Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | ||||||||||||||||
| 11V244000 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | from 10/01/1995 to 07/31/2004 | V (Vehicle) | 195991 | ODI | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 04/20/2011 | 04/21/2011 | ||||||||
| Defect 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 Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | 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. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| NTB99074 | 02/15/2000 | NTB98046A | 612637 | Some vehicles built before jn8ar07s4xw350146 and equipped with automatic transmission may exhibit a clunk noise from the rear end of the vehicle when stopping. *tt | 06/09/2000 |
| NTB98102 | 02/15/1999 | 604416 | Vehicle exhibiting steering shimmy while driven at speeds between 60 and 70 mph (w/o braking),due to out-of-balance front or rear tires / wheels and / or insufficient steering rack sliding force adjustment. *tt | 04/29/1999 | |
| NTB98004 | 01/21/1998 | 600369 | Informtion regarding uneven ride height. *tt | 05/12/1998 | |
| NTB97014A | 02/01/1998 | NTB97014 | 600366 | Vehicle exhibits a high pitch squeal or whistle from the front hub/brake area. *yc | 05/12/1998 |
| NTB98001 | 04/01/1998 | 600088 | Vehicles built before jn8ar057 - ww256932 may pull at a constant speed, and may exhibit excessive play in front/rear suspension. *yc | 04/23/1998 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT | |||||
| NTB-11-066 | 08/10/2012 | NTB-11-066-E | 10040905 | Nissan service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. 1996-2004 pathfinder in states where heavy concentrations of road salt are used in the winter, the front driver | 09/14/2011 |
| NTB-11-066 | 08/10/2011 | 10040905 | Ready | 09/14/2011 | |
| NTB-11-066 | 08/10/2011 | 10040905 | Nissan service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. 199-2004 qx4. in states where heavy concentrations of road salt are used in the winter, the front driver | 09/14/2011 | |
| NTB-11-066 | 06/08/2012 | NTB-11-066-D | 10040905 | Nissan service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. 1996-2004 pathfinder in states where heavy concentrations of road salt are used in the winter, the front driver | 09/14/2011 |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | 06/30/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | 11V244000 | |
| In their defect information report (dir) of april 20, 2011, nissan north america, inc. (nissan) notified nhtsa that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 nissan pathfinder and 1997-2003 infinity qx4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.the vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.the dir states in part, ...the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly.this could lead to the strut housing panel separating and contacting the steering column lower shaft.contact with the steering column lower shaft can cause steering difficulties and may require an increase in steering effort by the driver.if the steering column lower shaft completely fractured it would result in a total loss of steering control.in some cases, the strut housing panel can contact or affect adjacent brake system components.complainants reported experiencing either steering or brake system issues, and in some cases, both.nissan dealer's will inspect the strut housing and, based on the level of corrosion found, make an assessment as to how to remedy the vehicle (see defect information report for additional details). brake system components adjacent to, and in the area of, the strut tower (i.e., brake master cylinder, left front brake line, abs wire harness, etc.) will also be inspected. | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | |||
| The office of defects investigation has received 35 reports on the subject vehicles alleging a corrosion related failure of the driver's side front strut tower.in 18 of the reports there were allegations that the failures affected the vehicles steering, including five that reported the steering shaft or column broke resulting in a loss of steering.severe corrosion of the frame/body structure in the area of the driver's side front strut tower can allow the strut tower to fail.if the failed strut tower contacts the steering column upper joint, or otherwise restricts the rotation of the steering column shaft, it can result in increased steering effort, steering impediment, or a complete loss of steering control. | ||||||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | 06/30/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | 11V244000 | |
