1997 Nissan Pathfinder

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

The vehicle swings left to right when cruising at about any speed. When the vehicle is pulling it does not swing or sway, however once the vehicle has got up to a desired speed and you try to maintain a steady speed it starts a “death wobble” which nearly cannot hold it on correct side of the road. You have to increase speed or reduce speed dramatically to regain control of the vehicle.

I HAVE TAKEN MY NISSAN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DECODE MY ENGINE LIGHT. I HAVE PAID FOR SEVERAL REPAIRS TO HAVE THE EVAL CODE CORRECTED. AFTER THE LAST ATTEMPT OF TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I WAS TOLD THAT MY EVAL TUBE IS CLOGGED THROUGHOUT AND THE PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE WITH NISSAN. I'M STUCK WITH A CLOGGED SYSTEM THAT IS UNREPAIRABLE.

VEHICLE HAS A SEVERE SHIMMY WHEN LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR, EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS. DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON DRY PAVEMENT ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF HIGHWAY: AT AROUND 55-60 MPH, THE BACK END OF VEHICLE SWAYS VIOLENTLY, WITH NO WARNING OR APPARENT CAUSE. DRIVER FEELS THAT IF SPEED IS NOT IMMEDIATELY DECREASED, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO OUT OF CONTROL.

A DEFECT IN THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FILL TUBE ALLOWED ROAD SALT TO FORM RUST ON THE FUEL FILL AND OR VENT TUBE RESULTING IN FUEL VAPORS TO ESCAPE IN THE AIR AROUND THE GAS TANK. IT IS HEAVY AT TIMES. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NISSAN SAYS MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS NOTICED WHEN EVER YOU WALK BY THE CAR. STATIONARY. ANY WHERE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING , SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND FROM THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

THE VEHICLE LOST STRUTS, STEERING RACK, AND HAS SERIOUS ISSUES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I SPOKE WITH THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T NEED TO FIX. THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS FALLING APART.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOBBLED VIOLENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

DRIVING TRUCK GOT SO BAD IT WAS HARD TO KEEP IN ROAD..WOULD GO SIDE TO SIDE ON HIGHWAY AND TURNS WERE NOT EASY TO SAY IN LANE.TOOK TO CLARKTIRE CO ..THEY REPLACED LOTS OF PARTS AND SAID MOUNTS FOR SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE PRETTY BADLY RUSTED CAUSING EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THOSE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWAYED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT REDUCED SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN IN 2011 ( REPLACED WITH USED PART ) STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN IN 2013 ( REPLACED WITH NEW NISSAN ORIGINAL PART) STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN 10 2014 (REPLACED WITH NEW NISSAN ORIGINAL PART) CORRODED STRUT TOWER. STEERING SHAFT RESTING ON THE CORRODED STRUT TOWER/ STEERING TOWER BREAKING WHILE DRIVING. IN ONE OF THE INCIDENTS, IT BROKE ON A MAJOR STREET IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ( 11TH AND PENNSYLVANIA AVE ) COST OF TOWING WAS $150.00. *TR

THE TRAILER ARMS FAILED. THIS IS WHAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE STEADY AND WILL CAUSE THE TRUCK TO SWAY OR HULA HOOP THE REAR END. I REPLACED THEM MYSELF $160.00 FOR THE PARTS 3HOURS UNDER THE CAR. ALSO REPLACED THE SHOCKS 5 DAYS LATER. RIDES LIKE NEW. LOOKS LIKE THE FRAME IS ALSO ROTTING OUT. HOPE THEY OPEN A RECALL ON THE FRAME. I WILL CHECK THE FRONT STRUT HOUSING FOR RUST. *TR

