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2001 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

143 reports with mileage · 87 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 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Equipment. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 35 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 reports11 injury reports

Seats complaints

8 reports
Clear category filter
60,000 miles · Sep 4, 2012
Seats

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT WOULD NOT ADJUST FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO MADE HIM AWARE OF TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 615858 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST).…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT WOULD NOT ADJUST FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO MADE HIM AWARE OF TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 615858 (SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000. UPDATED 1/23/13 *CN UPDATED 02/11/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10473766

90,358 miles · Sep 15, 2010
Seats

DRIVERS SEAT STUCK IN THE BACK POSITION. COULD NOT ADJUST SEAT TO DRIVE AS I AM VERY SHORT WAS VERY SCARY TRYING TO GET HOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355816

60,153 miles · Jun 20, 2007
Seats

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER ARM REST IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LEANS ON THE CONVERTIBLE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THIS CAUSES THE ARM REST TO LEAN OUTWARDS. THE FAILURE IS DUE TO HOW THE REAR SEAT WAS DESIGNED. THE CENTER SEAT BELT WAS TWISTED AT THE BASE, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICUL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER ARM REST IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE LEANS ON THE CONVERTIBLE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THIS CAUSES THE ARM REST TO LEAN OUTWARDS. THE FAILURE IS DUE TO HOW THE REAR SEAT WAS DESIGNED. THE CENTER SEAT BELT WAS TWISTED AT THE BASE, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO TIGHTEN AND SECURE THE CHILD SEAT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DISASSEMBLE IT AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATED THAT IT IS UNSAFE WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS TWISTED. THE ANGLE OF THE REAR SEAT IS STEEP AT THE BOTTOM. THE CONTACT IS USING A HUGE BATH TOWEL FOLDED UNDER THE SEAT, BUT THE SEAT IS NOT SECURE. THE CHILD SEAT MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE SAFETY SEAT RESTS ON THE EDGE OF WHERE THE VEHICLE'S SEAT MEETS THE OTHER SECTION OF THE REAR SEAT. THIS INCREASES INSTABILITY AND CAUSES THE CHILD SEAT TO ANGLE DOWNWARDS. THE VEHICLE HAS NO LOWER ANCHOR TETHER. THE CONTACT HAS NOT SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE AND FUEL SYSTEM WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 95,153 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,153.

NHTSA ODI #10194491

10 miles · May 19, 2006
Seats

THE DRIVER'S SEAT MOVED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. IT MAKES DRIVER NERVOUS WHEN IT HAPPENS AND IT MAY NOT BE SAFE IN SOME CONDITIONS. NISSAN SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, BUT THEY WON'T. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10157882

94,000 miles · Jun 28, 2005
Seats

THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. SHE STATED THAT THE MOTOR ON HER DRIVER'S SEAT THAT MAKES THE SEAT GO FORWARD AND BACK NO LONGER WORKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO INSTALL A KIT THAT WILL "WAKE UP THE MOTOR" TO MAKE THE SEAT GO FORWARD AND BACK AND THAT THIS WAS THE RECOMMENDED FIX. *TT…

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THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. SHE STATED THAT THE MOTOR ON HER DRIVER'S SEAT THAT MAKES THE SEAT GO FORWARD AND BACK NO LONGER WORKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO INSTALL A KIT THAT WILL "WAKE UP THE MOTOR" TO MAKE THE SEAT GO FORWARD AND BACK AND THAT THIS WAS THE RECOMMENDED FIX. *TT NISSAN'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE ARE FOUR MOTORS THAT CONTROL THE DRIVER'S SEAT. ONLY THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE FORWARD AND BACKWARD MOVEMENT FALLS ASLEEP. THIS PROBLEM WOULD HAPPEN FREQUENTLY ON LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLE'S THAT ARE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10124514

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2005
EquipmentSeatsCrashInjury

2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE HAD PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS AND SEAT EQUIPMENT DURING A MAJOR ACCIDENT.*MR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED AN AFTER MARKET WESTIN SAFARI LIGHT BAR, THE INSTALLATION OF THE BAR CAUSED THE AIR BAGS NOT TO DEPLOY. IT APPEARED THE WESTIN BAR PREVENTED THE SENSORS BEHIND THE FRONT BUMPER FROM …

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2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE HAD PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS AND SEAT EQUIPMENT DURING A MAJOR ACCIDENT.*MR PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER PURCHASED AN AFTER MARKET WESTIN SAFARI LIGHT BAR, THE INSTALLATION OF THE BAR CAUSED THE AIR BAGS NOT TO DEPLOY. IT APPEARED THE WESTIN BAR PREVENTED THE SENSORS BEHIND THE FRONT BUMPER FROM BEING DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO ACTIVATE THE AIR BAGS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10117691

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2003
Seats

IN LATE MAY OF 2003, THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY NISSAN PATHFINDER STOPPED WORKING AS FAR AS THE AUTOMATIC SEAT ADJUSTMENTS. I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR REVERSE USING THE SEAT'S AUTOMATIC SWITCH. THUS BEING STUCK IN A POSITION NOT EXACTLY THE WAY I WOULD NEED TO DRIVE. I CAN NOT MOVE THIS SEAT TO A PROPER AND SA…

