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 . | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||||
| 03007 | 01/22/2003 | 10001015 | Rubbing/wheezing noise from steering column when turning. *tt | 04/10/2003 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||||
| NTB00078 | 09/28/2000 | 614899 | Service information for vehicles exhibiting power steering fluid leak near the pump hose fitting. *tt | 12/15/2000 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| NTB00078A | 12/05/2000 | NTB00078 | 615854 | Service information on vehicles exhibiting a power steering fluid leak near the pump hose fitting. *tt | 01/31/2001 |
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 | |||
| 01/09/2013 | 90000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an unrelated problem when they informed him that there were numerous holes in the strut housing. the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number 11v244000 (steering, suspension). the vehicle was not further repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000. kmj | |||
| 01/09/2013 | 90000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an unrelated problem and they informed that there were numerous holes in the strut housing. the vehicle was previously repaired under a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v244000 (steering , suspension) which failed to correct the problem. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000. js | |||
| 12/15/2010 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Excessive rust, corrosion and holes in sub frame of 2001 nissan pathfinder where the passenger side control arm connects to the sub frame of the vehicle. also excessive rust in whole front end of vehicle. did have vehicle recall id # 88860 - suspension:front addressed however nissan did not address excessive rust and hole on right side of vehicle near area where control arm connects to sub frame. *tr | |||
| 12/15/2010 | 100000 | ||
| Excessive rust, corrosion and holes in sub frame of 2001 nissan pathfinder where the passenger side control arm connects to the sub frame of the vehicle. also excessive rust in whole front end of vehicle. did have vehicle recall id # 88860 - suspension:front addressed however nissan did not address excessive rust and hole on right side of vehicle near area where control arm connects to sub frame. | |||
| 08/08/2008 | 98898 | ||
| I was driving my 2001 nissan pathfinder on a bumpy road and hit a pothole, the right strut punched through the strut tower and i could no longer control the vehicle. i then had it towed to my local shop and found out the whole of both strut towers were corroded beyond belief. i had one repaired after i reported it to my insurance company who then charged me a point on my license for the accident. i then traded the vehicle in order to avoid paying through the nose for the other strut tower repair, i then find out nissan did a recall on the problem. now they refuse to pick up the phone. they even gave me a bogus e-mail account to send the paper work for the reimbursement. i feel they at least owe me the amount for the repairs and the surcharge i am still paying. | |||
| 05/10/2009 | 120000 | ||
| My 2001 nissan pathfinder se 145,169 miles at the time. (this noise began around 120,000k miles). now i have only 1k more out of necesity. front right side(drivers side ) began to make a thumping sound. soon after the sound both sides were making the same thunp. i can feel every bump and crack in road and steering feels way off. the service center told me both front struts were bad and the upper mounts were rusty and need replaced for safety issues as well as ride of truck. i have my estimate at $740.00. at this time i cannot afford the cost of this repair. nissan has sent a letter hinting to a future recall, but they said they would contact me later. what am i supposed to do? drive until the struts blow!!!! unacceptable to send a recall notice to be determined. thank you | |||
| 04/18/2011 | 80000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds there would be loud clunking noises and shaking in the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to a indepedent mechanic and they advised her that the front passenger control arm needed to be replaced due to rusting. the vehicle was repaired for that component. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. a month and a half later he received a recall notice in regards to nhtsa campaign id number 11v244000 (steering:column)which is not related to the failure that he encountered being as though his was on the passenger side. the failure mileage was approximately 80,000. tb | |||
| 03/20/2011 | 168000 | ||
| The driverside strut tower has become unattached from the frame. there is no rust marks anywhere in this section. the strut tower wore away at the steering wheel shaft and broke it. i lost all ability to steer the car and was forced to jump a curb. | |||
| 04/01/2010 | 99990 | ||
| The driver side strut tower on my 2001 pathfinder completely rusted through. the strut tower was disconnected from the body due to the rust. when the tower finally let go, the steering was affected causing issues steering the vehicle. the problem was only on the driver side. there is a significant amount of rust on the driver side under carriage of the vehicle, whereas the passenger side is not as bad. the disconnection of the tower caused damage to the front end suspension components. | |||
| 11/27/2009 | 160000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 20 mph the contact was making a sharp right turn to merge onto a freeway when he could not control the steering of the vehicle. the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle came in contact with the side rail of the emergency lane causing scratches on the front bumper. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the technicians stated the drivers side strut tower was corroded and broke the steering column. the technicians replaced the strut tower, the abs brakes sensor, and the steering column. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000. ds | |||
| 12/18/2010 | 107000 | ||
| Tl-the driver owned a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the driver was involved in a crash in which the vehicle lost control and veered off the road. the contact was not involved so the exact details of the failure were unavailable. the police appeared on the scene and the driver passed away. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to an insurance lot where they have not diagnosed the failure. the failure and current mileages were 107,000. sm. | |||
| 11/27/2009 | 160000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 20 mph the contact was making a sharp right turn to merge onto a freeway when he could not control the steering of the vehicle. the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle came in contact with the side rail of the emergency lane causing scratches on the front bumper. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the technicians stated the drivers side strut tower was corroded and broke the steering column. the technicians replaced the strut tower, the abs brakes sensor, and the steering column. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000. ds | |||