THE FRAME, INCLUDING CHASSIS, SUSPENSION AND BODY HAS EXTENSIVE RUST. THE SUSPENSION IS CAVING INTO THE CHASSIS DUE TO EXTENSIVE CHASSIS RUST. THE RUST IS NOT DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF VEHICLE. IT IS DUE TO INADEQUATE COATING TO PREVENT RUST. THE VEHICLES OF SAME MODEL (YEAR) OF OTHER MAKES HAVE MINIMAL RUST COMPARED TO THIS VEHICLE. EVEN THE MECHANICS I HAVE APPROACHED HAVE SIMILAR OPINION THAT THIS VEHICLE ACROSS THE BOARD IS POORLY BUILT, AND MORE RUST PRONE. THE VEHICLE CAN BE POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC IF THE RUST EATS THROUGH AND MAKES SUSPENSION/AXLES COLLAPSE, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL FOR RUST ISSUES, BUT THE RECALL ONLY COVERED PART OF THE PROBLEM, WHILE THERE IS MORE EXTENSIVE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR

THE VEHICLE STARTS SWAYING DANGEROUSLY, AT A SPEED OF 20 MPH . AT A HIGHER SPEED THE CAR WILL STARTS BACK SWAYING AND FISH TAILING AND WOULD FLIP SPECIALLY ON A WET ROADS, NO CONTROL TO IT. *TR

THE ROUND RUNNING BOARDS ARE RUSTING SEVERELY AND POSE A DANGER TO ANYONE ENTERING OR EXITING THE VEHICLE. THIS ITEM SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

WHEN I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE TRUCK WILL START TO ROCK AND FISHTAIL AT RANDOM AND ERRATIC TIMES CAUSING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLES EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SAME INCIDENT AND FEEL NISSAN SHOULD CORRECT THERE ENGINEERING FAILURE. *TR

AT AROUND 120000 MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY UNCONTROLLABLY. MECHANICS COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. ONLY WAY TO STOP THE SWAY IS TO TAP THE BRAKES OR ACCELERATE. HAPPENS QUITE OFTEN AND IS DOWNRIGHT SCARY AT TIMES. ALSO THE ENTIRE UNDERBODY / FRAME IS EXTREMELY CORRODED. VEHICLE SHOULD NOT CORRODE THAT QUICKLY. ALL UNDERBODY PARTS ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED. *TR

AT RANDOM... THIS PATHFINDER WILL GO INTO A CRAZY DEATH WOBBLE, TO THE POINT TO WERE IT WANTS TO PUT YOUR HEAD AND THE HEADS OF YOUR CHILDREN THREW THE WINDOWS. I HAVE REPLACED THE SHOCKS IN THE CAR. BUT YET THE PROBLEM REMAINS. MY CAR IS AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW RACKING UP A BILL THAT I CAN NOT AFFORD, FOR SOMETHING THEY WILL MOST LIKELY NOT BE ABLE TO FIX. I HAVE READ A HUNDRED COMPLAINTS ON LINE THAT DESCRIBE THE SAME PROBLEM TO A T. GOD HELP US! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 157,000.

VEHICLE SWAYS VERY BAD DURING MODERATE ACCELERATION AND STOP IF YOU PUSH THE BRAKE OR SPEED UP. FEELS REALLY DANGEROUS AND FOUND OTHERS WITH SAME VEHICLE AND SAME PROBLEM. *TR

EXTREME REAR END WOBBLE (SWAY) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE DISPLAYED HAVING A QUARTER TANK OF FUEL IN THE FUEL GAUGE AND WAS DRIVEN SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IF IT WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE OR DOWNHILL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE FUEL FENDING UNIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED A SEPARATION OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE STRUT. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OVER A SPEED BUMP AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 174,000. UPDATED 8/24/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATD THE FRONT AND REAR SWAY BAR LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING:COLUMN). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO THE RECALL AND DID NOT INFORM THE CONTACT OF THE REPAIRS NEEDED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE STRUT HOUSING WAS CORRODED AND THE RECALL REPAIR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,600.

I BOUGHT MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER A FEW MONTHS AGO AS MY SECOND VEHICLE TO GET BACK AND FORTH TO WORK SOME 30 MILES ONE WAY. I CAN'T DRIVE IT MORE THAN UP THE STREET BECAUSE IT HAS DEVELOPED A SEVERE SWAYING DEFECT WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH. IT IS SO BAD THAT IT FEELS LIKE AN AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE!. IT IS VERY VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET TO TRY TO GET SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE OVER SEVERAL YEARS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS "DEATH SWAY" THAT IT IS ACTUALLY APPALLING THAT NISSAN OR THE CONSUMER SAFETY DEPARTMENT HASN'T STEPPED IN TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE FOUND THAT IT IS A REAR UPPER AND LOWER BUSHING ARM THAT SEEMS TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT AT A HEFTY EXPENSE OF UP TO $1,000. A LIFE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE TAKEN FOR NISSAN TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS WELL DOCUMENTED DEFECT. NISSAN NOT BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS DEFECT IS INEXCUSABLE. *TR