| In their defect information report (dir) of april 20, 2011, nissan north america, inc. (nissan) notified nhtsa that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 nissan pathfinder and 1997-2003 infinity qx4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.the vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.the dir states in part, ...the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly.this could lead to the strut housing panel separating and contacting the steering column lower shaft.contact with the steering column lower shaft can cause steering difficulties and may require an increase in steering effort by the driver.if the steering column lower shaft completely fractured it would result in a total loss of steering control.in some cases, the strut housing panel can contact or affect adjacent brake system components.complainants reported experiencing either steering or brake system issues, and in some cases, both.nissan dealer's will inspect the strut housing and, based on the level of corrosion found, make an assessment as to how to remedy the vehicle (see defect information report for additional details). brake system components adjacent to, and in the area of, the strut tower (i.e., brake master cylinder, left front brake line, abs wire harness, etc.) will also be inspected. | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | |||
| The office of defects investigation has received 35 reports on the subject vehicles alleging a corrosion related failure of the driver's side front strut tower.in 18 of the reports there were allegations that the failures affected the vehicles steering, including five that reported the steering shaft or column broke resulting in a loss of steering.severe corrosion of the frame/body structure in the area of the driver's side front strut tower can allow the strut tower to fail.if the failed strut tower contacts the steering column upper joint, or otherwise restricts the rotation of the steering column shaft, it can result in increased steering effort, steering impediment, or a complete loss of steering control. | ||||||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | 06/30/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | 11V244000 | |
| In their defect information report (dir) of april 20, 2011, nissan north america, inc. (nissan) notified nhtsa that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 nissan pathfinder and 1997-2003 infinity qx4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.the vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.the dir states in part, ...the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly.this could lead to the strut housing panel separating and contacting the steering column lower shaft.contact with the steering column lower shaft can cause steering difficulties and may require an increase in steering effort by the driver.if the steering column lower shaft completely fractured it would result in a total loss of steering control.in some cases, the strut housing panel can contact or affect adjacent brake system components.complainants reported experiencing either steering or brake system issues, and in some cases, both.nissan dealer's will inspect the strut housing and, based on the level of corrosion found, make an assessment as to how to remedy the vehicle (see defect information report for additional details). brake system components adjacent to, and in the area of, the strut tower (i.e., brake master cylinder, left front brake line, abs wire harness, etc.) will also be inspected. | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | |||
| The office of defects investigation has received 35 reports on the subject vehicles alleging a corrosion related failure of the driver's side front strut tower.in 18 of the reports there were allegations that the failures affected the vehicles steering, including five that reported the steering shaft or column broke resulting in a loss of steering.severe corrosion of the frame/body structure in the area of the driver's side front strut tower can allow the strut tower to fail.if the failed strut tower contacts the steering column upper joint, or otherwise restricts the rotation of the steering column shaft, it can result in increased steering effort, steering impediment, or a complete loss of steering control. | ||||||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | 06/30/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | 11V244000 | |
| In their defect information report (dir) of april 20, 2011, nissan north america, inc. (nissan) notified nhtsa that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 nissan pathfinder and 1997-2003 infinity qx4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.the vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.the dir states in part, ...the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly.this could lead to the strut housing panel separating and contacting the steering column lower shaft.contact with the steering column lower shaft can cause steering difficulties and may require an increase in steering effort by the driver.if the steering column lower shaft completely fractured it would result in a total loss of steering control.in some cases, the strut housing panel can contact or affect adjacent brake system components.complainants reported experiencing either steering or brake system issues, and in some cases, both.nissan dealer's will inspect the strut housing and, based on the level of corrosion found, make an assessment as to how to remedy the vehicle (see defect information report for additional details). brake system components adjacent to, and in the area of, the strut tower (i.e., brake master cylinder, left front brake line, abs wire harness, etc.) will also be inspected. | ||||||
