2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 239 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 19 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 14 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
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, hinge and attachmentsAug 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.
IF BOTH STRUTS DETACH FROM THE BRACKETS, THE DOOR WILL RAPIDLY FALL DOWN, POSSIBLY STRIKING SOMEONE AND CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY.
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.
Campaign 01V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: suspension
68 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Aug 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact was attempting to use her brakes to slow for traffic and was unable to stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard to get the vehicle to stop. The contact stated that prior to the failure her ABS warning had been illuminated for a long period of time prior to the failure. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that due to a significant amount of rust, the front suspension and struts and brake pads, and rotors had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V244000 (Steering and Suspension). The work had been previously completed by a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 12, 2020
FAMILY CAR;2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER, WE GOT IN THE TRUCK AND DROVE ABOUT 250 FEET TO THE STOP SIGN. I STOP. AS I STARTED MOVING AND SUDDENLY I HEAR A POP LOUD SOUND FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND MY STEERING GOT HARD AND DIFFICULT TO STEER AND A GRINDING SOUND AS YOU TURN THE STEERING. DROVE BACK TO THE HOUSE SLOW AND PARK. OPEN THE HOOD AND I SEE THE STRUT TOWER UNDER NEATH THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER, THEN I LOOK BETWEEN LEFT SIDE (DRIVERS) TIRE THE STRUT TOWER JUST RIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WELD. MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WHEN THIS OCCUR. WHAT IF THIS OCCUR WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 106523 MILES AND WAS SCHEDULED FOR A PA INSPECTION.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Apr 18, 2019
DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT TOWER HAS RUSTED TO THE POINT WERE THE TRUCK WILL PASS VA STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THERE WAS A RECALL PERFORMED BY SEVERAL YEARS AGO BY NISSAN FOR THE RUST ISSUE ON BOTH INNER WHEEL WELLS AND STRUT TOWER AREA.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 25, 2019
THE SUB-FRAME/CRADLE 54400-0W00 ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS ROTTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT IT WILL NOT PASS A PA STATE INSPECTION. THIS WAS FOUND BY MY MECHANIC WHILE HE WAS REPLACING THE FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKES. MY MECHANIC HAS ORDERED A NEW SUB FRAME + BOLTS TO REPLACE THE ROTTED OUT SUB-FRAME. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER SUB-FRAMES ARE ROTTED OUT ON PATHFINDERS FROM 1996 TO 2004 WHICH IS WHEN NISSAN USED THIS PARTICULAR PART. MY CONCERN IS IF THIS PART FAILS COMPLETELY WHAT WILL HAPPEN??? I HAVE RESTRICTED DRIVING MY PATHFINDER UNTIL THE NEW PART IS INSTALLED. I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE WHEN IT FAILS AND IT WILL SOMEONE WILL GET HURT OR EVEN KILLED? THE CONTROL ARMS MOUNTED TO THIS PART WHICH CONTROLS STEERING. THIS PART PLUS LABOR WILL COST ME ABOUT $1500.00.
Suspension, Structure, Wheels, Jan 3, 2019
THERE IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE WHEEL WELL, DOOR JAMS, FLOOR BOARD, AND FRAME. I WAS ALMOST UNABLE TO RECEIVE A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN THE NORTH THEN MOVED SOUTH AND THE PROBLEM HAS GROWN WORSE. THE COMPARTMENT THAT IS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE IS RUSTING OUT AS WELL. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BECOME A SAFETY PROBLEM IF THE SPARE TIRE SEPARATES FROM ITS SUPPORTS WHILE OPERATING ON A ROADWAY. RUST HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE WITH NO SPECIFIC START DATE NOR END DATE.
