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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

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

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

What owners actually said

217 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2010
Unknown Or OtherCrash

I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON 10/10/08 INVOLVING MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER VIN#[XXX] , AND 5 OTHER VEHICLES INCLUDING MY OWN 2ND CAR. ALL OF WHICH WERE PARKED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE STREET. THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY MY PATHFINDER'S GAS PEDAL FAILURE WHICH CAUSED IT TO STAY AT THE PRESSED DOWN POSITION…

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I AM WRITING IN REGARDS TO AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON 10/10/08 INVOLVING MY 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER VIN#[XXX] , AND 5 OTHER VEHICLES INCLUDING MY OWN 2ND CAR. ALL OF WHICH WERE PARKED ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE STREET. THE ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY MY PATHFINDER'S GAS PEDAL FAILURE WHICH CAUSED IT TO STAY AT THE PRESSED DOWN POSITION WHILE GOING AT ABOUT 30MPH, AND I WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE, THUS HITTING THE OTHER 5 CARS. THANKS TO THE PRESENCE OF THESE CARS, MY PATHFINDER WAS ABLE TO STOP AND MY SAFETY SPARED. WHEN I FILED THE CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY GEICO (POLICY #[XXX] ), I SPECIFICALLY TOLD THEM THAT THIS ACCIDENT WAS NOT CAUSED BY MY RECKLESSNESS OR LACK OF EXPERIENCE, BUT INSTEAD, IT WAS DUE TO MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE CLAIM #S RELATED TO THE INCIDENTS ARE: [XXX] AND [XXX] . DESPITE OF THAT, MY INSURANCE PREMIUM NEARLY DOUBLED. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND FAULT IN THE GAS PEDAL UPON INSPECTION. I HAD SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD THE CAR. THE RECENT TOYOTA RECALLS HAVE BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF THAT INCIDENT. I BELIEVE THE MECHANICAL FAILURE ON THE PATHFINDER WAS EXTREMELY SIMILAR TO THOSE ON THE TOYOTAS. I HAVE SEEN MY FORMER VEHICLE PARKED AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD UNDER THE NEW OWNERSHIP. I HAVE NOTED DOWN THE LICENSE PLATE NUMBER SHOULD NHTSA DECIDE TO TRACK IT DOWN FOR INSPECTION. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO REPORT THE ABOVE PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED MY FORMER NISSAN VEHICLE OUT OF CONCERN FOR THE CURRENT OWNER'S SAFETY. IN ADDITION, ITS FALLOUT HAS BROUGHT ME GREAT FINANCIAL AND MENTAL BURDEN. I HOPE AND WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF NHTSA COULD TAKE THE TIME AND LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR

NHTSA ODI #10325759

133,332 miles · Mar 18, 2010
Unknown Or Other

TL- CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE DRIVER STATES SHE WAS RECENTLY TRYING TO SELL HER VEHICLE SO SHE WENT TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE A CAR-FAX DONE ON HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATES THE DEALER TOLD HER THAT HER VIN NUMBER WAS COMING BACK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SOLD WITH C4C IN 2009 AND A JUNK TITLE CERTIFIC…

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TL- CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE DRIVER STATES SHE WAS RECENTLY TRYING TO SELL HER VEHICLE SO SHE WENT TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE A CAR-FAX DONE ON HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATES THE DEALER TOLD HER THAT HER VIN NUMBER WAS COMING BACK STATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SOLD WITH C4C IN 2009 AND A JUNK TITLE CERTIFICATE WAS ISSUED. THE DRIVER STATES SHE HAS OWNED THE VEHICLE OVER 10 YEARS SO SHE HAS NOT IDEA WHY THIS WOULD BE. THE MILEAGE ON HER VEHICLE IS 133,332. AR

NHTSA ODI #10320635

170,000 miles · Feb 7, 2010
Suspension

OUR 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER DEVELOPS A REAR ROCKING MOTION (SWAY, WOBBLE) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT WOULD CLEARLY PUT THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL IF NOT QUICKLY STOPPED, WHICH CAN USUALLY BE ACCOMPLISHED BY LETTING OFF THE GAS. THIS HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY AND REPEATEDLY, SOMETIMES EVEN AT LOWER SPEEDS (IN THE 40 MPH RANGE.) THE SENSA…

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OUR 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER DEVELOPS A REAR ROCKING MOTION (SWAY, WOBBLE) AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT WOULD CLEARLY PUT THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL IF NOT QUICKLY STOPPED, WHICH CAN USUALLY BE ACCOMPLISHED BY LETTING OFF THE GAS. THIS HAPPENS CONTINUOUSLY AND REPEATEDLY, SOMETIMES EVEN AT LOWER SPEEDS (IN THE 40 MPH RANGE.) THE SENSATION IS VERY UNNERVING TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS NOT DUE TO ANYTHING THE DRIVER HAS DONE AND IT STRIKES WITHOUT WARNING. IN JUST A FEW SECONDS THE CAR FEELS LIKE 2 SECONDS MORE AND IT WILL FLIP OR ROLL OR CRASH INTO ANOTHER LANE! (TAKE A RIDE WITH ME, YOU'LL SEE I'M NOT EXAGGERATING.) THE TRICK IS TO STOP THE ROCKING AS SOON AS YOU NOTICE IT STARTING, USUALLY BY LETTING OFF THE GAS. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN TO MANY PATHFINDER OWNERS (IN THE 1996-200 RANGE) AND TO NISSAN, WHICH HAS PRODUCED A TSBS ON IT (NTB98-001, NTB98-012) BUT THE COMPANY HAS NOT DEALT WITH IT AS A RECALL. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE ($700-$1,400) REPAIR APPARENTLY DUE TO FAULTY CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS, THE SMART REPAIR IS APPARENTLY TO USE POLYURETHANE AFTER-MARKET BUSHINGS INSTEAD OF OEM (UNLESS YOU WANT IT TO COME BACK AGAIN IN LESS THAN 100K.) *TW WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR 6 MONTHS AND OURS SET IN AT ABOUT 170K BUT MANY OTHER OWNERS WERE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM 3 OR 4 YEARS AGO AT 100K. AND MANY ARE NOT HAPPY WITH HOW NISSAN HAS NOT HANDLED THIS DESIGN PROBLEM THEY CREATED.