| PE11004 | NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. | 01/28/2011 | Frame/Body Structure Corrosion | |||
| The office of defects investigation has received 35 reports on the subject vehicles alleging a corrosion related failure of the driver's side front strut tower.in 18 of the reports there were allegations that the failures affected the vehicles steering, including five that reported the steering shaft or column broke resulting in a loss of steering.severe corrosion of the frame/body structure in the area of the driver's side front strut tower can allow the strut tower to fail.if the failed strut tower contacts the steering column upper joint, or otherwise restricts the rotation of the steering column shaft, it can result in increased steering effort, steering impediment, or a complete loss of steering control. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 10/26/2011 | 109000 | 1 | |
| While driving at highway speeds of 65 mph vehicle went into violent body rolling and shimmy causing driver to almost loose control. body was rolling severely, as if steering wheel was being rocked back and forth, however steering wheel was steady. unable to stop body roll until brakes applied. unable to identify any damage at time if event, but happened several more times during trip. upon detailed inspection, rear tires showed severe scuffing on outside of tires and it is suspected that there is an issue with rear axle links based on some internet research. *tr | |||
| 10/26/2011 | 109000 | ||
| While driving at highway speeds of 65 mph vehicle went into violent body rolling and shimmy casuing driver to almost loose control. body was rolling severly, as if steering wheel was being rocked back and forth, however steering wheel was steady. unable to stop body roll until brakes applied. unable to identify any damage at time if event, but happned several more times during trip. upon detailed inspection, rear tires showed severe scuffing on outside of tires and it is suspected that there is an issue with rear axle links based on some interenet research. | |||
| 11/22/2011 | 160000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that after having repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v244000 (suspension:front), the strut housing started to detach from the vehicle. the contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting a knocking sound from the front driver side suspension. the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the dealer offered to repair the defective strut housing. the dealer also advised that the front passenger side strut housing needed to be repaired as well due to rust. the dealer offered to repair both strut housings and/or buy back the vehicle but the manufacturer was not confirmed of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000. | |||
| 11/22/2011 | 160000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that after having repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v244000 (suspension:front), the strut housing started to detach from the vehicle. the contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting a knocking sound from the front driver side suspension. the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where the dealer offered to repair the defective strut housing. the dealer also advised that the front passenger side strut housing needed to be repaired as well due to rust. the dealer offered to repair both strut housings and/or buy back the vehicle but the manufacturer was not confirmed of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000. kmj | |||
| 11/22/2011 | 160000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated after having the nhtsa campaign i.d. 11v244000 (suspension:front) performed on the vehicle the strut housing started to come off the vehicle. the contact stated the vehicle was making a knocking sound from the front driver side suspension. the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer. the dealer offered to repair the defective strut housing. the dealer also stated front passenger side strut housing needed to be repaired as well due to rusting. the dealer offered to repair both strut housing and/or buy back the vehicle but the manufacturer had not confirmed. the failure mileage was 160,000. jo | |||
| 09/20/2007 | 100000 | ||
