2000 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 128 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2000 reports, 11 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 13 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Steering, columnApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 11V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, filler pipe and capSep 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 07V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
128 reports, newest first.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Mar 9, 2011
2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER MAJOR FRONT DRIVERS STRUT TOWER CORROSION, CAUSED STEERING COLUMN TO SNAP. *TR
Suspension, Mar 8, 2011
THE STRUT TOWER ON MY 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER BROKE LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE AND PRESSED UP ON THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING SEVER STRESS ON THAT UNIT. I WAS ABLE TO NOTICE IT PRIOR TO BREAKING THE STEERING COLUMN JOINTS AND FOUND A QUALIFIED BODY SHOP TO PRESS THE UNIT BACK TOGETHER AND WELD SUPPORT BRACKETS TO HOLD THE STRUT TOWER IN PLACE. *TR
Structure, Feb 27, 2011
2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL RUSTING APART BY THE STRUT. MECHANIC SAYS IT COULD COMPLETELY FAIL CAUSING STRUT TO SHOOT UP THROUGH THE HOOD. PATHFINDER HAS 153,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2011
ALSO AFTER HAVING THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PROBLEM FIXED, 1 WEEK LATER I NOTICED THE FOLLOWING: MY 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER SEEMED EXCESSIVELY BUMPY AND THE STEERING SEEMED VERY STIFF AT TIMES AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE. I TOOK IT INTO MY MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE WHEEL WELL IS ATTACHED TO A STRUT MOUNT. THE STRUT IS LOOSE (CAUSING THE BUMPY RIDE) AND THE STRUT IS PRESSING AGAINST THE STEERING SYSTEM CAUSING THE STEERING TO BE STIFF. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND WENT OVER A BUMP, THE STRUT COULD PLUNGE THROUGH THE HOOD. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT IF I WERE TO HIT A POTHOLE AT ON A HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT FURTHER, I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT ISSUE WITH PATHFINDERS AND THE AND THE CAUSE WAS THAT THE FRAME RUSTED THROUGH.
Structure, Feb 5, 2011
DRIVERS SIDE FRAME / WHEEL HOUSING RUSTED THRU TO TOTAL DETERIORATION. *TR
Structure, Jan 14, 2011
WE BROUGHT OUR 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER IN FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO AN EXTREMELY LARGE CRACK THROUGH THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL AND ALONG THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE INNER FENDER WERE THE STRUT MOUNT IS LOCATED. THEY ATTEMPTED TO WELD IT TOGETHER BUT WERE UNSUCCESSFUL DUE TO THE ROT AND THINNESS OF THE FRAME. WE ARE NOW LEFT WITHOUT A CAR. WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL DEALER, QUIRK NISSAN, FOR EXAMINATION. THEY TOLD US IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. WE THEN BROUGHT IT TO A THIRD MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD US IT WAS COMPLETELY UNSAFE AND TO AVOID ALL POTHOLES. IF WE HIT A POTHOLE WE WOULD PROBABLY LOOSE ALL CONTROL OF THE CAR BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE STRUT. THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT THE FIRST MECHANIC TOLD US AS WELL. NISSAN IS THE ONLY ONE TO SAY IT IS SAFE. THIS HAS BEEN OUR PRIMARY CAR FOR THE LAST YEAR. ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF THE CAR ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW, BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER FOR THE FIRST 100,000 MILES FOR ALL MAINTANCE AND WORK. WE NEVER TOOK IT OFF ROADING OR ON TO THE BEACH. IT HAS NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO SALT WATER. WE ARE APPALLED THAT NISSAN HAS NOT CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. FROM WHAT WE HAVE READ ONLINE AND FROM SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC AT THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP TOLD US WHAT WE WERE READING WAS FOR PREVIOUS MODELS NOT OUR MODEL. THIS IS NOT TRUE! I AM GRATEFUL THAT WE, MY HUSBAND, 5 MONTH OLD BABY, AND I WERE NOT INJURED OR KILLED. NISSAN NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND ITS PRODUCT AND CONDUCT A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE STRUT TOWER WELD WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOOSE STEERING ABILITIES. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL RUBBING NOISE HEARD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. UPDATED 04/15/11*LJ UPDATED 09/16/11 *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Nov 16, 2010
GAS PEDAL STICKING/BRAKES NOT WORKING. EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED TO STOP THE CAR. HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF WHILE STILL IN MOTION. CAR WAS TOWED. AT THE TIME THAT I WAS ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR, THE SPEED READ 45 MPH. HOWEVER, WHEN THE TOW DRIVER ARRIVED HE STATED THAT THE RPM'S READ AS IF SOMEONE WAS PRESSING DOWN AT AT RATE OF 135 MPH - NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME. DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE FOR NOT STOPPING WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL. BROKEN CABLE ACCELERATOR. MECHANIC ALSO INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE INTERIOR BODY OF THE CAR HAD COMPLETLEY RUSTED; TO THE POINT THAT IT IS NOT DRIVEABLE.
