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 - FRONT - MACPHERSON STRUT | |||||
| 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 |
| 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 |
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||||
| NTB02081 | 07/25/2002 | 633673 | Subject regarding rear suspension bottoms out. *jg | 09/23/2002 | |
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 | |||
| 01/03/2013 | 120000 | 1 | |
| Shortly after entering freeway i heard a loud pop and the steering wheel grabbed to the right. due to light snow and icy conditions at the time i almost lost control of the vehicle. after pulling over i noticed the front right coil spring had snapped at about the first coil up from the bottom. *tr | |||
| 01/03/2013 | 120000 | ||
| Shortly after entering freeway i heard a loud pop and the steering wheel grabbed to the right. due to light snow and icy conditions at the time i almost lost control of the vehicle. after pulling over i noticed the front right coil spring had snapped at about the first coil up from the bottom. | |||
| 10/12/2011 | 115000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake continuously. the failure occurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v244000 (steering: column). however, after the remedy repair was performed the problem recurred. the manufacturer was notified and they recommended the vehicle be diagnosed by an authorized dealer at the expense of the owner. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000.pmb | |||
| 10/12/2011 | 115000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 nissan pathfinder. while driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake continuously. the failure occurred whenever the vehicle in operation. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 11v244000 (suspension:front:macpherson). however, after the remedy repair was performed the problem recurred. the manufacturer was notified and they recommended the vehicle be diagnosed by an authorized dealer at the expense of the owner. the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 115,000. js | |||
| 10/07/2011 | 1 | ||
| While driving to texas last october with the wife my vehicle all of a sudden started to wobble left to right. there was a certain speed in which vehicle did not do it and it was 60 mph. since i am disabled i had my young brother look into it.so he took it to a shop in houston tx and had heavy duty shocks put on the rear of the vehicle and new tires. when we headed back to california the car ran fine. march of this year the wobbling problem came back. our son checked it out and says that the rear suspension needs all the bushings replaced but we need to have the dealer or a pro shop repair it something which will cost an arm and a leg. can i get any kind of help? thank you in advance for your consideration to this problem. *tr | |||
| 10/07/2011 | |||
| While driving to texas last october with the wife my vehicle all of a sudden started to wobble left to right.there was a certain speed in which vehicle did not do it and it was 60 mph.since i am disabled i had my young brother look into it.so he took it to a shop in houston tx and had heavy duty shocks put on the rear of the vehicle and new tires. when we headed back to california the car ran fine.march of this year the wobbling problem came back.our son checked it out and says that the rear suspension needs all the bushings replaced but we need to have the dealer or a pro shop repair it something which will cost an arm and a leg.can i get any kind of help? thank you in advance for your consideration to this problem. | |||
| 05/03/2012 | 152348 | ||
| Driving at 65 mph., the pathfinder rocks (wobbles) side to side and the driver is unable to control the vehicle. in order for the driver to take back control of vehicle, the driver must release the gas pedal in order for the vehicle's speed to slow down. there are numerous complaints regarding the pathfinder's rubber bushings that need to be replaced. this is a dangerous situation that puts many drivers at risk. there's needs to be an investigation into this matter. | |||
| 01/02/2012 | |||
| My car was part of a recal due to rust. 3 mechanics from nissan deemed it unrepairable because the recall procedure. they said it was very unsafe to drive and it was supposed to be part of a buyback program. after waiting for 2 months they called me and told me my car was fixed. the dealer was very elusive when i asked him why they changed their mind, saying someone came and told them to just fix it from nissan corporate. he would not confirm to me that it was not considered safe to drive. i took the car to an outside mechanic and was told it was absolutely not a proper fix. | |||
| 09/21/2011 | 100000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2002 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for a routine maintenance when the contact was advised that there was corrosion on the rear differential frame and shocks. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000. kmj | |||
| 09/21/2011 | 100000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 nissan pathfinder. the contact stated the vehicle was taken to a mechanic shop for a routine maintenance and found the corrison on the differential frame and shocks in the rear of the vehicle. the dealer was not notified. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 100,000. mw | |||
| 07/21/2011 | |||
| This vehicle was purchased in tennessee and moved to indiana less than 1 year later. said vehicle has also made several trips to michigan. i received a letter from nissan stating there may be a problem with the strut housing which in turn can affect the steering. they made this to sound like a minor problem and to have it checked out if you hear noise or have difficulty steering. a concern would be if you are driving a vehicle that seems to steer correctly, however has a housing that is cracked, corroded and close to failing. why would nissan not recall all the vehicles to have them checked iinstead of making it sound like the problem is not that significant. nissan's note states they are currently developing a remedy for this condition and when the remedy is available they will send a second letter asking owner's to bring in vehicle's for an inspection and a remedy. i haven't heard anything from nissan since my first notice and that was months ago. | |||
| 01/01/2007 | 60000 | ||
| I have been hearing noises in the rear passenger side of my 2002 nissan pathfinder se, for months.this car was purchased new. i had everything checked recently,which is when we noticed the problem.we discovered a rotted frame rail where the top of the coil spring mounts to a plate built into the frame. the rot is on both sides, but much worse on the passenger rear. the spring is about to come through.this is a safety issue!!! and it' | |||
