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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

Tires complaints

16 reports
Clear category filter
180,000 miles · May 2, 2011
TiresCrashInjury

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 DEAL…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10398674

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2004
Tires

ON SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2004, AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 DRIVING ON THE EAST BOUND LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY OHE OF THE TIRES ON MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SHREDDED/CAME APART THE TIRE IS A BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT 265/70/15 # ELEKDCL1100. I JUST PURCHASED THE TRUCK ONE MONTH AGO, AND FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD AT THE BRIDGESTON/FIRESTONE DEALER …

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ON SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2004, AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 DRIVING ON THE EAST BOUND LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY OHE OF THE TIRES ON MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER SHREDDED/CAME APART THE TIRE IS A BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT 265/70/15 # ELEKDCL1100. I JUST PURCHASED THE TRUCK ONE MONTH AGO, AND FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD AT THE BRIDGESTON/FIRESTONE DEALER THE TIRE IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD. 3 YEAR OLD TIRES SHOULD WEAR DOWN NOT COME APART. I WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP ON THE SHOULDER. MY TRUCK SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE FRONT 1/4 PANEL, DOOR, WHEEL WELL MOLDING, THE ALUMINUM WHEEL AND RUNNING BOARD. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE. THIS VEHICLE HELPS TO ALLOW ME TO MAKE A LIVING AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENT TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. I CONTACTED BRIDGESTONE AND WAS GIVEN THE RUN AROUND AND CAN ONLY HOPE THIS CAN BE RESOLVED IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS OR SO, WHICH IS VERY HARD FOR ME TO ACCEPT. IF YOU CAN GIVE/FORWARD ANY FURTHER INFORMATION TO ME I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. I CAN ALSO BE REACHED AT 631-463-9084. THANK YOU FOR HANDLING THIS IN AN EXPEDIENT MANNER PAUL BALSAMO . *AK

NHTSA ODI #10062193

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2003
Tires

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TIRES HAD TREAD SEPARATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. SIZE#23575R15 PLEASE PROVIDE THE DOT#.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10026670

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2002
SteeringTires

WHILE DRIVING 40-45 A REAR TIRE WAS MAKING NOISE, STEERING WHEEL AND REAR TIRES LOCKED UP. CONSUMER TRIED TO PULL VEHICLE OVER ACCELERATOR PEDAL, HAD NO POWER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8016283

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2002
Tires

FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT DOT VDHL AWR, WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A POP SOUND AND VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING. CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT. *AK *TT

NHTSA ODI #8011994

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2002
TiresInjury

CLAIM NUMBER 38-J636-167 - WHILE DRIVING (ROADHUGGER RADIAL GT / PERFORMANCE RADIAL GT P235 70R15; DOT# IS PJM1 DXKR 489) TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES, 4 INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. *TT

NHTSA ODI #6901108

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2002
TiresInjury

CLAIM NUMBER 43-R733-414 - WHILE DRIVING REAR TIRE (GENERAL ALL SEASON P235/70R15 DOT A3M1 2WH OR 81240-1P870131404) BLEW OUT CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL AND VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN ENBANKMENT INTO A REVENE, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED, INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. *TT

NHTSA ODI #6901107

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2001
Tires

PURCHASED 4 TIRES FROM SEARS ON 07/27/00 AT COST OF $561.75. ON 05/05/01 WOBBLING NOTICED WITH ONLY 23423 MILES OF WEAR. RETURNED TO SEARS ON 07/02/2001 TO REPORT PROBABLE BELT SEPARATING. THEY REPORTED FEATHERING OF TREAD. THEY WANTED TO SELL ME NEW TIRES, NOT HONOR WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. ADVISED B…

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PURCHASED 4 TIRES FROM SEARS ON 07/27/00 AT COST OF $561.75. ON 05/05/01 WOBBLING NOTICED WITH ONLY 23423 MILES OF WEAR. RETURNED TO SEARS ON 07/02/2001 TO REPORT PROBABLE BELT SEPARATING. THEY REPORTED FEATHERING OF TREAD. THEY WANTED TO SELL ME NEW TIRES, NOT HONOR WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. ADVISED BY NISSAN DEALER NOT TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCE DUE TO POSSIBLE BLOW OUT. CONTACTED SEARS CUSTOMER RELATIONS. AWAITING REPLY. THESE ARE BF GOODRICH TIRES ALL TERRAIN RADIALS, 30X9.50R15LT. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE.*AK (TIRESIZE: 30950R15LT)

NHTSA ODI #747740

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2001
TiresCrash

WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEWOUT, VEHICLE SPUN AND HIT A STEEL POST CAUSING $4000 IN DAMAGE, TIRES ARE BF GOODRICH , SIZE P265/70R15. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #882431

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2001
Tires

BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT TIRES P235/75R15 HAVE CRACKS ALONG THE SIDEWALL FROM THE TREAD NEAR THE CASING, IN THE FALL OF 1997 THERE WAS A RECALL DUE TO THESE TIRE WEARING UNEVENLY, AFTER SEEING THESE TIRES, BRIDGESTONE DEALER STATED THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE PREVIOUS RECALL, HOWEVER BRIDGESTONE REFUSED TO ADJUST THE TIRES. …

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BRIDGESTONE DUELER HT TIRES P235/75R15 HAVE CRACKS ALONG THE SIDEWALL FROM THE TREAD NEAR THE CASING, IN THE FALL OF 1997 THERE WAS A RECALL DUE TO THESE TIRE WEARING UNEVENLY, AFTER SEEING THESE TIRES, BRIDGESTONE DEALER STATED THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE PREVIOUS RECALL, HOWEVER BRIDGESTONE REFUSED TO ADJUST THE TIRES. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #878135

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.