Suspension, Nov 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT FRAME HAD RUSTED AND CRACKED. A MECHANIC AT A BODY SHOP STATED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS RUSTED AND CRACKED AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 24, 2010
I OWN A 2000 PATHFINDER. THE FRONT STRUT TOWER HAS SEPARATED FROM THE CAR'S FRAME DUE TO RUST. THIS REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AS NEAR AS I CAN TELL IT OCCURRED AFTER I HIT A POTHOLE. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Structure, Aug 24, 2010
MY 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER SEEMED EXCESSIVELY BUMPY AND THE STEERING SEEMED VERY STIFF AT TIMES AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE. I TOOK IT INTO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH WHERE THE WHEELWELL IS ATTACHED TO A STRUT MOUNT. THE STRUT IS LOOSE (CAUSING THE BUMPY RIDE) AND THE STRUT IS PRESSING AGAINST THE STEERING SYSTEM CAUSING THE STEERING TO BE STIFF. THE NISSAN SHOP TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIX IT AND REFERRED ME TO A BODY SHOP FOR AN ESTIMATE. THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH SEVERAL NISSAN AND/OR LEXUSES (LEXUS PATHFINDER MODEL - I THINK IT IS THE RX330). I WAS TOLD THAT IF I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT AND WENT OVER A BUMP, THE STRUT COULD PLUNGE THROUGH THE HOOD. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT IF I WERE TO HIT A POTHOLE AT ON A HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY (STATE FARM) AND WAS TOLD THAT IF A POTHOLE CAUSED THE DAMAGE THEY WOULD PAY FOR IT. HOWEVER, AFTER INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A STRUCTURAL DEFECT ISSUE WITH PATHFINDERS AND THE LEXUS RX330 AND THE CAUSE WAS THAT THE FRAME RUSTED THROUGH AND THE POTHOLE WOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE TO A NON-DEFECTIVE FRAME. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN THE PATHFINDER "OFF-ROAD." I CONTACTED NISSAN AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH ANY REPAIRS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE CAR. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS IS ABOUT $1,800. I AM HAVING IT REPAIRED AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 16, 2010
MY 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE STARTED MAKING STRANGE NOISES IN THE FRONT END ABOUT A WEEK AGO. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE STRUT TOWER HAD TOTALLY RUSTED OUT AND COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN I TAPPED IT WITH A HAMMER, IT CREATED A HUGE HOLE, AND THE FRAME JUST DISINTEGRATED. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND MUST BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. HAVING IT REPAIRED IS NOT FEASIBLE. AS A MECHANIC, I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLE. IT'S MAINTAINED AND WASHED REGULARLY. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THE PATHFINDER, AND SHOULD WARRANT A PRODUCT RECALL. DRIVING THE VEHICLE LIKE THIS WOULD BE RISKING THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND MYSELF. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GAS TANK FILLER PIPE RUSTED THROUGH ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE GAS TANK AND FUEL TO LEAK. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RECALL FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY, FILLER PIPE AND CAP (07V435000) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL AND DUE TO THE VIN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVING THE FUEL TANK AND REQUEST THAT THE MANUFACTURER ISSUE AN ADDITIONAL RECALL THAT INCLUDES MORE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,664.