NHTSA ODI #10307180

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

NISSAN WILL NOT HONOR VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR POSSIBLE FUEL TANK PROBLEM SEE NTB07-078 FUEL FILLER TUBE CORROSION. THE CAR EXHIBITS ALL THE SYMPTOMS (HEAVY FUEL SMELL AROUND FILLER) BUT THEY REFUSE TO LOOK AT IT REF CASE# CREATED AT THEIR CUSTOMER CENTER 1-800-NISSAN1 FIELD REP WONT AUTHORIZE DIAGNOSTIC VISIT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10302084

78,000 miles · Dec 24, 2009
Suspension

1997 PATHFINDER WOBBLES IN THE REAR WILDLY AT TIMES, USUALLY WHEN I HIT THE ACCELERATOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296901

98,000 miles · Jun 28, 2009
SuspensionInjury

97 PATHFINDER SAFETY PROBLEM WITH REAR SUSPENSION LINKS. SIDE TO SIDE SWAY. ALMOST CAUSED VEHICLE TO FLIP IT IS SO BAD. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. WHY HAS THE NHTSA NOT DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM! DANGEROUS??? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275149

124,000 miles · Mar 4, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND SOMETIMES SLOWER THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BETWEEN 4 -5 TIMES. THE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED NORMALLY. WHEN THE STALLING OCCURS, THE RPMS INCREASE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATES. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE WITH THE DEAL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AND SOMETIMES SLOWER THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BETWEEN 4 -5 TIMES. THE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED NORMALLY. WHEN THE STALLING OCCURS, THE RPMS INCREASE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATES. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE WITH THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS, BUT THERE IS A TECH BULLETIN FOR THE 1996-1999 MODELS REGARDING IDLE SPEED FAILURES. THE CONTACT WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS PERTAINED TO HER VEHICLE AS WELL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 124,196. UPDATED 3/19/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND IT WOULD ACT AS IF THE GAS WAS NOT BEING APPLIED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED AND THE CONSUEMR HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS SINCE. UPDATED 03/25/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10260713

143,000 miles · Feb 27, 2009
Fuel System, Other

FUEL FILLER TUBE RUSTED OUT AND FELL OUT. NISSAN IS TELLING ME ITS NOT COVERED ON RECALL. ALL 1997 PATHFINDERS HAD THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260183

140,000 miles · Jan 16, 2009
Suspension

VEHICLE IS A 1997 NISSAN PATHFINDER WOBBLES SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGH SPEEDS, VERY BUMPY SUSPENSION OTHERWISE. REPLACED SHOCKS AND STRUTS, AS WELL AS ALL TIRES, BUT PROBLEM REMAINS. NISSAN HAS POSTED A SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT A SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255377

118,000 miles · Nov 11, 2008
Suspension

THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER HAS PUSHED UP INTO THE HOOD DUE TO RUST ON THE FRAME. AFTER 118,000 MILES, THE ODOMETER ON OUR 97 PATHFINDER STOPPED WORKING AND WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A VERY LOUD BANG EVERY TIME WE HIT A BUMP WITH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHAN…

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THE LEFT FRONT STRUT TOWER HAS PUSHED UP INTO THE HOOD DUE TO RUST ON THE FRAME. AFTER 118,000 MILES, THE ODOMETER ON OUR 97 PATHFINDER STOPPED WORKING AND WE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A VERY LOUD BANG EVERY TIME WE HIT A BUMP WITH THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE DETERMINED THAT THE FRAME HAD ROTTED AND THE STRUT WAS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. HE SAID IT SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. WE HAD THE PATHFINDER TOWED TO A BODY SHOP FOR AN ESTIMATE, AND AFTER PLACING ON THE FRAME MACHINE DETERMINED THAT IT WOULD COST IN EXCESS OF $2100.00 TO REPAIR AND ADVISED US NOT TO SPEND THE FUNDS TO REPAIR. THEY TOLD US THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE, AND COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT SUCH A WELL TAKEN CARE OF PATHFINDER WAS NOT SAFE AND READY TO BE CRUSHED. WE ARE NOW LEFT WITH A VEHICLE THAT LOOKS AND RUNS FINE, BUT CANNOT BE DRIVEN OR SOLD. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT WE DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT OR HURT ANYONE, BUT ARE NOW OUT $5000.00 (VALUE OF THE PATHFINDER). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10248510

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.