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2001 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

143 reports with mileage · 87 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 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Equipment. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 35 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 reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

230 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES TO INFORM THAT WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE GRADUALLY ACCELERATED TO 91 MILES PER HOUR, WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 25 M.P.H ABOVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SETTING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AN ATTEMPT TO BRAKE HAD LITTLE EFFECT. AFTER SWITCHING THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLYING BOTH FEET HARD ON T…

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2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES TO INFORM THAT WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL VEHICLE GRADUALLY ACCELERATED TO 91 MILES PER HOUR, WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 25 M.P.H ABOVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SETTING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AN ATTEMPT TO BRAKE HAD LITTLE EFFECT. AFTER SWITCHING THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLYING BOTH FEET HARD ON THE BRAKE, SHE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE THROTTLE CABLE FLIPPED OVER THE TOP OF THE BUTTERFLY VALVE. HE ADJUSTED THE TENSION FOR LESS SLACK TO KEEP THE CABLE FROM BOUNDING UP INSIDE THE THROTTLE BODY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10377877

180,000 miles · Jan 14, 2011
Suspension

I HAVE A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. IT SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE FAST OR SLOW. FIRST, I CHANGED THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER. NOT MUCH IMPROVEMENT, THEN THE BALL JOINT. IT IMPROVED ABOUT HALFWAY. BUT NOW AFTER ABOUT A MONTH, IT'S EVEN WORSE. I DID SOME RESEARCH IN THE INTERNET AND SURPRISE, I'M NOT…

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I HAVE A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. IT SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE FAST OR SLOW. FIRST, I CHANGED THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER. NOT MUCH IMPROVEMENT, THEN THE BALL JOINT. IT IMPROVED ABOUT HALFWAY. BUT NOW AFTER ABOUT A MONTH, IT'S EVEN WORSE. I DID SOME RESEARCH IN THE INTERNET AND SURPRISE, I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF PATHFINDER OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. I KNOW MY CAR IS OLD BUT QUITE A FEW HAVE THE SAME ISSUE BEFORE THEY HIT 100K MILES. I THINK THIS IS A DESIGN PROBLEM OR PARTS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALL. SO FAR, I DIDN'T SEE ANY DEATH OR ACCIDENT REPORTED BECAUSE OF THIS BUT I'M SURE IT'S BOUND TO HAPPEN. IT'S DANGEROUS DRIVING THIS THING AROUND WITH THE SWAYING SPECIALLY IN HIGH SPEED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376617

178,000 miles · Jan 11, 2011
Structure

OUR NISSAN PATHFINDER 2001 HAD A NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT END. WE ASKED OUR MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE FRONT END. WHAT HE FOUND, AND CONFIRMED BY 3 OTHER INDEPENDENT SHOPS, WAS THE UNIBODY FRONT END ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS ROTTED OUT. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WE HAVE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS FAILURE. …

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OUR NISSAN PATHFINDER 2001 HAD A NOISE IN THE LEFT FRONT END. WE ASKED OUR MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE FRONT END. WHAT HE FOUND, AND CONFIRMED BY 3 OTHER INDEPENDENT SHOPS, WAS THE UNIBODY FRONT END ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS ROTTED OUT. THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WE HAVE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS FAILURE. THE COST FOR REPAIR RANGES FROM $3,000 TO $5,000 AND THESE ARE ONLY ESTIMATES. UPDATED IVOQ 05/24/11 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375576

105,000 miles · Nov 15, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM THE VEHICLE EXTERIOR. HE THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE FILLER TUBE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A POTENTIAL RECALL ON THE VEHICLE UNDER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FROM THE VEHICLE EXTERIOR. HE THEN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ODOR WAS COMING FROM THE FILLER TUBE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A POTENTIAL RECALL ON THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V435000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP). THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE IF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULD LATER RETURN HIS CALL WITH A DECISION. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT RETURN THE CONTACTS CALL AND THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN OR NOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #10365763