Steering, Structure, Jul 28, 2010
I OWN A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER LE, WITH 149,000 MILES, WHICH IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. TUES 7/27/10, WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, I LOST STEERING CONTROL. FIND STEERING COLUMN IS SNAPPED. TOW TO MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERS THE SHOCK TOWER, WHICH IS PART OF THE FRAME (UNI-BODY DESIGN), HAS SHEARED AWAY FROM THE REST OF THE WHEEL-WELL. THE SHOCK TOWER HAS PUSHED UP INTO THE STEERING COLUMN, CAUSING IT TO BREAK. MECHANIC GAVE ESTIMATE OF $640.00 FOR STEERING, AND AT LEAST $1700.00 FOR THE WHEEL-WELL, WHICH IS A BODY SHOP REPAIR. ALSO SUGGESTED TO CALL NISSAN TO SEE IF THERE A RECALL ON WHEEL-WELLS AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, AND IS NOT THE FIRST TIME HE HAS HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. CONTROL ARMS JUST BELOW TEARING IN FRAME, IF TEARING CONTINUED, WHEEL COULD ALSO BECOME DISLODGED, IN ADDITION TO LOSS OF STEERING. NISSAN WAS CALLED, AND WANTS VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR VERIFICATION AT MY EXPENSE, AND IN ADDITION PAY FOR DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE. APPARENTLY, I AM AT THEIR MERCY, HOWEVER HOW CAN THEY GIVE ME AN UNBIASED DIAGNOSTIC, AS I AM SURE THE RESULTS WILL BE IN THEIR FAVOR. I AM NOW AT A STANDSTILL AS THE REPAIRS WILL APPARENTLY OUTWEIGH THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS $4125 TRADE-IN VALUE. HOWEVER, IF THIS HAPPENED ON ONE SIDE, IT IS REASONABLE TO BELIEVE THAT WILL OCCUR ON THE OTHER, DOUBLING COST OF REPAIRS. *TR
Suspension, Jul 27, 2010
I HAVE A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER . JULY 24,2010 I HIT A POTHOLE ON I95 NORTH,SHORTLY AFTER THAT I STARTED HEARING SQUEAKING NOISES,TRUCK WAS PULLING, STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING VERY BAD, I COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 55 MPH. WHEN I GOT HOME MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT OUT AND THAT'S WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE THE SHOCK TOWER SEPARATED (CRACKED) FROM THE FRAME RAIL. SHOCK TOWER DOES HAVE SOME RUST CORROSION BUT HITTING A POTHOLE SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THIS TO CRACK,THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. MY TRUCK IS MECHANICALLY EXCELLENT AS WELL AS COSMETIC. I CALLED NISSAN DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED MY TRUCK AND HE WAS VERY SURPRISED TO HEAR THIS ISSUE, AND SAID IT WAS VERY RARE. I RESEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET AND IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH PATHFINDERS. MY TRUCK DID NOT START SHOWING SIGNS THAT SOMETHING WAS SERIOUSLY WRONG UNTIL THIS DAY 7-24-201. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED MUCH MORE DAMAGES OR EVEN POSSIBLY A BAD ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT NISSAN NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF ....ITS LIKE DRIVING A DEATH TRAP AND A VERY EXPENSIVE JOB TO FIX. BUYERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS KNOWN ISSUE AND NISSAN NEEDS TO MAKE A RECALL BULLETIN ON THE SHOCK TOWER RUST CORROSION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED DUE TO THEIR LACK OF PERFORMANCE. MY TRUCK IS IN MY BODY SHOP AS I AM TYPING THIS..I AM AWAITING AN ESTIMATE..HE DID TELL ME ITS AN EXPENSIVE JOB..12-13 HRS LABOR ALONE,PLUS PARTS. NISSAN NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS!! BIG QUESTION IS WHY WOULD THE SHOCK TOWER RUST, SHOULDN'T IT BE RUST PROOFED? TRUCK CAN'T POSSIBLE BE THAT SAFE IF SOMETHING LIKE HITTING A POTHOLE WOULD CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN. *TR
Steering, Structure, Wheels, Jul 6, 2010
