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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - COLUMN | ||||||||||||||||
| 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 . | |||||||||||||||
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| STEERING - COLUMN | ||||||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 04/20/2012 | 166600 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. the vehicle was included and repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v244000 (steering:column). while driving approximately 35 mph, the driver of the vehicle noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the technicians stated the failure was not due to the recall and did not inform the contact of the repairs needed. the contact inspected the vehicle and stated that the strut housing was corroded and the recall repair had failed. the vehicle was not repaired a second time. the approximate failure mileage was 166,600. | |||
| 04/20/2012 | 166600 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. the vehicle was included and repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v244000 (steering:column). while driving approximately 35 mph, the driver of the vehicle noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the technicians stated the failure was not due to the recall and did not inform the contact of the repairs needed. the contact inspected the vehicle and stated that the strut housing was corroded and the recall repair had failed. the vehicle was not repaired a second time. the approximate failure mileage was 166,600. sm. | |||
| 04/20/2012 | 166600 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. the vehicle was included and repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v244000 (steering:column). after the repair while driving at approximately 35 mph the driver of the vehicle noticed the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the technicians stated the failure was not do to the recall and did not inform the contact of the repairs needed. the contact inspected the vehicle and stated the strut housing was corroded and the recall repair had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 166,600.da | |||
| 01/15/2002 | |||
| Please note that nissan dearlership only patched up the strut tower. the vehicle continues to display problems with steering. i am afraid to continue driving this vehicle. i am very disappointed with the repair services that were completed at the nissan dealership in turnerville n.j. | |||
| 11/11/2010 | 136000 | ||
| I moved to charleston sc in june of 2007 from richmond va. i began to hear a clicking sound whenever i would turn a corner or turn sterring wheel to park or leave driveway about a year ago. everytime i took vehicle in for oil change or maintenance, i would tell mechanic. it wasn't until may of 2011 someone actually checked front tires and axels and strut mounts. this is when i was informed of damage. i still have spent hundreds trying to repair numerous other problems because noone knew exactly what was wrong. i've had to pay for three front end alignments in two weeks because of this problem. now i did not receive a recall letter until about 2 or 3 weeks ago and it does not list richmond va as one of the states, however, every year i lived in va we had lots of snow and salt was put down with sand. we also had flood gaston in august of 2005 so there were numerous state that experienced regular salt use in the winter.i would appreciate nissan scheduling an appointment for inspection. thank you mrs.tammie lecque | |||
| 11/06/2011 | |||
| I received a recall for my 1997 nissan pathfinder strut tower housing assembly. on the recall nissan stated that the vehicles registered in certain states that uses road salt can develop corrosion that can lead to steering damages. however, the recall letter that was sent to me was stating that my vehicle was never in that states and also stated that my vehicle will not be covered for the applicable repairs. when i was in active military i was stationed to great lakes il. from september 2006 to june 2010. i was residing at 12701 w. wakefield dr. beach park il 60083. my il states driver's license number was b426-7977-2288 and was issued 09/18/2009. i'm writing this complaint to make sure that all applicable inspections and repairs for my vehicle will be covered by the manufacturer. thank you for your time. sincerely, santos balaguer | |||
| 01/19/2011 | |||
| I had to pay to repair the strut housing sheet metal, that was grinding against the steering arm, on the left side of the vehicle. the cost of the repair was approximately--and i am waiting to get the receipt,as it was paid by credit card---$1340.00. baroz was the name of the repair shop, in la jara, coloraodo. the repair was done before the recall campaign began. i am very disappointed and frustrated by nissan's lack of response, since i was informed of the recall. they state, in the document , that was sent to me, that i am eligible for reimbursement of related expense of repair. i have been trying to get a hold of nissan at 1-800-647-7261, and have not heard back from them, after numerous messages and voice-mails. nissan has not gotten back to me, after repeated attempts to reach them. | |||
| 10/01/2007 | 55 | ||
| (noticed problem end of 2007/ beginning 2008 and again in 2011) i have low mileage on pathfinder and it is only driven on the freeway and in town. first noticed when driving speeds over 50 and during shifting on highway. very sloppy steering control, pathfinders rear swaying, skipping and jerking sometimes violently from side to side. very dangerous driving conditions;very good chance of flipping over.took to different auto mechanics and most could not figure out issue. it turned out that the problem was all defective - failed, broken, cracked, or /and worn bushings links both front and rear. i recently completely replaced the bushings and components and after 6500 miles they are broken/defective and the pathfinder is unsafe to drive again. i researched the bushing issues with the 1996 -2001 nissan pathfinder and most all pathfinders of this years are having this serious suspension-defective bushing issues. their have been many unanswered consumer complaints. this should have been and is a definite recall issue. protect the consumer. report this. please ck into this asap. | |||