| 12/18/2010 | 107000 | ||
| Tl-the driver owned a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the driver was involved in a crash in which the vehicle lost control and veered off the road. the contact was not involved so the exact details of the failure were unavailable. the police appeared on the scene and the driver passed away. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to an insurance lot where they have not diagnosed the failure. the failure and current mileages were 107,000. sm. | |||
| 11/27/2009 | 160000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 20 mph the contact was making a sharp right turn to merge onto a freeway when he could not control the steering of the vehicle. the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle came in contact with the side rail of the emergency lane causing scratches on the front bumper. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the technicians stated the drivers side strut tower was corroded and broke the steering column. the technicians replaced the strut tower, the abs brakes sensor, and the steering column. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000. ds | |||
| 12/18/2010 | 107000 | ||
| Tl-the driver owned a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the driver was involved in a crash in which the vehicle lost control and veered off the road. the contact was not involved so the exact details of the failure were unavailable. the police appeared on the scene and the driver passed away. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to an insurance lot where they have not diagnosed the failure. the failure and current mileages were 107,000. sm. | |||
| 11/27/2009 | 160000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 20 mph the contact was making a sharp right turn to merge onto a freeway when he could not control the steering of the vehicle. the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle came in contact with the side rail of the emergency lane causing scratches on the front bumper. the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the technicians stated the drivers side strut tower was corroded and broke the steering column. the technicians replaced the strut tower, the abs brakes sensor, and the steering column. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 160,000. ds | |||
| 12/18/2010 | 107000 | ||
| Tl-the driver owned a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the driver was involved in a crash in which the vehicle lost control and veered off the road. the contact was not involved so the exact details of the failure were unavailable. the police appeared on the scene and the driver passed away. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to an insurance lot where they have not diagnosed the failure. the failure and current mileages were 107,000. sm. | |||
| 09/04/2010 | 97000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2001 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that the driver side front strut tower failed and separated. the steering shaft broke as a result. the failure occurred while another driver was turning at 25 mph. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the strut tower separated. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the contact had not spoken with the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. the current and failure mileages were approximately 97,000-bk | |||
| 12/19/2002 | 3 | 11/01/2001 | |
| The vehicle shakes at highway speeds and causes extreme wear and tear on the tires. i have had this nissan pathfinder (2001) for just over a year and nissan has been unable to fix the problem. they claim it was built to ride this way. the result is premature breaking problems. they have put new tires on, turned the rotors and spent many hours balancing the tires. this problem has been ongoing since day one. | |||
| 09/06/2000 | 4 | 08/01/2000 | |
| The steering pull and/or body vibration manifests itself at highway speeds of between 60 and 75 mph, regardless of road crown or imperfections of the surface. this defect impairs the steering considerably. steering becomes even more of a channlange during wet road conditions in respect of the recent nhtsa publication, showing a two star rollover rating for this vehicle, the referenced defect indeed has a seriousnegative impact on the safety of this vehicle whilst driven on highways at the speeds indicated. the manufacturer has not responded to phonecalls and letter of notification. arbitration was held under the bbb autoline program. request for repurchase was denied despite the fact that both the manufacturers representative and the arbitrator recognized the defect during the test drive. the arbitrator considered it a nusance. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 10/10/2000 | 3 | 07/01/2000 | |
| Excessive vibration at 60 to 70 mph taken suv to the dealer three times and found out that tires are defective and have excessive radial force measurments and that they are unsafe to drive with aand may cause an acedent. dealer inspected the car and muitl times balance the wheel/tire using radial force balancing but unable to get rid of excessive vibration. dealer gave me back suv as is (knowing it is unsafe to drive) and ordered 4 new tires of the same brand which took a week to recieve. i requested to replace tire with michiline ltx but dealer and nissan refused to do so. i requested a safety and responsibilty letter since they would not give me a choose of what brand to choose but they would not do so. dealer finally replaced tires and vibration is 90 %improved but still exists. also i have taken my suv for a rattle in steering and the dealer found that the driver airbag was not installed properly from factory. dealer fixed the problem and then three weeks later the same problem returned. took suv to the dealer again and they put tubes in the spring behind the airbag this is to reduce rattle/vibration. now the horn is unoperational due to this. you must put both hands on the horn/airbag and push very hard est 40ibs of force to engage the horn. this is unaccptible and unsafe to operate the vechical with out a horn. i do have a safety convern to other owner of this suv due to defective tires that can blow and casue a serous excedent. i dp hope that nhtsa take action. (dot number: en6d0800 tiresize: 255/65r16) | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 04/01/2010 | 99990 | ||
| The driver side strut tower on my 2001 pathfinder completely rusted through. the strut tower was disconnected from the body due to the rust. when the tower finally let go, the steering was affected causing issues steering the vehicle. the problem was only on the driver side. there is a significant amount of rust on the driver side under carriage of the vehicle, whereas the passenger side is not as bad. the disconnection of the tower caused damage to the front end suspension components. | |||