90,000 miles · Nov 12, 2010
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO GRIND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER SEPARATED AND WAS LEANING AGAINST THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR IT AT THE CONTACT'S EX…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO GRIND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER SEPARATED AND WAS LEANING AGAINST THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE DEALER OFFERED TO REPAIR IT AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AS THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10365471

140,000 miles · Oct 13, 2010
Air BagsCrash

WAS DRIVING 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT WHERE MY CAR T-BONED ANOTHER CAR AT ABOUT 50MPH, FRONT IMPACT ON MY CAR. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10360212

90,358 miles · Sep 15, 2010
Seats

DRIVERS SEAT STUCK IN THE BACK POSITION. COULD NOT ADJUST SEAT TO DRIVE AS I AM VERY SHORT WAS VERY SCARY TRYING TO GET HOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355816

135,000 miles · Sep 15, 2010
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT HE EXPERIENCED HEAVY RESISTANCE. HE WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON FOUR DIF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT HE EXPERIENCED HEAVY RESISTANCE. HE WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THE STRUT TOWER WAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 135,000.

NHTSA ODI #10355787

97,000 miles · Sep 9, 2010
StructureSuspension

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 TOWE…

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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. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NOT ONLY HAD THE STRUT TOWER RUSTED AT THE BOTTOM, BUT THE LT FRAME RAIL HAD RUSTED AND ESSENTIALLY DISINTEGRATED WHERE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE JOINED TO THE STRUT TOWER. WITHOUT THE SUPPORT, THE REMAINING WELDS ON THE STRUT TOWER WERE UNABLE TO HOLD IT IN PLACE. UPDATED EVOQ 10/15/10*JB UPDATED 11/12/10.*JB UPDATED 01/13/11*BF UP[DATED 02/10/11*BF UPDATED 03/14/11 UPDATED03/25/11

NHTSA ODI #10354653

95,000 miles · Aug 21, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IS PRESENT AFTER FILLING UP AND LASTS UNTIL THE TANK IS APPROXIMATELY 3/4 FULL. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN 2 WEEKS AGO. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME THE TANK IS FILLED. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATED THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2007 FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE …

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A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE IS PRESENT AFTER FILLING UP AND LASTS UNTIL THE TANK IS APPROXIMATELY 3/4 FULL. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN 2 WEEKS AGO. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME THE TANK IS FILLED. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATED THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2007 FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE IS 9-12-07. THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER AND WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN NEW YORK. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AND PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2004 IN NORTH CAROLINA. CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEFECT ARE POSSIBLE GASOLINE FIRE AND TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE VEHICLE AND DEATH OF ALL PASSENGERS. THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND WILL NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL THE DEALER HONORS THE RECALL. SO FAR ALL CONVERSATIONS WITH THE DEALER AND NISSAN HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS, AND BOTH PARTIES DECLARE THE VEHICLE HAS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS AND THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE NHTSA RECALL BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF ANY SUCH RECALL. WHEN I PUSHED THEM WITH THE INFORMATION ON THE NHTSA ID NUMBER FOR THE RECALL, THEIR RESPONSE WAS "THE NHTSA DOES NOT OWN NISSAN." THE NHTSA ID NUMBER IS 07V435000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10350866

Official recalls

3

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.

01V282000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

Aug 30, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BRACKETS USED TO ATTACH THE TWO GAS STRUTS TO THE REAR DOOR (HATCH) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MADE. AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INCREASE IN GAS PRESSURE IN THE STRUT(S) COULD CAUSE ONE OR BOTH BRACKETS TO BEND, RESULTING IN THE STRUTS DETACHING FROM THE BRACKET(S) WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING THE REAR DOOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF BOTH STRUTS DETACH FROM THE BRACKETS, THE DOOR WILL RAPIDLY FALL DOWN, POSSIBLY STRIKING SOMEONE AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD 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.