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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

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1Investigations

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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

Suspension complaints

105 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2011
Suspension

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 STR…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10433293

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2011
SteeringStructureSuspension

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 CAMPA…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10432789

134,000 miles · Oct 21, 2011
Suspension

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10432385

55 miles · Oct 7, 2011
SteeringSuspensionWheels

(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 T…

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(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

NHTSA ODI #10429029

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2011
Suspension

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10424852

123,000 miles · Sep 5, 2011
Suspension

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 T…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10423779

150,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Suspension

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 INSPE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10417089

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2011
StructureSuspension

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

NHTSA ODI #10415023

157,000 miles · Jul 16, 2011
StructureSuspensionWheels

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 T…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10413125

190,000 miles · Jun 5, 2011
Electrical SystemSuspension

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10404476

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.