PLEASE NOTE THAT NISSAN DEALERSHIP ONLY PATCHED UP THE STRUT TOWER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY PROBLEMS WITH STEERING. I AM AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE REPAIR SERVICES THAT WERE COMPLETED AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN TURNERVILLE N.J. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL FILLER TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V435000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY: FILLER PIPE AND CAP). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V244000(SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHEET METAL THAT WAS USED TO COVER THE RUST ON THE STRUT TOWER PER THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT WHEN DRIVING UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARD TO THE INADEQUATE RECALL REMEDY BUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A RESPONSE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

97 PATHFINDER SAFETY PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION LINKS. SIDE TO SIDE SWAY. IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO FLIP .ARE THESE PARTS DEFECTIVE? ARE THEY OF INFERIOR QUALITY? THIS CAN CAUSED AN UNSAFE CONDITION ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SEAMS LIKE NISSAN USA IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. SERVICE BULLETIN CLASSIFICATION: RA97-002, REFERENCE: NTB98-001, HOPEFULLY WE DON'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMEBODY GETS KILL FOR NISSAN TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

I RECEIVED NISSAN CAR RECALL PROGRAM(11V24400) AND GOT INSPECTION AT LOCAL NISSAN DEALER(NISSAN NORTH AMERICA,INC. NY) ON 07/14/11. THE INSPECTION REPORT SHOWING MY CAR "FOUND EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON LEFT STRUT" SINCE LAST YEAR(07/14/11) INSPECTION NISSAN DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY SERVICE OF MY CAR PROBLEM(I BEEN CALL THEIR DEALER FEW TIMES). I GOT ANSWER FROM NISSAN IS THEY DON'T HAVE THIS PARTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V244000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CORROSION ON THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS UN-REPAIRABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 02/01/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION, HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE STRUT TOWER. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STRUT TOWER, IT'S THE FRAME, THAT IS THE PROBLEM.

THIS WAS A MULTICAR ACCIDENT INVOLVING THE PATHFINDER DRIVEN BY MY SON. THE PATHFINDER WAS STOPPED BEHIND ANOTHER CAR (A PRIUS) AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN THE PATHFINDER WAS REAR-ENDED BY A SUV AT FULL SPEED (NO ATTEMPT TO BRAKE). THE SHOCK FROM BEHIND WAS SO VIOLENT THAT THE PATHFINDER HIT THE PRIUS, CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE PATHFINDER (BUMPER, GRILL, ENGINE HOOD, RADIATOR, ETC.) AND THE REAR OF THE PRIUS. THE INSURANCE DECLARED THE PATHFINDER A TOTAL LOSS. DESPITE MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE BACK AND FRONT OF THE PATHFINDER, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED! LUCKILY FOR MY SON, THE SEAT-BELT DID ITS WORK. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WERE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V244000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