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IN LATE MAY OF 2003, THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY NISSAN PATHFINDER STOPPED WORKING AS FAR AS THE AUTOMATIC SEAT ADJUSTMENTS. I WAS NO LONGER ABLE TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR REVERSE USING THE SEAT'S AUTOMATIC SWITCH. THUS BEING STUCK IN A POSITION NOT EXACTLY THE WAY I WOULD NEED TO DRIVE. I CAN NOT MOVE THIS SEAT TO A PROPER AND SAFE AREA SO THAT I CAN OPERATE THE VEHICLE AS PRESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. AS WITH ANY VEHICLE, THE SEAT SHOULD BE POSITIONED RELATIVE TO THE DRIVER'S ABILITY. I HAVE TO DRIVE CLOSER TO THE STEERING WHEEL THAT I WOULD LIKE. AS WELL AS MY GIRLFRIEND IS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF THE FACT IT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD SO SHE CAN REACH THE PEDALS. SO IF I WAS TO BE HURT, SHE WOULD NOT HAVE A WAY TO GO. THIS IS COVERED IN THE NISSAN SERVICE BULLETIN NTB00095. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. IT IS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE MOTOR FOR THIS SEAT SHOULD NOT BE MALFUNCTIONING THIS EARLY IN A VEHICLE'S LIFE. I TOOK THE SAID VEHICLE TO THE SHEEHY NISSAN DEALERSHIP WHICH IS LOCATED IN MANASSAS, VIRGINIA. THEY INDICATED THAT THIS WAS NOT A RECALL NOR A WARRANTY PART. I HAVE THE GOLD WARRANTY WHICH [XXX] NEARS COVERS EVERYTHING ELSE. ALSO IT COVERS A DRIVER'S SEAT ASSEMBLY BUT NOT THIS PARTICULAR PIECE OR AS I WAS INFORMED THIS KIT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE AND COMPLAINED AS WELL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IF FOR SOME REASON I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SEAT MOVES TO THE VERY FRONT POSITION, I AM UNABLE TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE AND COULD CAUSE MORE DAMAGE TO MYSELF, THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS ANOTHER OBSTACLE OR VEHICLE. WE HAVE HAD A 97 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH A SERVICE BULLETIN AGAINST AND THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS GLAD TO CORRECT WITHOUT COST TO US. THIS WAS NOT A WARRANTY PART. THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME WAS 6 YEARS OLD. I AM ASSUMING THAT NISSAN CORPORATION DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS AND SAFETY AS THIS WAS INDICATED THAT NISSAN WOULD NOT FIX AT THEIR COST. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE

NHTSA ODI #10023229

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2001
EquipmentSeats

ON THURSDAY MAY 24, 2001, I WENT TO PICK UP MY PATHFINDER AT CONCORD NISSAN. MY PATHFINDER WAS IN FOR WARRANTY WORK, ON THE POWER CONTROLS FOR THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE CD PLAYER. DEALER HAD INFORMED ME THAT MY 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE, VIN#[XXX], IS READY FOR PICK UP. AS I GO OVER THE REPAIRS, I NOTICE THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT IS N…

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ON THURSDAY MAY 24, 2001, I WENT TO PICK UP MY PATHFINDER AT CONCORD NISSAN. MY PATHFINDER WAS IN FOR WARRANTY WORK, ON THE POWER CONTROLS FOR THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE CD PLAYER. DEALER HAD INFORMED ME THAT MY 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE, VIN#[XXX], IS READY FOR PICK UP. AS I GO OVER THE REPAIRS, I NOTICE THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT IS NOT BOLTED IN. I GO AND GET THE SERVICE MANAGER, [XXX] , AND WHEN HE COMES OUT, HE REALLY DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I AM UPSET. AS [XXX] STANDS, CHEWING GUM WITH HIS HANDS BEHIND HIS BACK, HE CASUALLY SAYS, EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES. I TRIED TO GET [XXX] TO SEE WHY IT IS SUCH A BIG CONCERN OF MINE, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO. I EVEN TOLD [XXX] THAT HIS I DO NOT GIVE A [XXX] ATTITUDE WAS UNSETTLING. I ASKED TO SEE IF THE MECHANIC IS QUALIFIED TO THE REPAIRS. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THESE BOLTS AND I WAS TOLD,  NOT EVERY BOLT HAS TORQUE REQUIREMENTS. THIS DEALERSHIP DID MAKE A HUGE MISTAKE BY NOT BOLTING IN THE DRIVER SEAT. I HAVE ASKED FOR A WRITTEN LETTER OF EXPLANATION OF HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN.THIS MISTAKE COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC! BOLTS THAT HOLD A SEAT IN PLACE ARE NOT AN OPTION; THEY WERE ENGINEERED TO BE THERE FOR A REASON. IF THESE BOLTS HAD GONE UNNOTICED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED, PERHAPS EVEN DEATH. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND AT WHAT POINT IS A REPAIR FACILITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE QUALITY OF WORK THEY DO AND SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS?*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #745922

Official recalls

3

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.

01V282000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

Aug 30, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THE BRACKETS USED TO ATTACH THE TWO GAS STRUTS TO THE REAR DOOR (HATCH) MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MADE. AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE INCREASE IN GAS PRESSURE IN THE STRUT(S) COULD CAUSE ONE OR BOTH BRACKETS TO BEND, RESULTING IN THE STRUTS DETACHING FROM THE BRACKET(S) WHEN OPENING OR CLOSING THE REAR DOOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF BOTH STRUTS DETACH FROM THE BRACKETS, THE DOOR WILL RAPIDLY FALL DOWN, POSSIBLY STRIKING SOMEONE AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STRUT BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 24, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD 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.