Review: Nissan R50.I Pathfinder (1995-98)

Overview

Released in November 1995, the R50 Series I (R50.I) Pathfinder was a five-seat SUV. The Pathfinder was available in RX and Ti variants, though both were powered by Nissan’s VG33 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The R50.I Pathfinder had a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gears and a limited slip differential.

The R50 Pathfinder was 4530 mm long, 1745 mm wide, 1690 mm tall and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the R50 Pathfinder had a monocoque chassis with reinforced longitudinal box sections, independent MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link rear axle (both with coil springs).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment was limited to the Pathfinder Ti, which had dual front airbags and ABS.

Features: Pathfinder RX and Ti

Standard features for the Pathfinder RX included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, split and folding rear seats, central locking and power mirrors.

The Pathfinder Ti was further equipped with a seven speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, velour trim, remote central locking, power windows, a sunroof, side steps and roof racks. The Ti could be identified by its chrome grille, wheel arch flares and body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors.

Review: Nissan R50.II Pathfinder (1999-05)

Overview

Released in February 1999, the R50 Series II (R50.II) Pathfinder introduced a revised range, cosmetic updates, greater refinement and a new four-wheel drive system. Visually, the R50.II Pathfinder could be identified by its new grille, tail-lights and the fitment of side steps and over-fenders as standard (previously restricted to the Ti). Inside, there was a new dashboard and seat trims, including ‘suede look’ trim for the Ti.

The new ‘all-mode’ four-wheel drive system utilised a hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be transferred to the front wheels according to the relative front and rear propeller shaft speeds, engine speed, throttle and ABS sensors. The driver could also select rear-wheel drive (‘2WD’) or full-time four-wheel drive (with high and low range gearing, the latter with a 2.569:1 reduction ratio) by manually turning the dash-mounted dial from its ‘Auto 4WD’ setting.

The R50.II Pathfinder was fitted with additional sound deadening material around driveline components and the rear floor to reduce interior noise. Furthermore, the front disc brakes were upgraded to 300 mm diameter units (previously 283 mm) and the Ti variant was fitted with an integral ABS control unit and actuator as per the GU Patrol.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the new ST variant included a driver’s airbag; the Ti was further equipped with front passenger airbag and ABS.

Features: Pathfinder ST and Ti

Standard features for the Pathfinder ST included 16-inch alloy wheels with 245/70 Bridgestone tyres, a four speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, central locking, power windows, power mirrors, side steps and a rear power socket.

The Pathfinder Ti was further equipped with a three-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, remote central locking and a power sunroof.

November 2001: Pathfinder update

In November 2001, the R50.II Pathfinder was updated and fitted with chrome grille surrounds, revised side steps with enlarged rubber treads, body-coloured bumpers and over-fender flares and new Nissan badges on the grille, wheels, rear door and steering wheel. The ST was fitted with a new single in-dash CD player and standard features were extended to include cruise control and remote central locking. The Ti also gained a six-disc CD player, cruise control and adjustable roof bars.

2002 Pathfinder Plus pack

In July 2002, both the ST and Ti variants were offered with limited-run ‘Plus’ pack which included an alloy nudge bar, driving lights and roof rack.

October 2002: Pathfinder update

In October 2002, the R50.II Pathfinder underwent another update as standard safety equipment was upgraded to include a front passenger airbag and ABS (previously limited to the Ti variant). Furthermore, the ST was fitted with velour seat trim, while the Ti gained leather seat trim and front fog lights.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan R50 Pathfinder

Recalls: Nissan R50 Pathfinder

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Nissan R50 Pathfinder

• In September 2001, a recall was issued for Nissan R50 Pathfinder vehicles due to brackets which attached gas struts to the rear door hatch potentially not having been made to specification. At high temperatures, the increase in gas pressure could cause the brackets to bend, resulting in the struts detaching from the brackets (PRA 2001/4928).

Problems and faults: Nissan R50 Pathfinder

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Nissan R50 Pathfinder

• On early Nissan R50 Pathfinder models, vibrations when driving at around 60 km/h may be due to the front driveshaft having been installed out of phase.
• The Nissan Pathfinder’s automatic transmission may seem to drop out of gear between shifts, requiring the transmission control module to be replaced.
• A rumbling, bearing-like noise from the transfer case may be fixed by replacing the companion flange with a redesigned component.
• The front suspension may squeaks when driving on rough roads due to a problem between the strut rod and rubber bumper.
• High-pitched squealing noises from the front brakes may be eliminated by replacing the baffle plate on both sides.
• The airbag light on the dashboard may flash due to a faulty SRS sensor.
• Stones may lodge between the rear shock absorbers and their top mounting brackets – this can be prevented by inserting a piece of foam.

Released in November 1995, the Nissan R50 Series I (R50.I) Pathfinder was a five-seat SUV. The Pathfinder was available in RX and Ti variants, though both were powered by Nissan’s VG33 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Pathfinder had a monocoque chadsis, a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gears and a limited slip rear differnetial. with reinforced longitudinal box sections, independent… Read full Nissan R50 Pathfinder review

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Images: Nissan R50.II Pathfinder (1999-05)

Released in February 1999, the Nissan R50 Series II (R50.II) Pathfinder introduced a revised range, cosmetic updates, greater refinement and a new four-wheel drive system. The Nissan R50.II Pathfinder could be identified by its new grille, tail-lights and the fitment of side steps and over-fenders as standard (previously restricted to the Ti). Inside, there was a new dashboard and seat trims, including ‘suede look’ trim for the Ti. The new ‘all-mode’ four-wheel drive system utilised a hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch. In normal conditions, the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be transferred to the front wheels according to the relative front and rear propeller shaft speeds, engine speed, throttle and ABS sensors. The driver could also select rear-wheel drive (‘2WD’) or full-time four-wheel drive (with high and low range gearing, the latter with a 2.569:1 reduction ratio) by manually turning the dash-mounted dial…

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