| The axle has heavy twist rock sway at highway speeds shakes violently side to side very constant i feel like we could crash at any moment this is happening have tried to obtain part online and in part store i can't afford it at the dealership it is 700 to 1400 dollars i feel it should be covered by the dealer aka recall maybe my family will be the one to parish due to this faulty part then it will be a recall ... hope not .... i can't just go get a new car this is my vehicle a 1997 nissan pathfinder we at a nissan family have a 1996 pathfinder also with the same issue please change this before somebody gets killed if i have 2 pathfinders with the same problem i see on average 20 to 30 of the same models daily | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 166000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact noticed the strut tower was corroded. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic but not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and current mileages were 166,000. kmj | |||
| 06/01/2007 | 166000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact noticed the strut tower on the vehicle was corroded. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic, but the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 166,000. rds | |||
| 02/01/2011 | |||
| While driving on the highway in clear conditions on smooth payment with my two small children in the back at speeds of 65-70 mph, the vehicle suddenly began swaying and wobbling in a severe manner, nearly causing me to lose control of the pathfinder. as i was not in an area where i could safely stop, i had to continue to drive some distance and the swaying and wobbling continued intermittently and without warning, making it difficult to control the vehicle. after researching this issue, i discovered numerous similar incidents and am dismayed there has been no recall as this is a hidden defect. my mechanic could not locate the problem until i showed him my findings from my research, and confirmed the rear bushings are defective and must be replaced. this is an extremely dangerous condition and there should be a recall. | |||
| 03/13/2010 | 130000 | 1 | |
| My 1996 nissan pathfinder se has a terrible wobble, swaying motion ( left to right) that resembles that of rocking a boat. i had the shocks replaced, new tires, ect., but it still exist when you get up to about 60 mph. i have almost had some serious accidents and eventually, i am sure it will happen. i have a friend who has the same problem. i am completely baffled and do not know what the problem is. *tr | |||
| 10/15/2009 | 110000 | 1 | |
| Pathfinder 1996 - all 8 rear bushings have failed - the whole rear end fishtails around; the rear end has nothing to keep the rear wheels square - sway bar stabilizer link - rubber bushings on the rear stabilizers are defective - causes total loss of control - driver & passenger neck snaps back and forth dangerously - rear upper and lower control link rod bushings defective - which could lead to a crash, serious injury and death - an internet search turns up people all over the country that have or are having the exact same problem. most are saying if you replace the rear lower control arm bushings or the entire arms ? tsb - does nothing - no report of defective equipment that was included with the vehicle at time of purchase - nissan has stuck it's head in the sand - *tr | |||
| 05/21/1999 | 133000 | 1 | |
| When traveling 50 mph going either in left (most prevalent) or right direction - vehicle makes a rocking motion that seems to start in rear - gets worse in time - may cause total loss of control - have had several mechanics look at problem and they cannot figure it out - have written to nissan without a response. *tr | |||
| 11/06/2006 | 50000 | 1 | |
| 1996 nissan pathfinder. entire vehicle sways when reaching speeds of 50+mph, as if you are playing with the steering wheel and rocking the car back and forth. nissan issued a tsb back in 1998. the # is: ntb 98001. my daughter drives this vehicle and it makes for very unsafe conditions. no accident due to condition yet. however, i feel it is just a matter of time. i would be stunned if nissan has not already been sued over this issue. if you google: pathfinder sway wobble, you will see how many other owners have experienced this same condition. the rear link arms/bushings are defective, yet they have never recalled. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2006 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Uncontrollable and unpredictable violent rocking motion at any speed. has been happening for the past 2 years, steadily getting worse. safety concern as i have two children and this is my only vehicle. *tr | |||
| 12/08/2007 | 10 | 12/08/2007 | |
| I recently purchased a used 1996 nissan pathfinder le and noticed a very bad wobble in the steering/suspension. i have done some research and have found that this is a common problem in the '96-'04 models and has even had a tsb (ntb98-001) on the problem. i have consulted many other nissan owners who have experienced this problem and had to pay $700-$800 to have the problem resolved. this seems to be a major safety problem as most drivers experience their cars wobbling out of control and off the road. i am scared to drive this vehicle or put my family in it. this should have definitely been a factory recall!!! *tr | |||
