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1997 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →
217Owner complaints

Model-year median: 97

2Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
91
1994170
1995159
1996217
1997149
1998104
1999112
2000
Compare all Pathfinder years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Suspension
105Steering
26Power Train
19Engine And Engine Cooling
17Structure
17
All reported categories
Tires
16Vehicle Speed Control
16Service Brakes, Hydraulic
14Air Bags
13Fuel System, Gasoline
7Unknown Or Other
7Seat Belts
5Electrical System
3Equipment
3Wheels
3Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2Fuel/propulsion System
2Visibility
2Child Seat
1Fuel System, Other
1Service Brakes, Air
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

88 reports with mileage · 129 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports2 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

217 reports
180,000 miles · Apr 27, 2011
Suspension

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 T…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10397995

191,000 miles · Apr 24, 2011
StructureSuspension

1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER ABOUT TO COLLAPSE DUE TO SEVERE ROT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10397240

108,000 miles · Apr 4, 2011
SteeringStructureSuspension

LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER, AND FRAME RUSTED AWAY CAUSING STRUT TO HIT STEERING SHAFT. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HITTING HOOD. VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #10394911

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2011
Unknown Or Other

AT THIS TIME, THIS HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THERE IS SEVERE FRAME RUST THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE FRAME RUST OCCURS ALONG THE REAR AXLE, STEERING COLUMN, AND VARIOUS OTHER LOCATIONS ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED DUE TO DEFECT WHICH ALLOWED TO VEH…

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AT THIS TIME, THIS HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, THERE IS SEVERE FRAME RUST THAT COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE FRAME RUST OCCURS ALONG THE REAR AXLE, STEERING COLUMN, AND VARIOUS OTHER LOCATIONS ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED DUE TO DEFECT WHICH ALLOWED TO VEHICLE TO SWAY UNCONTROLLABLY.

NHTSA ODI #10388228

94,249 miles · Feb 17, 2011
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10383815

130,000 miles · Feb 11, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE MCPHERSON STRUT WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE MCPHERSON STRUT WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10381539

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2011
SuspensionCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH OVER A SMALL HILL, THE CONTACT MADE A RIGHT TURN AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BUT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT DRI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH OVER A SMALL HILL, THE CONTACT MADE A RIGHT TURN AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME BUT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL COLLISION CENTER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT MOUNT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE APRON AND THE FENDER ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,834.

NHTSA ODI #10379932

109,443 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING ABNORMALLY AND BECOMING UNUSUALLY UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER HAD FRACTURED F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING ABNORMALLY AND BECOMING UNUSUALLY UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER HAD FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT WOULD BE LIABLE FOR ALL REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,443.

NHTSA ODI #10369423

200,000 miles · Sep 27, 2010
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY SWAY BACK AND FORTH WHEN DRIVING AT LEAST 55 MPH. WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD REMOVE HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL AS IF IT WERE HYDROPLANING. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY SWAY BACK AND FORTH WHEN DRIVING AT LEAST 55 MPH. WHEN THE CONTACT WOULD REMOVE HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD FEEL AS IF IT WERE HYDROPLANING. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AROUND A CURVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE SWAY BAR AND BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #10357933

194,000 miles · Aug 15, 2010
SteeringStructure

I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING IN MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND I HAD EXPERIENCED SOME RESISTANCE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, SO I BEGAN TO INSPECT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WHEEL WELLS. I FOUND THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE SHOCK TOWER HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE BODY OF THE VEHICL…

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I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING IN MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND I HAD EXPERIENCED SOME RESISTANCE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, SO I BEGAN TO INSPECT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WHEEL WELLS. I FOUND THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE SHOCK TOWER HAS ALMOST COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE WAY IT HAS BENT AWAY HAS CAUSED IT TO PUT DIRECT PRESSURE ON BOTH THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE MASTER CYLINDER. IF THE TOWER WAS TO FAIL COMPLETELY, I'M REASONABLY CERTAIN THAT IT WOULD SHEAR OFF THE MASTER CYLINDER (LEAVING ME WITHOUT BRAKES!) AND POSSIBLY SEVER THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349436

Official recalls

2

11V244000 · Steering:column; Suspension:front

Apr 20, 2011

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 & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front

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: 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.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Steering:column

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: 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.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL INSPECT THE STRUT HOUSING AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT OUT IN MAY 2011. THE SECOND NOTICE WAS MAILED ON JULY 25, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

07V435000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Sep 18, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DURING THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF COATING MAY HAVE BEEN APPLIED AT THE LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OPENING IN THE COATING WHICH CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL OF THE TUBE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN SURFACE RUST BUT NOT PERFORATION OF THE TUBE. HOWEVER, IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, IF A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAKES CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL, CORROSION MAY OCCUR TO A DEGREE WHICH RESULTS IN PERFORATION OF THE TUBE. IN THIS CASE FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN FILLING THE TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ONE WITH AN IMPROVED COATING PROCESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE11004 · Frame/body Structure Corrosion

Opened Jan 28, 2011 · Closed Jun 30, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:macpherson Strut; Suspension:front:shock Absorber

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.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Steering:column

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.

Steering

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.

Suspension:front:macpherson Strut

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.

Suspension:front

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.

Suspension:front:shock Absorber

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.

Suspension

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.