Suspension, Oct 23, 2018
DRIVER SIDE FRONT STRUT TOWER MADE A LOUD "POP" SOUND WHEN DRIVING. BOTTOM PORTION OF STRUT TOP CRACKED THROUGH. STRUT TOWER BEARING NOW MOANING WHEN TURNING, OUT OF GIMBLE.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 3, 2018
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, WAITING TO MAKE RIGHT HAND TURN; ATTEMPTING TO TURN RESULTED IN THE STEERING WHEEL SPINNING FREELY; VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED; INITIAL INSPECTION REVEALED STEERING COLUMN SHAFT SNAPPED IN HALF; UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT STRUT TOWER HAD RIPPED AWAY FROM THE BODY OF THE TRUCK; **THIS VEHICLE HAD RECALLS ISSUED IN THE PAST, IT WAS TAKEN TO LECKNER NISSAN IN STAFFORD, VA BUT THEY OBVIOUSLY DID NOT MITIGATE THE PROBLEM - THEY SIMPLY CLEARED THE RECALL FROM THE COMPUTER**
Steering, Suspension, Jun 22, 2018
THE 01 THRU 04 PATHFINDER HAS SOME KIND OF REAR SUSPENSION FLAW. THE ONLINE FORUMS CALL IT A DEATH SWAY AND I AGREE. IT IS BEYOND ME WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS OF YET. IF YOU HAVE SOMETIME I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE YOU ON A RIDE BECAUSE I KNOW THAT SOMETHING WOULD GET DONE AFTER RIDING WITH THIS PROBLEM. THANKS
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 31, 2017
THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME BY AN INDIVIDUAL AND IT HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS IT'S UNBELIEVABLE. HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET IT TO PASS EMISSIONS. HAD THE DEATH WOBBLE WHEN I FIRST GOT IT. I'M EXTREMELY UPSET ABOUT THIS LEMON I WAS. SOLD. I'M A BREAST CANCER PATIENT AND LIMITED ON INCOME AND I WAS REALLY SCREWED OVER. LOST OVER 3000 DOLLARS OVER THIS VEHICLE
Steering, Suspension, Apr 3, 2017
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.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 1, 2015
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.
Suspension, Structure, Oct 28, 2015
THE BODY AND FRAME AND SUSPENSION RUSTED FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE PATHFINDERS ARE KNOWN TO RUST AWAY FROM THE FRAME AND ETC. MY CAR HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF WITH ORIGINAL PAINT AND ITS RUSTING EVERYWHERE.
Suspension, Structure, Jul 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW PULSATED ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DUE TO CORROSION ON THE FIREWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FIREWALL WAS CORRODED AND PERFORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE CORROSION AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE ISSUE WOULD NEED TO BE FURTHER ESCALATED THROUGH NISSAN. ONCE NISSAN WAS CONTACTED, THE DEALER WAS INSTRUCTED TO PUT AN ANTI-CORROSIVE SPRAY ON THE STRUT HOUSING AND PLACE A BRACKET ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Suspension, Apr 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH OR GREATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 23, 2015
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
Steering, Suspension, Aug 7, 2014
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.
Suspension, Aug 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATED AND WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 09/02/14*LJ THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN OCTOBER 2011. THEY REPAIRED THE LEFT STRUT ONLY, AND THE RECALL STATED BOTH STRUTS WERE INCLUDED. UPDATED 10/01/14 UPDATED 10/28/2014*LJ UPDATED 11/18/2014 *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. UPDATED 4/22/2015 *JS
Suspension, Aug 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND GOING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 16, 2014
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
Steering, Suspension, Mar 12, 2014
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
Steering, Suspension, Mar 8, 2014
I JUST BOUGHT THE 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER 1 WEEK PRIOR FROM A PRIVATE SELLER. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH I HIT A VERY LARGE POT HOLE, COMMON IN MN. I HEARD A EXTRA LOUD BANG COME FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AND PULLED OVER INSTANTLY, UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED THE TIRE AND WHEEL WELL WERE ALMOST IN CONTACT WITH EACH OTHER I COULDN'T SEE WHAT HAD BROKE, BEING THAT IT WAS A PITCH BLACK NIGHT. SO I DECIDED TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME. THE NEXT MORNING I WOKE UP AND RAN DIRECTLY TO MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AND TOLD ME I NEEDED NEW STRUTS SHOCKS AND CV AXLES I AGREED WITH HIS BID AND HE BEGAN WORK ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SHOCKS, STRUTS, CV AXLE. NEXT HE DOES THE DRIVER SIDE AND NOTICES THAT STRUT IS NOT STAYING IN PLACE, FINISHES THE JOB CALLS ME AND SAYS THE JOB IS COMPLETE BUT HE NEEDS TO TALK, I GET TO THE MECHANICS AND HE HANDS ME A BILL FOR $830 AND SHOWS ME THAT THE STRUT HOUSING ON DRIVERS SIDE HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. I HAVE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NEED TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS COVERED BY THE RECALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jan 22, 2014