I MOVED TO CHARLESTON SC IN JUNE OF 2007 FROM RICHMOND VA. I BEGAN TO HEAR A CLICKING SOUND WHENEVER I WOULD TURN A CORNER OR TURN STEERING WHEEL TO PARK OR LEAVE DRIVEWAY ABOUT A YEAR AGO. EVERYTIME I TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR OIL CHANGE OR MAINTENANCE, I WOULD TELL MECHANIC. IT WASN'T UNTIL MAY OF 2011 SOMEONE ACTUALLY CHECKED FRONT TIRES AND AXLES AND STRUT MOUNTS. THIS IS WHEN I WAS INFORMED OF DAMAGE. I STILL HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS TRYING TO REPAIR NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS BECAUSE NOONE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG. I'VE HAD TO PAY FOR THREE FRONT END ALIGNMENTS IN TWO WEEKS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. NOW I DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER UNTIL ABOUT 2 OR 3 WEEKS AGO AND IT DOES NOT LIST RICHMOND VA AS ONE OF THE STATES, HOWEVER, EVERY YEAR I LIVED IN VA WE HAD LOTS OF SNOW AND SALT WAS PUT DOWN WITH SAND. WE ALSO HAD FLOOD GASTON IN AUGUST OF 2005 SO THERE WERE NUMEROUS STATE THAT EXPERIENCED REGULAR SALT USE IN THE WINTER.I WOULD APPRECIATE NISSAN SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT FOR INSPECTION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER STRUT TOWER HOUSING ASSEMBLY. ON THE RECALL NISSAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CERTAIN STATES THAT USES ROAD SALT CAN DEVELOP CORROSION THAT CAN LEAD TO STEERING DAMAGES. HOWEVER, THE RECALL LETTER THAT WAS SENT TO ME WAS STATING THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN THAT STATES AND ALSO STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WILL NOT BE COVERED FOR THE APPLICABLE REPAIRS. WHEN I WAS IN ACTIVE MILITARY I WAS STATIONED TO GREAT LAKES IL. FROM SEPTEMBER 2006 TO JUNE 2010. I WAS RESIDING AT[XXX]. MY IL STATES DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER WAS [XXX] AND WAS ISSUED [XXX]. I'M WRITING THIS COMPLAINT TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL APPLICABLE INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS FOR MY VEHICLE WILL BE COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STRUT TOWERS CORROSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DETERIORATION OF THE STRUTS CAUSED VERY NOTICEABLE SHIMMYING AND SWAYING OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION. THE CORROSION OF THE STRUTS WAS SO SEVERE, THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE STRUTS IMMEDIATELY. UPON INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT BOTH STRUTS WERE ENTIRELY CORRODED, TO THE POINT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RELYING ON THE SPRINGS FOR SUPPORT. *JB

I HAD TO PAY TO REPAIR THE STRUT HOUSING SHEET METAL, THAT WAS GRINDING AGAINST THE STEERING ARM, ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS APPROXIMATELY--AND I AM WAITING TO GET THE RECEIPT,AS IT WAS PAID BY CREDIT CARD---$1340.00. WAS THE NAME OF THE REPAIR SHOP,. THE REPAIR WAS DONE BEFORE THE RECALL CAMPAIGN BEGAN. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND FRUSTRATED BY NISSAN'S LACK OF RESPONSE, SINCE I WAS INFORMED OF THE RECALL. THEY STATE, IN THE DOCUMENT , THAT WAS SENT TO ME, THAT I AM ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF RELATED EXPENSE OF REPAIR. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET A HOLD OF NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261, AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM, AFTER NUMEROUS MESSAGES AND VOICE-MAILS. NISSAN HAS NOT GOTTEN BACK TO ME, AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO REACH THEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED AN INSPECTION THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT STRUT TOWER AS BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

(NOTICED PROBLEM END OF 2007/ BEGINNING 2008 AND AGAIN IN 2011) I HAVE LOW MILEAGE ON PATHFINDER AND IT IS ONLY DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY AND IN TOWN. FIRST NOTICED WHEN DRIVING SPEEDS OVER 50 AND DURING SHIFTING ON HIGHWAY. VERY SLOPPY STEERING CONTROL, PATHFINDERS REAR SWAYING, SKIPPING AND JERKING SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS;VERY GOOD CHANCE OF FLIPPING OVER.TOOK TO DIFFERENT AUTO MECHANICS AND MOST COULD NOT FIGURE OUT ISSUE. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ALL DEFECTIVE - FAILED, BROKEN, CRACKED, OR /AND WORN BUSHINGS LINKS BOTH FRONT AND REAR. I RECENTLY COMPLETELY REPLACED THE BUSHINGS AND COMPONENTS AND AFTER 6500 MILES THEY ARE BROKEN/DEFECTIVE AND THE PATHFINDER IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN. I RESEARCHED THE BUSHING ISSUES WITH THE 1996 -2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER AND MOST ALL PATHFINDERS OF THIS YEARS ARE HAVING THIS SERIOUS SUSPENSION-DEFECTIVE BUSHING ISSUES. THEIR HAVE BEEN MANY UNANSWERED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND IS A DEFINITE RECALL ISSUE. PROTECT THE CONSUMER. REPORT THIS. PLEASE CK INTO THIS ASAP. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YET THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH DETECTED AN EMISSION TROUBLE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL FOR POSSIBLE CORROSION OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IN OCTOBER 2009, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE FLUID TO DRAIN FROM THE SYSTEM RESULTING IN MINIMAL BRAKING ACTION. THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE HAND BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE.. APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS LATER, WHILE HAVING THE MUFFLER REPLACED, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE STRUT TOWER WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC FURTHER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE STRUT TOWER DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME IN THE SAME MANNER. *JB