| 10/12/2002 | 65000 | 5 | 10/25/1996 |
| This car is a 1996 nissan pathfinder with a slew of problems ranging from: ticking gas, and brake pedal, steering wheel shakes at highway speeds/ vibrating, heat shield, uneven wear of tire,leaking sunroof. *ak | |||
| 02/01/2002 | |||
| Vehicle sways all over the road. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that struts were bad.*ak | |||
| 11/01/1995 | |||
| Danger vehicle rocks violently after hitting a bump. front struts changed 3 times (only 128000 miles on suv). both left and right exhaust manifold were cracked and replaced before 100000 miles.*ak | |||
| 08/07/2001 | 1 | 11/27/1999 | |
| Was driving approximately 40mph when front wheel shifted to left. strut bar had snapped on driver's side. it almost separated from axle. had vehicle towed to dealership, and mechanic gave no indication of cause of breakage. claimed wear and tear usage. *ak *slc | |||
| 01/31/1998 | 2 | 08/06/1996 | |
| Consumer was driving on the highway, approximately 50-55 mph on wet road conditions all of sudden the vehicle hydroplaned, resulting in rollover, and vehicle landed in the middle of the divider. air bags failed to deploy properly, causing chemical to leak out and partly deflate them. dealer/manufacturer notified and refused to accept responsibility, seeking help from nhtsa. *ak *ml | |||
| 01/31/1998 | 3 | 08/06/1996 | |
| Consumer was entering onto the highway, traveling about 40-50 mph in rainy weather conditions when the vehicle flipped over three times. occupants were trapped in vehicle. the air bags deployed, and occupants inhaled chemicals escaping from air bags, causing occupants to choke. consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak power steering failed. *slc | |||
| 01/25/1998 | 1 | 06/20/1997 | |
| While moving at 40 mph on a previuosly plowed road, the rear end suddenly lost traction causing the vehicle to spin clockwise and crash into a snow bank. | |||
| 1 | 06/20/1996 | ||
| Front end noise. | |||
| SUSPENSION - AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL (ASC) | |||
| 06/25/2006 | 120000 | 100 | |
| Nissan pathfinder 1996 model has a catastrophic design flaw. vehicle dangerous wobble. *tr | |||
| 11/30/2006 | 128000 | 1 | 10/26/2006 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 50 mph over an even pavement, the vehicle wobbled from side to side without warning, causing a moderate loss of vehicle control. the abs light also illuminated constantly. the vehicle was not seen by a dealer.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 08/14/1999 | 1 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Both front struts have leaked until empty of fluid. when noticed, an appointment was made with nissan dealer. i was advised that there was no problem. independent dealer was later consulted and i was advised that the steering problems i was experiencing was due to empty/leaking front stuts | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 2 | 08/01/1996 | |
| My pathfinder was purchased new from the local nissan dealer. within one year the dealer replaced both front struts. they told me the struts were leaking. i got a letter from nissan asking me to bring it in to have 6 or 7 possible defects checked. one of them was unusual tire wear which many pathfinders had had problems with. the letter said that if my tires showed this unusual wear that the tires would be replaced. at the time garrand's told me that my tires were fine, but less than 2 months later i was told by a local tire dealership that my tires were ruined, and badly in need of replacement. the letter from nissan also contained a replacement page to the owner's manual, on which it recommended that the tires now be rotated every 2,500 miles from now on! about six months ago i started to hear a loud banging noise coming from the front suspension of my pathfinder whenever i hit a bump. i brought the pathfinder to garrands and they told me that my right front strut was leaking and needed to be replaced at a cost of $775. i wanted a second opinion, so i brought my pathfinder to a midas dealer and found out that the noise was in fact coming from the sway bar stabalizer link and not the strut. when i questioned garrands about this later they told me that the stabalizer link is part of the strut, and they have to be replaced together. i sent a long letter to nissan in which i described in detail the problems that i have had with my pathfinder. a month later when i heard nothing back from them, i called nissan again and was told that they would not replace the struts or the stabalizer link. i was told it is rubber, ya know! rubber wears out. i have heard that pathfinders have acquired a reputation for ruining tires and strut failure. my pathfinder has 44000 miles and needs new struts again! this should not be happening! | |||
| 05/01/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1996 | |
