvement of 1.4 L/100km – while CO2 emissions have fallen by 40g/km to 224 g/km. Both figures are class competitive. A version of the engine with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also available in certain markets.

Exterior changes

The revised models have been given a new look front and rear to differentiate them from their predecessors. Changes at the front include a new bonnet, revised grille and a new bumper assembly. Adding 80 mm to the length of both models, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the cars.

A new headlamp design with projectors is offered for Xenon lamps. Headlamps washers now pop up from beneath body colour moulding in the bumpers. A new 18-inch (460 mm) alloy wheel complements the existing range of 16 inch (steel and alloy) and 17 inch (alloy) designs. V6 models are given a discreet V6 badge at the leading edge of both front doors and a new side moulding across the doors.

See also

• Nissan Mistral
• Nissan Frontier
• List of Nissan vehicles

References

1. ^ "Nissan. Nissan In Indonesia". Car-cat.com. http://car-cat.com/firm-1048.html. Retrieved 2010-07-25. 
2. ^ "Nissan. Nissan In Indonesia". Car-cat.com. http://car-cat.com/firm-1048.html. Retrieved 2010-11-10. 
3. ^ http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/TSB/TSB_xml/nmabstract.aspx?id=14152&model=&modelyear= TSB908
4. ^ http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/ NHTA Complaints
5. ^ http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V244000

External links

• Official American site
• Official Canadian site
• Official Australian site
• Nissan Pathfinders Off Road Organization
• (Japanese) Terrano official site