I WAS EXPERIENCING SWAYING IN MY REAR END AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAD A MECHANIC INSTALL NEW LINK BUSHINGS AND LINK RODS, BOTH UPPER AND LOWER. DUE TO RUST THE SECURING BOLTS AND BUSHINGS HAD TO BE TORCHED OUT. THIS IS VERY STRANGE AND MUST BE DUE TO INFERIOR PARTS SINCE I LIVE IN NEW MEXICO, A VERY DRY CLIMATE WHERE WE DO NOT TYPICALLY EXPERIENCE RUSTING ON VEHICLES OF THIS AGE. THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED IN NM AND I PURCHASED IT AT 40 SOME THOUSAND MILES AND DO NOT BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE EVER SPENT TIME IN A DAMP CLIMATE. THE ABOVE REPAIR TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOW I HAVE 139,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ONLY WORSE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V244000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT) WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE REPAIR WAS SUPPOSE TO REPLACE THE STRUT HOUSING. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK FOR AN INSPECTION. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THE REFUSE TO ASSIST WITH CORRECTING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

MY FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED AND DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL AND REALIZED THIS WAS WHAT WAS BEHIND THE ISSUE. *TR

RUST/CORROSION IN UNIBODY AT LOWER CONTROL ARM/STRUT ASSEMBLY ON 97' NISSAN PATHFINDER PASSENGER SIDE. THE PROBLEM/FAILURE IS EQUIVALENT IN SEVERITY TO THE SITUATION NISSAN IS RECALLING FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE. (PE11004) ALSO (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V244000). IF THE CORROSION BECOMES SEVERE ENOUGH, THE STRESSES INVOLVED IN THE STRUT ASSEMBLY OPERATION LOADS, COMPOUNDED BY THE LATERAL LOADS CREATED BY STEERING, AND HANDLING, MAY CAUSE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, LOWER BALL JOINT/STRUT MOUNT TO SEPARATE FROM THE UNIBODY. THIS WOULD INVARIABLY RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, AND QUITE PROBABLY, IN A HIGHWAY SPEED FAILURE, THROW THE VEHICLE INTO A SKID AS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL STUFFS ITSELF INTO THE WHEEL WELL AREA. *TT

THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER HAS BROKEN OFF FROM RUST ON THE FRAME AND IS PUSHING UP AGAINST THE HOOD. MY MECHANIC ADVISED ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE AT ALL AND AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE I WAS FORCED TO GO OUT AND PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED. IT PRESENTLY HAS JUST UNDER 110,000 MILES ON IT.

DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT STRUT TOWER RUSTED AND FAILED, DROPPED 4 INCHES, IN CONTACT WITH BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, NEAR STEERING COLUMN. VEHICLE QUIT ON INTERSTATE, SMOKE IN CABIN, COMPUTER BURNED, WIRES TO RELAY BOX OVER LEFT STRUT WORN AND SHORTED, BLOWN FUEL INJECTOR RELAY FUSES . MECHANIC SAYS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. UPDATED 07/26/11 UPDATED 02/27/12 *BF *TR UPDATED 03/02/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO EXHIBIT GRINDING NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DRIVER AND HE NOTICED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 154,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH MICHELIN CROSS TERRAIN TIRES, LINE SIZE 265/70/R15 (N/A). THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIZE TIRE BLEW. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED AGAINST A WALL AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSE BY A ROAD HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED TO FILE A COMPLAINT AND INSPECT THE TIRE YET THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

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.