| No summary | |||
| 2 | 10/28/1996 | ||
| Front end suspension poor performance causing premature wearing of the tires. | |||
| 2 | 09/03/1996 | ||
| Vehicle pulls to left/right; also, there is a clunking, intermittent, in the steering column that sounds like something may be hitting ot breaking. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM | |||
| 10/27/2006 | 68000 | 15 | 08/23/2005 |
| Dangerous wobble of car when on the highway. from reports i've read on the internet, seems to be caused by degrading control arm bushings. fix may be to replace all 8-10 bushings and/or control-link arms. problem seems to be common on '96-97 nissan pathfinders. *nm | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 08/22/2003 | 2 | ||
| Accelerator pedal sticks. when placing vehicle into gear must apply pressure to accelerator to release it. subsequently, it releases suddenly in a way which causes sudden acceleration. also vehicle shakes while driving . dealer has replaced ball joints, but problem. still exists. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||
| 08/22/2003 | 2 | ||
| Accelerator pedal sticks. when placing vehicle into gear must apply pressure to accelerator to release it. subsequently, it releases suddenly in a way which causes sudden acceleration. also vehicle shakes while driving . dealer has replaced ball joints, but problem. still exists. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT | |||
| 03/11/2000 | 1 | 03/11/2000 | |
| Consumer took car to dealer to have tires rotated. mechanic could not do a front end alignment because struts were leaking, and causing tires to break down. tires won't hold to the ground. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1996 | |||
| There is a leakage coming from struts. also, steering locks up and vehicle won't start up. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 1 | 08/12/1999 | ||
| Consumer states shocks and struts were replaced.*jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - TORSION BAR | |||
| 1 | 08/12/1999 | ||
| Consumer states sway bar link has been replaced.*jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||
| 10/01/1996 | 1 | 03/01/1996 | |
| Wheel bearing nuts and bolts failed. | |||
| SUSPENSION - MULTIPLE AXLE | |||
| 01/09/2008 | 150000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle has developed a terrifying, uncontrollable wobble side to side at freeway speeds, after hitting a bump or dip in the road on one side. the wobble first began to appear over a year ago and has become progressively worse, even after numerous repair attempts. nissan dealer plays dumb about problem and wants to charge estimated $1200 to diagnose and repair. this is a well documented problem and there is even a tsb from nissan regarding it. this is dangerous, caused by design, and should be fixed under recall by nissan. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 4 | 03/01/1997 | |
| All 8 rear bushings have failed. it was first diagnosed by lithia nissan. we had two second opinions done by outside mechanics, who both felt that the rubber inside had turned into liquid and ran out. you could see the rubber hanging down in strands. both mechanics felt that it was a faulty part and the damage was not from wear and tear. nissan will not recognize it as a factory defect and offers no warranty. the whole hind end of my pathfinder fishtails around, the hind end has nothing to keep the rear wheels square. i am unable to drive it, until the parts are replaced, which i am in the middle of fighting with them about. (i was originally told my problem was the shocks and struts so i replaced them first). *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 08/01/2009 | 110000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that she was unable to drive at speeds above 40 mph or the vehicle would become difficult to control due to excessive shaking. the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the rear axle, bushings, and struts needed to be replaced. the manufacturer had not been notified. no repairs were performed. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 127,000. sm. | |||
| 08/01/2009 | 110000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1996 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that she was unable to travel at speeds above 40 mph or the vehicle would become difficult to control by excessive shaking. the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the rear axle, bushings and struts needed to be replaced. the manufacturer had not been notified. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 127,000. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000. bw | |||
| 10/15/2009 | 110000 | 1 | |