MY CAR BODY STRUCTURE WAS BROKEN INTO TWO PIECES, AND IT IS NOT OPERABLE. THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE STRUT TOWER ON MY 2001 PATHFINDER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE STRUT TOWER WAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE BODY DUE TO THE RUST. WHEN THE TOWER FINALLY LET GO, THE STEERING WAS AFFECTED CAUSING ISSUES STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER CARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE FRAME BODY STRUCTURE. IT CAUSED ALSO DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. BEFORE MY CAR GOT BROKEN, I HEARD A NOISE FROM ITS RIGHT SIDE AND I WAS DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY, FOR A SECOND I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEEL MY CAR, BUT I KEPT IT STEADY UNTIL I COULD GET THE NEXT EXIT. I COULD HAVE SUFFERED A FATAL ACCIDENT THAT DAY. THERE IS A RECALL FOR FRAME/BODY STRUCTURE CORROSION FOR THIS MODEL 2001 PATHFINDER REGISTERED IN NEW JERSEY. AS SOON I WAS AWARE ABOUT IT, I CALLED TO NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO EXPLAIN MY SITUATION. ONE OF THE NISSAN REPRESS. ADVISED ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP IN AVENEL NJ. MY CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE, SO I CALLED TO THE TOWING TRUCK TO PICK AND DROP IT OFF TO THE DEALERSHIP ON DEC 26, 2013. SINCE THEN, I HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE FROM NISSAN TO HELP ME WITH MY SITUATION. EACH TIME I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE, THEY SAID THAT MY CASE IS STILL IN PROCESS, AND I NEED TO WAIT FOR A DECISION. I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT, I HAVE BEEN IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION DRIVEN MY CAR IN THAT MATTER. I NEED A CAR TO GO TO WORK FOR MY LIVELIHOOD AND ALSO TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO THEIR SCHOOL. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR A CAR RENTAL. AND AFTER ALL OF THESE, NISSAN DOES NOT HAVE ANY SENSE OF COOPERATION. I REQUESTED THEM TO HELP ME WITH A PROVISIONAL CAR TO KEEP MY LIFE STYLE ON, BUT THEY DENIED IT. I NEED HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT NHTSA TO MAKE NISSAN TAKE CARE ABOUT THIS RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Oct 24, 2013
THE FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION COIL ON MY 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER FAILED AND BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. THE WIDEST SECTION OF COIL SHIFTED OFF THE STRUT SPRING PERCH AND CAME INTO CONTACT WITH THE NEARBY TIRE SIDEWALL CAUSING TIRE WEAR WHICH COULD LEAD TO FAILURE. THE RIDE HEIGHT ALSO FELL AS A RESULT OF THE BREAKAGE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING NORMAL SUBURBAN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SUBJECTED TO EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS AND THE STRUTS WERE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES PRIOR TO COIL SPRING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE HEARD A STRANGE NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE STRUT HOUSING HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V244000 (STEERING, SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 21, 2013
VEHICLE HAS SPENT ITS LIFE IN UPSTATE NEW YORK WARE WEATHER CONDITIONS WET AND ROADS ARE SALTED I WASHED UNDER CARRIAGE REGULARLY TO PREVENT CORROSION BUT AFTER WINTER THE VEHICLES FRONT SUPPORT BRACKET CONNECTED TO THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE FRONT AXLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM TO THE FRAME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING THE FRONT WHEEL TO SEPARATE AS WELL I WAS VERY LUCKY I NOTICED THE NOISE AND DID NOT TAKE DRIVE IT AT ANY SPEED BECAUSE THE RESULT WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC I FEEL THAT IT IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND THAT A RECALL SHOULD MANDATORY FOR NISSAN. *TR