I HAVE HAD 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER FOR 18MONTHS . MY 18 YR OLD DAUGHTER COMPLAINED OF A PROBLEM WITH FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL FEELING VERY FUNNY AND ABS LIGHT ON. I TOOK CAR TO SERVICE STATING AND WAS TOLD CHASSIS WAS COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY LEAVING SHOCK TO GO UP INTO MOTOR AND PULLING AWAY THE ABS CORD. NOTHING WAS ON THE BOTTOM OF CAR. YOU COULD SEE CLEARLY INTO THE MOTOR FROM THE WHEEL WELL. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AS TRUCK ONLY HAS 62,000 MILES AND CHASSIS SHOULD NOT HAVE ROTTED OFF MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. SERVICE STATION SAID DO NOT DRIVE UNLESS A CHASSIS CAN BE WELDED. BROUGHT TRUCK TO SINY NISSAN SRV. CENTER AS DIRECTED BY NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND NISSAN THEMSELVES SAID DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FOR SAFETY. IE WHEEL COULD LOCK UP AS FRAME PULLED AWAY AND PULLED ABS AND SHOCK WAS GOING UP TOWARD MOTOR AS FRAME ROTTED AWAY AND NOTHING TO HOLD SHOCK. I REPORTED FINDINGS TO NISSAN CUSTOMER SRV AND THEY NEEDED SOME TIME TO RESEARCH. I EMAILED NISSAN PICTURES OF THE FRAME THAT NO LONGER WAS THERE AND THEY WERE IN TOUCH WITH NISSAN IN SINY TO SEE WHAT THE FINDING WERE. I HAD THE CAR WELDED AS NISSAN DOES NOT DO WELDING AND SENT THE BILL ALONG WITH THE PICTURES TO NADIA CLAIMS SPECIALIST FILE NO 6834802. I WAS TOLD THAT SINCE VEHICLE WAS PAST WARRANTY THEY WERE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR. MY DAUGHTER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED ON A HIGHWAY AS THERE WAS NO FRAME TO A VEHICLE WITH 62,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY NISSAN THEMSELVES NOT TO DRIVE AS IT WAS DANGEROUS. WHO WOULD PURCHASE A VEHICLE WITH 52000 MILES FOR 6800 AND AFTER 10,000 POSE A RISK TO THEIRSELVES OR FAMILY MEMBERS IF THEY KNEW THIS COULD HAPPEN. NOT ONLY ARE THEY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS BUT I NO LONGER WANT THIS VEHICLE. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN REIMBURSED AS THIS WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THE ABS AND SHOCK REPAIRED (WHICH WAS NOT. NISSAN AND THEIR GROUP FEELS THIS IS NOT WARRANTED. I FEEL THEY ARE VERY RESPONSIBLE AS DOES THEIR OWN SPECIALISTS IN SINY. *TR
Structure, May 19, 2010
THE STEERING IN MY 2000 PATHFINDER SEEMED TO BE RUBBING. I TOOK IT TO A TRUSTED MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT THERE WAS RUSTED METAL RUBBING AGAINST THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT I NEEDED TO HAVE A BODY SHOP LOOK AT IT. I TOOK IT TO THE BODY SHOP AND HE SAID HE'D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE BUT MY FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND WOULD COST MORE TO FIX IT THAN THE TRUCK IS WORTH. HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE MY WHEELS COULD LITERALLY FALL IN CAUSING A BAD ACCIDENT. I JUST PAID THE TRUCK OFF LAST YEAR AND NOW UNLESS NISSAN DOES SOMETHING I JUST OWN IT BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE IT. *TR
Structure, May 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE NOISE WORSENED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SALVAGEABLE. THE FRAME WAS BUILT INSUFFICIENTLY AND WAS ROTTED OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD MOLD THE FRAME BACK TOGETHER, BUT IT WOULD ONLY LAST TEMPORARILY. THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON HIS VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT FAILURE. HE BELIEVES A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED SINCE IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2009, crash