| 04/25/2011 | 180000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel became stiff as the power steering assist failed. the vehicle was driven to the contacts home where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised that the front strut tower was severely corroded and fractured from the frame. the front strut was found to be rubbing against the steering shaft abnormally and causing the steering failure. in addition, the strut was pushed up approximately three inches and was beating on the air intake and the air filter. the contact stated that the brake and abs lines were also damaged and the wheel was pushing on the steering shaft. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number: 11v244000 ( steering: column) but the vin was not included. there was an open investigation into the falure under nhtsa action id: pe11004 (suspension:front:shock absorber steering suspension:front:macpherson strut steering:column). the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 180,000. | |||
| 04/25/2011 | 180000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 15 mph the steering wheel became stiff and power steering went out. the vehicle was driven to the contacts home. an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated the strut tower rotted away from the frame and was rubbing on the steering shaft. also the strut was pushed up approximately 3 inches and was bang on the air intake and the air filter. the contact stated the brake line and the abs line was damaged. the contact stated the wheel was pushing on the steering shaft. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the approximate failure mileage was 180,000. ds | |||
| 03/31/2011 | 108000 | ||
| Left front strut tower, and frame rusted away causing strut to hit steering shaft. brake master cylinder hitting hood. vehicle unsafe to drive. | |||
| 03/16/2001 | 1 | ||
| Claim number 05-4603-579 - while driving, consumer attempted to make a lfet turn when vehicle's steering locked up causing vehicle to lose control and hit a fence. *tt | |||
| 01/05/1998 | 6 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Since purchasing this vehicle, i've had complained about the alignment (taken to deal and numerous other places) it has been aligned, tires rotated, balanced, etc. 7 (times) and i was told nothing was wrong hmmmm. had to have all four tires replaced at 30,740 miles. nissan denies its a defect on their car. i've repeatedly complained about a clunking noise in the rear (or brakes) again no problems found--cant duplicate problem. well, now i'm told my transmission needs to be replaced. the front end steering if very sensitive and when making a sudden movement, the car overcompensates tossing you throughout the cab. cd and radio as well as antenna motor have recently been replaced. this car is a lemon and dangerous!!!!!! i want my money back!!!!!!!*ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 07/01/2001 | |||
| Consumer took vehicle back to the dealer to have alarm put on. since then power door locks unlocked and locked by themselves. cosumer has taken it back several times to be fixed, but no remedy solution found. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 07/07/2001 | 2 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Suspension causing vehicle to sway violently when going 50mph.*ak. consumer states the tires wore out at 20,000 miles, the shocks and struts were replaced at 42,000 miles, consumer was informed that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle after complaining about the vehicle swaying, however the vehicle was taken to another shop and the trailing arms were replaced which then corrected the problem, also the power steering fluid was leaking, the muffler was replaced due to rust and the exhaust manifold was cracked due to stress, the front differential pinion seal was leaking, the center cap that goes on the stock wheels on the front seat was installed.*jb | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT | |||
| 1 | 11/11/2000 | ||
| The rear idler arm has failed. *jg | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - ROD - RELAY - CONNECTING | |||
| 09/15/2007 | 85000 | 1 | 08/01/2003 |
| I have a 1997 nissan pathfinder. when i drive it on highway at around 50-75 mph, sometimes the car would wobble for no reason. if i move my foot away from the gas pedal, the wobble would stop. it makes me feel very scared. it's been happening for about two years. one of my friends has the same car with same problem. he had it fixed by replacing some bushings at the back. i am going to do the same thing. when i search internet, i found a lot of pathfinder owners have the same problem. should this be taken care of by nissan? *jb | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 12/15/2009 | 123000 | ||
| I was experiencing swaying in my rear end at highway speeds. i had a mechanic install new link bushings and link rods, both uper and lower. due to rust the securing bolts and bushings had to be torched out. this is very strange and must be due to inferior parts since i live in new mexico, a very dry climate where we do not typically experience rusting on vehicles of this age. this vehicle was originally purchased in nm and i purchased it at 40 some thousand miles and do not beleive this vehicle ever spent time in a damp climate. the above repair took care of the problem but now i have 139,000 miles on the vehicle and am having the same problem only worse. | |||
| 03/31/2011 | 108000 | ||
| Left front strut tower, and frame rusted away causing strut to hit steering shaft. brake master cylinder hitting hood. vehicle unsafe to drive. | |||
| 10/08/2010 | 94249 | ||
| Hit a pothole and then started hearing a noise from the front driver side of the vehicle. i then noticed that my odometer was no longer working. upon inspecting the vehicle i found that the driver's side front strut tower had a large rusted out area and that the spot welds of the panels were separating. this problem seems to be the same as those listed in nhtsa action number: pe11004 | |||
| While driving 40-45 a rear tire was making noise, steering wheel and rear tires locked up. consumer tried to pull vehicle over accelerator pedal, had no power. vehicle was towed to repair shop. please provide further information.*ak | |||