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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

Steering complaints

35 reports
Clear category filter
130,000 miles · Apr 3, 2017
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED A CREAKING SOUND ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED A CREAKING SOUND ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10970341

170,000 miles · Dec 1, 2015
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, WHICH PROGRESSED RANDOMLY AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED THE STRUT TOWERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZING AND MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, WHICH PROGRESSED RANDOMLY AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED THE STRUT TOWERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZING AND MAKING AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER RECALL AND TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). ONE DEALER INDICATED THAT THERE WAS TOO MUCH RUST AND CORROSION TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INDEPENDENT SOURCE WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALER TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS STILL WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR WEEKS LATER FROM A SECOND DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10807713

218,000 miles · Jun 17, 2015
Steering

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND THE STEERING WHEEL GOT LOOSE AND UNRESPONSIVE. CAR STARTED TO SWERVE ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC SO IT WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. FRAME STRUT COVER CAME LOOSE DUE TO CORROSION AND BROKE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT.

NHTSA ODI #10725811

209,000 miles · Mar 23, 2015
SteeringSuspensionWheels

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. WE DID NOT GO OVER 40 ON THE TEST DRIVE. THE NEXT DAY ONCE WE APPROACHED 55 MPH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY WOBBLE BACK AND FORTH. WE DECIDED TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE AND TONS OF COMPLAINTS WERE CITED ABOUT THE SAME"DEATH WOBBLE" ISSUE. WE HAD DONE AND ALIGNMENT, ROTATED AND BALANCED T…

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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED. WE DID NOT GO OVER 40 ON THE TEST DRIVE. THE NEXT DAY ONCE WE APPROACHED 55 MPH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY WOBBLE BACK AND FORTH. WE DECIDED TO RESEARCH THE ISSUE AND TONS OF COMPLAINTS WERE CITED ABOUT THE SAME"DEATH WOBBLE" ISSUE. WE HAD DONE AND ALIGNMENT, ROTATED AND BALANCED THE TIRES AND IT HELPED SLIGHTLY BUT THE WOBBLE IS STILL THERE. IT SEEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BUSHINGS AND /OR CONTROL ARMS. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED WITH THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS? WE HAVE NOT PRICED IT OUT BUT SEEMS TO BE A COSTLY FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10701094

110,000 miles · Oct 20, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND BECAME STIFF WHEN TURNING. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND BECAME STIFF WHEN TURNING. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10648948

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2014
SteeringCrash

MY CAR WAS PARKED OUT IN THE STREET IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE BY THE MAIL BOX, WHEN SOME GUY BACKED UP INTO MY CAR PUSHING IT ABOUT 4 FT BACK. DAMAGING THE FRONT FENDER, HOOD, AND WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL USED TO BE STRAIGHT NOW ITS TURNED HALF WAYS WHILE DRIVING, WHICH I ONLY WENT AROUND THE BLOCK CAUSE I GOT TOO SCARED. BUT APPAR…

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MY CAR WAS PARKED OUT IN THE STREET IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE BY THE MAIL BOX, WHEN SOME GUY BACKED UP INTO MY CAR PUSHING IT ABOUT 4 FT BACK. DAMAGING THE FRONT FENDER, HOOD, AND WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL USED TO BE STRAIGHT NOW ITS TURNED HALF WAYS WHILE DRIVING, WHICH I ONLY WENT AROUND THE BLOCK CAUSE I GOT TOO SCARED. BUT APPARENTLY DRIVER HAS NO INSURANCE AND HES ON DISABILITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10627370

185,000 miles · Aug 7, 2014
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE ON THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING AND THERE WAS CORROSION PRESENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V244000 (STEERING , SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE MECHANIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE ON THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING AND THERE WAS CORROSION PRESENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V244000 (STEERING , SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE PRESENT HOWEVER THE VEHICLE DID NOT REQUIRE ANY REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA ODI #10620692

129,583 miles · Jun 30, 2014
Steering

EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL THE SPEED OF 60 MPH WAS REACHED. BETWEEN 60 AND 65 STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHIMMING, ABOVE 67 MPH SHIMMING EASED UP. THERE IS 4 NEW TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WITH ELECTRONIC BALANCING. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 20013 AND NEVER DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UNTIL THE DATE IN QUESTION, 5/27/14. IS THERE…

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EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL THE SPEED OF 60 MPH WAS REACHED. BETWEEN 60 AND 65 STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHIMMING, ABOVE 67 MPH SHIMMING EASED UP. THERE IS 4 NEW TIRES ON THE VEHICLE WITH ELECTRONIC BALANCING. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 20013 AND NEVER DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UNTIL THE DATE IN QUESTION, 5/27/14. IS THERE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER OWNERS OF THE PATHFINDER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607101

72,000 miles · Mar 16, 2014
SteeringSuspension

I WAS ON THE FRWY. AND MY NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED TO WOBBLE LIKE, IT WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60-65 AND WAS HEADED IN A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE WOBBLE SEEMED TO GO AWAY. I WAS ON THE FRWY. SO I SPED UP TO THE LEGAL LIMIT, AND NOW I'M GOING AROUND A CURVE AND, THE WO…

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I WAS ON THE FRWY. AND MY NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED TO WOBBLE LIKE, IT WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60-65 AND WAS HEADED IN A STRAIGHT DIRECTION. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND THE WOBBLE SEEMED TO GO AWAY. I WAS ON THE FRWY. SO I SPED UP TO THE LEGAL LIMIT, AND NOW I'M GOING AROUND A CURVE AND, THE WOBBLE WAS INTENSE , IT SCARED ME TO DEATH. SINCE, I HAVE HAD THE STRUTS, SHOCKS REPLACED TWICE. I'VE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS WOBBLE...IT IS CALLED THE DEATH WOBBLE...IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MATERIALS USED MAKING, THE BUSHINGS IN THE REAR SUSPENSION. EVEN WHEN THESE BUSHINGS (THE SAME MATERIAL BUSHINGS) ARE REPLACED IT CAN AND WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. PEOPLE DRIVING AROUND ME WHEN THIS WOBBLE STARTS... THEY CANNOT GET AWAY FROM ME FAST ENOUGH. THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR ESPECIALLY, MOST MECHANICS DO PROCESS OF ELIMINATION, STARTING WITH SHOCKS, TIRES, STRUTS, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS, REAR ARM ASSEMBLY,BALL JOINTS AND WHEEL BEARINGS NEED I SAY MORE. ON ASK.COM, THE DEATH WOBBLE IS WELL KNOWN. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. THIS IS THE SECOND PATHFINDER I HAVE OWNED , I PURCHASE NISSAN PRODUCTS BECAUSE THEY ARE GOOD FOR 2 TO 300K. I LOVE MY PATHFINDER , BUT I DON'T WANT TO DIE IN IT OR HAVE AN ACCIDENT, KILLING ANYBODY . THE BUSHINGS NEED TO BE MADE OF SOME OTHER MATERIAL SO THAT THIS WILL QUIT HAPPENING. WHEN ALL IS STABLE, IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN WITHIN A FEW THOUSAND MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10572655

280,000 miles · Mar 12, 2014
SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS (40-65 MPH), IF ROAD IS BUMPY, OR UNEVEN, THE TRUCK BEGINS TO WOBBLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. YOU HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY LET OFF OF THE GAS TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL. IT'S GETTING WORSE, AND FEELS UNSAFE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE, UNLESS I SLOW DOWN AND GET THE WOBBLE UNDER CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10568827

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.