MISCONSTRUCTION OF ROADWAY. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE PATHFINDER AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT WOULD NOT MOVE EITHER FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS. WE TOWED THE VEHICLE AND UPON INSPECTION BY REPUTABLE TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST, WERE TOLD TWICE BY TWO DIFFERENT INSPECTION SHOPS THAT THE COOLER THAT COOLS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS 1) DEFECTIVE AND 2) STOPPED UP AND PREVENTED THE TRANSMISSION FROM GETTING PROPER FLUID FLOW. THE TRANSMISSION SHOPS STATED THAT THEY HAVE ADVISED NISSAN OF THIS ISSUE NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE REPAIRED THIS ISSUE ON OTHER CARS NUMEROUS TIMES. THE FAILURE CAUSED US TO TOW THE CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP WITH ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS OF $3,000. BECAUSE THE FLUID FROM THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT BEING PROPERLY HANDLED, THE PARTS INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION BECAME OVER HEATED AND WERE PERMANENTLY DAMAGED. THERE ARE MANY PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT WERE DAMAGED. TOO MANY TO LIST HERE, BUT I HAVE A LIST OF PARTS IF NEEDED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 13, 2008
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM WRITING THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU FOR HELP WITH A RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED FROM NISSAN NORTH AMERICA. CURRENTLY I OWN A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL FILTER TUBE WHICH I HAD RECENTLY HAD REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING JUST LIKE THE RECALL NOTICE STATED WOULD HAPPEN. I CALLED NISSAN AND FAXED THEM MY RECEIPTS FOR THE PARTS & LABOR. I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A REFUND FOR THE AMOUNT THAT I PAID. THIS ALL STARTED 4-17-2008 AND THE LAST PHONE CALL I MADE WAS 8-12-2008. NISSAN SENT ME THE LOCAL DEALERSHIPS TO GET MY PATHFINDER LOOKED AT TO MAKE SURE THE WORK WAS DONE CORRECTLY BECAUSE I HAD THE WORK DONE AT AN INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIP. ONLY BECAUSE THERE WEREN?T ANY AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA WHEN MY CAR STARTED LEAKING GAS. FINALLY I TALKED TO HEIDI FRANK ON 7-8-2008 A MANGER IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SHE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD GET REFUNDED THE FULL AMOUNT PLUS 45.00 TOWING FEE. I NO LONGER CAN GET A HOLD OF HER. I FAXED ALL MY RECEIPTS AND THE PROOF THAT I WENT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. I HAVE LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES AND CAN NOT GET A HOLD OF HER. I AM HOPING THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP ME. I LOOKED FOR A WAY TO E-MAIL NISSAN DIRECTLY AND I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. I HAVE TRIED THE ONLY NUMBER AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. IT IS NOT A LOT OF MONEY BUT WITH MY HUSBAND IN IRAQ EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS. I WILL BE MORE THEN HAPPY TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU NEED IF YOU CAN HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. HERE IS HEIDI FRANKS CONTACT # (800) 647-7261 EXT. 41462 THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, TAMMY WARD *TR
Tires, Aug 4, 2008