| Pathfinder 1996 - all 8 rear bushings have failed - the whole rear end fishtails around; the rear end has nothing to keep the rear wheels square - sway bar stabilizer link - rubber bushings on the rear stabilizers are defective - causes total loss of control - driver & passenger neck snaps back and forth dangerously - rear upper and lower control link rod bushings defective - which could lead to a crash, serious injury and death - an internet search turns up people all over the country that have or are having the exact same problem. most are saying if you replace the rear lower control arm bushings or the entire arms ? tsb - does nothing - no report of defective equipment that was included with the vehicle at time of purchase - nissan has stuck it's head in the sand - *tr | |||
| 01/15/2009 | 124000 | 1 | |
| Rear end sways at freeway speeds so i changed shocks & struts but problem still exists, found out its the rubber bushings on the rear stabilizers they are defective. *tr | |||
| 04/18/2003 | 10434 | 1 | |
| I bought a used nissan pathfinder 1996 from a dealer on 2002. the car worked fine for a couple of months but it started to wobble side to side. the problem was escalating, i changed tires, struts, axle and the problem still there. the warranty finish from the dealer and boom the problem got harder to fix due to financial issues. it is hard to see the car is not drivable and i need it fix. it is really dangerous having to drive a car that sways to the right or left any given moment. i haven't driven the car but it is sitting on my driveway waiting for me to find an absolution. the dealer should of told me what was wrong if they had reports. i was a newbie buying a car so little did i know. *tr | |||
| 03/15/2009 | 102000 | 1 | |
| I just bought a nissan pathfinder le 1996 - i found many owners are experiencing problems with the rear suspension of the vehicle (see posts: http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/t5lstpr50npco9ctl/p7) - local mechanic has indicated the repair on mine would be around $700 - $1000 - the real problem is premature wear of upper and lower rear control arms bushings (this applies to 1996-2001 apparently). i drove the vehicle from oregon to california and it was a real challenge to manage the swaying from side to side - the only way to mitigate the car from wobbling is to either reduce speed or accelerate. this should had been a safety recall from nissan instead a service bulletin - the vehicle turns to be quite difficult to drive at freeway speed and could easily roll over. *tr please investigate. thank you in advance, dino andretta yorba linda, ca | |||
| 02/07/2008 | 118477 | 1 | 12/01/1996 |
| I have a 1996 nissan pathfinder and there is a dangerous sway when i drive, it feels like the rear end is going to fish tail. *tr | |||
| 04/13/2007 | 30 | ||
| 1. at around 120k miles the car began to sway, sometimes uncontrollably, at speeds around 50mph. replaces shocks and struts. did not fix it. told i need to replace rear stabilizer bars and bushing. this is a very dangerous defect and very common. *tr | |||
| 12/01/2007 | 119000 | 10 | 09/27/1996 |
| At ~ 65mph, my 96 pathfinder can sway spontaneously, almost to the point of the car bouncing. driver & passenger neck snaps back and forth. very dangerous. *tr | |||
| 10/15/2007 | 135000 | 1 | 11/18/1996 |
| Rear upper and lower control link rod bushings defective causing dangerous rear end sway at highway speeds which could lead to a crash, serious injury and death. repair is costly and is a known defect with dealerships and nissan. *tr | |||
| 08/23/2007 | 187000 | 1 | 08/15/2002 |
| We own a 1996 nissan pathfinder 4 wheel drive that had developed a severe side to side wobble at 55-60+ mph . mechanics said it was struts/shocks. we replaced all 4. same problem exists. this is life threatening on the highway. my daughter and myself have both experienced it and you nearly lose control of the suv if you don't let off the gas quick. i would hate to see the result of an evasive maneuver - it will be catastrophic. dealers are acting like they know nothing, yet an internet search turns up people all over the country that have or are having the exact same problem. most are saying if you replace the rear lower control arm bushings or the entire arms, it goes away. i am asking the nhtsa to get involved now and force nissan to do a no-cost recall. we own 2 other nissan cars and i have owned over a dozen cars/trucks in 32 years and never experienced anything like this. and, i work on cars and motorcycles in my spare time, and i know what i am addressing here. this is a major, serious engineering design flaw. *jb | |||
| 07/29/2007 | 115000 | 1 | 09/05/2001 |
| I am reporting a failure in the suspension system of my 1996 nissan pathfinder. at speeds of 50+ mph, the back half of the vehicle has instances where out of nowhere it begins to sway back and forth for about 5-10 seconds and then it stops and will do it again just out of the blue. i reasonably foresee this failure resulting in a potential cause of death, personal injury, or property damage. all instances of this occurrence has occurred while driving on a heavily traveled interstate. there was a tech service bulletin addressing this issue but nissan should change it to a recall. *tr | |||
