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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 →

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
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Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2008
Suspension

MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS THE WELL DOCUMENTED "DEATH WOBBLES" ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY IT IS THE REAR BUSHINGS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE. CAUSES SEVERE UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. I'VE HEARD THE SAME STORY FROM MANY NISSAN OWNERS. I'M FRIGHTENED TO EVEN SELL THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASON…

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MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS THE WELL DOCUMENTED "DEATH WOBBLES" ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. APPARENTLY IT IS THE REAR BUSHINGS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE. CAUSES SEVERE UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. I'VE HEARD THE SAME STORY FROM MANY NISSAN OWNERS. I'M FRIGHTENED TO EVEN SELL THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY REASONS EVEN WHEN I TELL A BUYER ABOUT THE FACTORY PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10222569

75,000 miles · Nov 9, 2007
Suspension

I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE (81,000 MILES); AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT THE FRONT SHOCKS WERE SHOT; THEN A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT NO - IT WAS THE FRONT STRUTS. I HAVE SINCE FOUND A WEB SITE WITH MANY OWNERS OF THIS VINTAGE MODEL THAT TELL ME THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE 8 REAR CONTROL ARM BUSH…

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I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE (81,000 MILES); AT FIRST I THOUGHT THAT THE FRONT SHOCKS WERE SHOT; THEN A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT NO - IT WAS THE FRONT STRUTS. I HAVE SINCE FOUND A WEB SITE WITH MANY OWNERS OF THIS VINTAGE MODEL THAT TELL ME THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE 8 REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. NISSAN SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS - THIS IS DANGEROUS. AT VERY LEAST, THEY SHOULD NOTIFY OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10208511

167,000 miles · Sep 22, 2007
Suspension

97 PATHFINDER DRIVING AT 60-70MPH STARTED SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE UNCONTROLLABLY. NOTICING NOW EVEN AT SLOWER SPEEDS THE PROBLEM EXISTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10203711

114,800 miles · Aug 13, 2007
Suspension

CAR DEVELOPED A SIDE-TO-SIDE WOBBLE, MOSTLY IN THE REAR, AT SPEEDS FROM ABOUT 50 TO 65 MPH. WOBBLE IS NOT INDUCED BY STEERING WHEEL; IT JUST HAPPENS. IT'S WORSE WHEN CAR HAS PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED BY REPLACING THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS (OR TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS), ONLY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. …

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CAR DEVELOPED A SIDE-TO-SIDE WOBBLE, MOSTLY IN THE REAR, AT SPEEDS FROM ABOUT 50 TO 65 MPH. WOBBLE IS NOT INDUCED BY STEERING WHEEL; IT JUST HAPPENS. IT'S WORSE WHEN CAR HAS PASSENGERS IN THE BACK SEAT. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED BY REPLACING THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS (OR TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS), ONLY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS. IT IS A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, AND IT IS VERY COMMON FOR 97 AND 98 NISSAN PATHFINDERS, AND A LOT OF USERS REPLACE MANY OTHER PARTS (SHOCK ABSORBERS, TIRES, ETC) THAT DON'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND CAN CAUSE A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10199357

112,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Suspension

I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT HAS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. AT 55-65 MPH IT SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. IT HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND THE WOBBLE IS CAUSED BY BAD BUSHINGS IN THE REAR OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE LOSS OF L…

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I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT HAS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. AT 55-65 MPH IT SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. IT HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND THE WOBBLE IS CAUSED BY BAD BUSHINGS IN THE REAR OF THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT THIS CONDITION WILL CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY. IN MY CASE I ESCAPED INJURY WHEN IT CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10199012

89,000 miles · Jul 19, 2007
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR GREATER, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYS LEFT TO RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR STRUTS AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MADE THE REPLACEMENT, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OR GREATER, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYS LEFT TO RIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR STRUTS AND TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MADE THE REPLACEMENT, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND FRONT BRAKES. AS OF JULY 19, 2007, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 89,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ

NHTSA ODI #10196859

127 miles · Jul 9, 2007
Suspension

97 NISSAN PATHFINDER - DANGEROUSLY SWAYS LEFT TO RIGHT ONCE YOU DRIVE ABOVE 60 MPH. BEEN TO REPAIRS MANY TIMES AND HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10195625

85,000 miles · Jun 28, 2007
Suspension

I OWN A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE SUSPENSION FAILED BY SWAYING BACK AND FORTH. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WILL ROLL OVER. DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS CLEARLY FORESEEABLE. IN ORDER TO STOP THE SWAY, I NEEDED TO DECELERATE. HOWEVER, AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE SUSPENSION FAIL…

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I OWN A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE SUSPENSION FAILED BY SWAYING BACK AND FORTH. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE CAR WILL ROLL OVER. DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS CLEARLY FORESEEABLE. IN ORDER TO STOP THE SWAY, I NEEDED TO DECELERATE. HOWEVER, AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED. DUE TO THE CONTINUOUS NATURE OF THIS FAILURE I HAD INCLUDED THE NUMBER 999 BELOW IN THE NUMBER OF FAILURE FIELDS TO DENOTE THAT HE FAILURE WAS CONTINUOUS. JANUARY 1, 2005 AS THE INCIDENT DATE TO INDICATED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING FAILURE OF THE SUSPENSION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10194851

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2007
Suspension

I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE. IT HAS A SEVERE WOBBLE AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AND ABOVE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SUSPENSION ,SO I REPLACED IT. THE WOBBLE CONTINUED. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT ITWAS COMMON WITH EVERY PATHFINDER IN THE 1990'S AFTER THE VEHICLE PASSED AP…

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I HAVE A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE. IT HAS A SEVERE WOBBLE AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AND ABOVE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SUSPENSION ,SO I REPLACED IT. THE WOBBLE CONTINUED. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT ITWAS COMMON WITH EVERY PATHFINDER IN THE 1990'S AFTER THE VEHICLE PASSED APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES. THE LOW QUALITY BUSHINGS DETERIORATED AND COULD NOT SUPPORT THE VEHICLE. WEIGHT SHIFTED DURING ACCELERATION AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. I HAVE PULLED OVER NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE OF IT. IT APPEARED THAT EVERY PATHFINDER OF THIS MODEL YEAR RANGE WAS PLAGUED BY THIS PROBLEM. THE CHEAPEST I HAVE FOUND THIS REPAIR WAS $700, HOWEVER, IT SEEMED LIKE THISWAS THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER. I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED TO FIND ACCIDENTS THAT HAD TO DO WITH THIS SUB-QUALITY PART. WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR NISSAN TO PUT FORTH A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10185627

50,000 miles · Jan 18, 2007
Suspension

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER (50000 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO REDUCE HIS SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE SWAYING TO STOP AND REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY …

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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HIS 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER (50000 FAILURE MILEAGE) AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO REDUCE HIS SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE SWAYING TO STOP AND REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY NOTIFIED HIM THAT THE REAR STABILIZER ARMS WERE WORN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10179064

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.