I BOUGHT NEW FRATERA TIRES (4 IN ALL) ON 10/14/05, AND WAS GIVEN AN 80,000 MILE WARRANTY. MY VEHICLE HAD 61,084 MILES WHEN THEY WERE PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS APPROXIMATELY 86,520 MILES AND THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED YESTERDAY (8/3/08). TWO OF THE TIRES WERE AT THE LIMIT FOR BEING LEGAL ON THE ROAD. THESE TIRES HAS LESS THAN 26K MILES AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. MY DRIVING HABIT IS NOT TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES, NOR IS IT TO SPIN THE TIRES TO WHERE EXCESS RUBBER IS LAID ON THE PAVEMENT. I DON'T EVEN DRIVE VERY MANY MILES--LESS THAN 26K IN ALMOST 3 YEARS!!! *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER. AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED A CORNER A FEW BLOCKS FROM HER HOUSE, SHE HEARD A CLUNKING SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. SHE CONTINUED TO HER RESIDENCE AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE HAD A FLAT TIRE; HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE REPAIR SHOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FORWARD; THEREFORE, THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Suspension, Jul 14, 2008
I HAVE A NISSAN PATHFINDER LE 2000 THAT IN THE PAST 8 MO HAVE ROCKING OR WOBBLING FROM SIDE TO SIDE (OR LEFT TO RIGHT) WHEN DRIVEN AT FREEWAY SPEED (55-75). IF YOU DO NOT LET OFF THE GAS OR MAKE A SLIGHT CORRECTION WITH STEERING WHEEL, IT WILL GET REALLY BAD TO A POINT THE IT MIGHT FISHTAIL. IT'S BEEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSENING EVEN AT LOWER SPEED, IT'S BEEN HAPPENING. ASIDE FROM SPEED, IT CAN BE TRIGGERED BY SLIGHT UNEVEN ROAD OR BUMPS. I HAVE HAD MY ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCED, FRONT END STRUTS REPLACED WHICH HELPED A LITTLE. I STILL HAVE TO GET REAR CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS REPLACED. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND THERE AR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOM OF MY CARE. IT SEEMED TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE PATHFINDER (HIGH MILEAGE-- MINE IS 121,000) AND IT APPEARS THAT THE CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON REAR SUSPENSION IS THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND IT WOULD NOT SURPRISE ME IF THERE HAVE BEEN FATALITY INVOLVED. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL WITH ALL NISSAN PATHFINDER TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY FATAL FLAW IN THEIR SUSPENSION DESIGN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 17, 2008
I OWN A 2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER FOR WHICH A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR A DEFECTIVE FUEL FILLER TUBE. PRIOR TO THE TIME I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION, I HAD DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK AND THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND PAID FOR BY ME. ON APRIL 9, 2008 I MAILED ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (FILE NO. 6110921) TO THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AT NISSAN NORTH AMERICA IN FRANKLIN, TN. AT THE DIRECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT. SUBSEQUENTLY, I HAVE MADE AT LEAST NINE (9) TELEPHONE CALLS AT VARIOUS TIMES SEEKING TO FIND THE STATUS OF MY REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST. ON FOUR (4) OF THE CALLS I HAD TO LEAVE A MESSAGE (WITH MY PHONE NUMBER) ' NONE OF WHICH WERE RETURNED. WHEN I DID GET TO TALK TO AN INDIVIDUAL (I HAVE TALKED TO AT LEAST 4 DIFFERENT ONES) ALL I GOT WAS A RUN AROUND. I WAS TOLD THAT SO AND SO WOULD CALL ME BACK ' WHICH NEVER HAPPENED. THIS HAS TRANSPIRED OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 6 WEEKS AND I STILL HAVE NO REIMBURSEMENT OR AN ASSURANCE THAT THE REQUEST IS IN PROCESS. I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD BE COMMUNICATING WITH YOU OR SOME OTHER AGENCY; BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHO ELSE I SHOULD TURN TO. PLEASE ADVISE IF I SHOULD BE PURSUING THIS ISSUE WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR WHAT OTHER APPROACH I SHOULD TAKE. REGARDS, LARRY L. ROBB *TR