| 10/21/2004 | 24000 | 1 | 01/28/2002 |
| Within 5 minutes of pulling out of a parking lot and onto a main street, driving at 20 mph in stop and go traffic , suddenly the vehicle veered to the right. the driver lost control of the vehicle , causing it to go over a curb, up onto a lawn, across the street, hitting a mail box and went back onto the road. the vehicle hit an on coming van, went back up onto a curb and stopped. the driver had no steering control. the vehicle is currently at the dealership being repaired. *jb *nm | |||
| 01/23/2003 | 300 | 07/24/2002 | |
| My pathfinder has many problems.first the vechle virbrates at all speeds,wind noise from both front windows and roof rack,there is also a jerk when you shut vechle off this does not happen all the time and happens mostly when in 4 wheel auto this is not 4 wheel floor shift,the dealer has tried to fix 4 times and now states there is a bulleten stated this is normal to get a jerk problem relate to all pathfinder and infinty q-4 from 1998-2002.the vibration is still present too the dealer has balanced all for tires but vibration is still there although is is not as bad,as for wind noise they suggested i buy wind delfector for both windows and roof | |||
| 01/01/2002 | |||
| The front end is all rusted. this may cause the whole front to fall while driving. dt | |||
| 08/13/2002 | 07/01/2002 | ||
| Vibration present at 20 mph and then again most noticable at 38-40 mph. dealer replaced driveshaft assy-rear. vibration still present. dt | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 12/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| Email message forwarded from fhwa-wrote regarding the safety recall of his 2002 nissan pathfinder *tgw the consumer stated there is a recall regarding the strut tower housing and would like to know does he need to make an appointment for his vehicle, even though vehicle is no longer registered in a salt state. *jb | |||
| 04/01/2011 | 1 | ||
| 2002 nissan pathfinder. consumer writes in regards to recall notice concerning front driver side strut tower housings for nissan pathfinders *tgw the consumer stated the strut tower housing became so corroded it broke and made the vehicle unsafe to drive. in april 2011 the vehicle was repaired. the consumer is seeking reimbursement. *jb | |||
| 04/20/2011 | |||
| Recall issued for nissan pathfinder -1996-2004- steering column- called the nissan dealership and was told that my vehicle was not on some lists, well it does fall within the model years and i want it checked. customer service rep was not helpful, asked to speak with a manager, have not heard back. recall issued for nissan pathfinder-1996-2004- front suspension-called the nissan dealership and was told that my vehicle was not on some lists, well it does fall within the model years and i want it checked. customer service rep was not helpful, asked to speak with a manager, have not heard back. the interior panel lights work when they want to, not safe if driving at night, this occurs very often and nothing has been done to correct this reported issue by nissan. | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 03/19/2010 | 52000 | ||
| 2002 pathfinder started swaying all over the place on freeway. take foot off gas and it calms. took to mechanic and it was the bushings/bearings. replaced them for a total of $380. also, have had to replace driver and passenger side window motors...twice!! | |||
| 11/19/2009 | 120000 | ||
| Over 40 mph, i get a rear end sway or wobble when accelerating in my '02 nissan pathfinder . sway reverses when i let up on the gas. feels like i'm losing control of the vehicle. i was told by an online mechanic that it was most likely the rear suspension links for the rear differential, the bushings are torn or broken. when broken will cause the back end of the truck to feel loose. inspect all 4 rear links and replace which ever links you find bad | |||
| 11/28/2009 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Car develops a violent wobble at 55-75 mph when you engage or release the gas pedal. this is a problem on all nissan pathfinders after approximately 100k miles. the rear trailing arm link bushings need to be replaced every 100k miles in order to avoid this dangerous condition. the cost to do this for all 8 bushings is $650-$1000, depending on where you get it done. the dealership refuses to replace just the bushings and only sells the entire trailing arm link. thus, the cost at the dealership can exceed this estimate. many savvy owners have sought aftermarket polyurethane bushings to eliminate this problem and avoid having to replace the bushings every 100k miles. this should be a recall because it is an extremely dangerous wobble. i would expect that many accidents have occurred due to this condition and it is often reported as driver lost control of vehicle. unfortunately, it is not the driver's fault when the vehicle become highly unstable at high speeds due to the excessive play in the suspension from this design. there are tsbs regarding this condition, yet nissan has failed to fix it. *tr | |||
| 01/23/2003 | 300 | 07/24/2002 | |
| My pathfinder has many problems.first the vechle virbrates at all speeds,wind noise from both front windows and roof rack,there is also a jerk when you shut vechle off this does not happen all the time and happens mostly when in 4 wheel auto this is not 4 wheel floor shift,the dealer has tried to fix 4 times and now states there is a bulleten stated this is normal to get a jerk problem relate to all pathfinder and infinty q-4 from 1998-2002.the vibration is still present too the dealer has balanced all for tires but vibration is still there although is is not as bad,as for wind noise they suggested i buy wind delfector for both windows and roof | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS | |||
| 1 | 03/27/2002 | ||
| When hitting a pothole or bump, vehicle makes a loud noise due to rear coil springs compressing, this causes vehicle to swerve side to side. took to dealer who indicated it was the characteristic of vehicle. *ak *jg | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 01/23/2003 | 300 | 07/24/2002 | |
| My pathfinder has many problems.first the vechle virbrates at all speeds,wind noise from both front windows and roof rack,there is also a jerk when you shut vechle off this does not happen all the time and happens mostly when in 4 wheel auto this is not 4 wheel floor shift,the dealer has tried to fix 4 times and now states there is a bulleten stated this is normal to get a jerk problem relate to all pathfinder and infinty q-4 from 1998-2002.the vibration is still present too the dealer has balanced all for tires but vibration is still there although is is not as bad,as for wind noise they suggested i buy wind delfector for both windows and roof | |||