| 05/20/2007 | 100 | ||
| 1996 nissan pathfinder wobbles intensly at 50 - 65 mph. took to repair shops and had struts replaced, tires balanced many times. i understand it is the rear arm bushings. this is a defect and extremely dangerous. | |||
| 03/15/2005 | 100000 | 1 | 01/10/1996 |
| 1996 pathfinder, 120k miles. approx. one year ago vehicle developed scary side-to-side rocking at highway speeds, and especially when driving on curved roads. replaced rear shocks- no help. i have found lots of other pathfinder owners that have this same exact condition. turns out the problem is with the rear control arm bushings and rear link arm bushings. bushings develop dry rot with age and shrink, making excessive play in the control arms. many people have complained to nissan, but nissan refuses to even consider a recall. *tr | |||
| 12/29/2006 | 1 | ||
| 1996 nissan pathfinder wobbles dangerously at high speeds, over 60 mph. mechanic fixed struts for $800, but problem persists. just went online and found out lots of nissan pathfinder owners are having this problem, and the fix usually has to do with bushings. that will probably cost me another $800. this is a dangerous problem and nissan owes its customers a recall. thank goodness i seemed to have figured out the problem without an accident. i hope the word gets out to all pathfinder owners before a tragedy occurs. *nm | |||
| 12/01/2006 | 140677 | 1 | 12/01/2006 |
| I purchased a used vehicle from a private owner, a 1996 nissan pathfinder with 139,500. immediately after my drive on the highway, i noticed a substantial amount of body sway from the rear end of the vehicle.i decided to research my problem on the internet and found several references to issues related to the premature wear of the bushings in the rear upper and lower links (control arms) that attach the axle to the frame (ref. nissan bulletin# ntb 98-001).this bulletin describes in detail about worn bushings which it creates excessive sway, rocking and pull at any speed at that point, i decided to bring my vehicle at my expense to have an authorized nissan dealer to examine and document the potentially hazardous condition.they verified and concur with the wear in the rear links and recommended the replacement of the upper and lower links along with the rear shock absorbers (part # 55080-0w001 (2) and #08911-6441a (2))-part numbers for the links. in addition, i spoke to several owners of nissan pathfinders with the same condition which was built in 2004 on the same chassis. as a result, i contacted nissan motors of north america and filed a complaint/inquiry based on this defect (ref# 5555692) on 12/7/06.they refused to assist with the complaint based on a tsb and not a safety recall. also, the vehicle was inspected by a virginia state annual vehicle safety inspection last month and was passed in error by an inspector who had missed this safety defect. i reported this issue to the virginia state police and the problem was verified and investigated by trooper fowler in williamsburg va. this defect is definitely a safety related issue as described in the standards for vehicle inspection. not being an engineer, i would suggest that i could have lost control of the vehicle at times of highway passing,around on ramps or evasive maneuvering that could cause the vehicle to roll over. i paid to have the parts replaced at a body shop at my expense.i have the old part. *nm | |||
| 11/18/2006 | 0 | 100 | 11/10/2006 |
| 1) slightly applied gas on a turn at 35 mph 2) loss of traction and lost control of the vehicle and skidded to 180 degree turn. vehicle's rear end also wobbles dangerously at 50 to 65 mph upon acceleration/deceleration. 3) so far new struts and shocks but no solution to the vehicle's performance. *jb | |||
| 09/11/2006 | 155000 | 1 | |
| Noticed back end of my pathfinder swaying at speeds 60-70 mph. brought to my mechanic and was told rear bushings are bad and need to be replaced. my mechanic said it is a bad part but not yet a recall by nissan but should be. i have found alot of similar complains on the web by other nissan pathfinder owners. i also found recalls on other nissan's for this same problem but not the pathfinder. i feel it is very dangerous and should be a recall!!!!!!!!!!!!! *nm | |||
| 10/27/2006 | 68000 | 15 | 08/23/2005 |
| Dangerous wobble of car when on the highway. from reports i've read on the internet, seems to be caused by degrading control arm bushings. fix may be to replace all 8-10 bushings and/or control-link arms. problem seems to be common on '96-97 nissan pathfinders. *nm | |||
| 09/01/1996 | |||
| Dealer said they could not locate the source of the thumping sound. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| We had some major replacement of parts in the rear of the vehicle about 2 years ago but don't remember if it made the same sound as before or not. dealer said it was the struts but those are in the front and the sound is coming form the rear. *ak | |||