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
239 reports, newest first.
Structure, Jun 19, 2003, crash
VEHICLE ROLL OVER WHICH INVOLVED A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. *MR IT WAS THE CONSUMER'S OPINION THE VEHICLE DID NOT POSSESS SUBSTANTIAL WEIGHT WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO PREVENT ROLL OVER SITUATIONS, THE VEHICLE LACKED THE NECESSARY HEIGHT TO WIDTH RATIO AS WELL AS THE NECESSARY MASS TO MAXIMIZE THE SURVIVABILITY AND PREVENT OR SUBSTANTIAL DECREASE IN THE CHANCE OF A ROLL OVER.*TT *JB
Seats, Equipment, Jun 17, 2003
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 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Visibility, May 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING OVER AVERAGE BUMPY ROAD I HEARD A LOUD POP AND NOTICED A TINY CRACK IN BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD. THIS CRACK CONTINUED TO COVER THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD. I TOOK THE SUV TO A VERY WELL RESPECTED WINDSHIELD REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER THEIR EXAM GAVE ME 2 POSSIBLE REASONS FOR THIS FAILURE. #1 REASON INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH OF THE GLASS. IT IS VERY THIN FOR A WINDSHIELD (FORD WINDSHIELD RECALL) UNABLE TO HANDLE THE STRESS OF NORMAL AND EXPECTED ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS. #2 IMPROPER INSTALLATION . THIS WINDSHIELD WAS NOT STRUCK WITH ANY OBJECT. *NLM
Vehicle speed control, Jan 2, 2003, crash
FUEL/THROTTLE CONTROL: I EXPERIENCED A "SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" INCIDENT IN JULY OF 2002. I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF HEAD IN PARKING AND WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY WHILE APPLYING BRAKES THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OVER CURBING INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE IS A 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH LESS THAN 8,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ OF OTHER INCIDENTS LIKE THIS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. NO OTHER INCIDENT HAS OCCURED. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE THIS SITUATION BEFORE AND I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THAT I STEPPED ON THE ACCELETATOR THE SAME TIME AS THE BRAKE. NOW I BELIEVE I DID NOT STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT FOR SOME REASON THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED. I HAVE NOT TAKEN THIS INTO THE DEALER BECAUSE I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THEIR ABILITY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AS IT APPEARS TO BE VERY INTERMITTENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT IS POTENTIALLY LETHAL AND CANNOT BE DETECTED BY NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND HAPPENS SO QUICKLY THAT THE DRIVER CANNOT REACT TO AVOID A SERIOUS COLLISION. THERE WERE NO INJURIES (THIS TIME) BUT VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS $500.
Steering, Tires, Dec 19, 2002
THE VEHICLE SHAKES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND CAUSES EXTREME WEAR AND TEAR ON THE TIRES. I HAVE HAD THIS NISSAN PATHFINDER (2001) FOR JUST OVER A YEAR AND NISSAN HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CLAIM IT WAS "BUILT TO RIDE THIS WAY". THE RESULT IS PREMATURE BREAKING PROBLEMS. THEY HAVE PUT NEW TIRES ON, TURNED THE ROTORS AND SPENT MANY HOURS BALANCING THE TIRES. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE DAY ONE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 22, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY WOULD SIMULTANEOUSLY PRESS ON THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT NOTICE CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
Suspension, Nov 20, 2002
FRONT END IS ALL RUSTED. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE WHOLE FRONT END TO FALL WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. DT
Visibility, Nov 5, 2002
THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY AND IT DIDN'T SEEM THAT ANY OBJECT HIT THE GLASS PRIOR TO BEING SHATTERED. THERE WAS SOME BRUISES ON THE DRIVERS ARM FROM SHATTERED GLASS. WENT DIRECTLY TO TUSTIN NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHO STATED THE GLASS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. WHILE STILL IN THE DEALER, I CALLED NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REPORTED THE INCIDENT. NISSAN REP SAID THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE GLASS TO SHATTER. I CALLED AGAIN WEEK LATER AFTER FINDING OUT THAT THE SAME INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR. I STATED MY SAFETY CONCERNS. NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REP SAID THEY WOULD NOT DISCUSS THE CASE AGAIN AND HUNG UP . *NLM *DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*769304
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 30, 2002
WHEN FUELING, GAS TANK OVER FILLS AND SPILLS GASOLINE ONTO SIDE OF VEHICLE AND GROUND. THIS IS SERIOUS POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AUTOMATIC FUEL SHUT OFF NOT PROPERLY WORKING. IF FUEL SHUT OFF WORKS, GAS GAUGE SHOWS. GAS AMOUNT TO BE SLIGHTLY ABOVE 3/4 FULL. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FULLY FUEL TANK TO HAVE GAS GAUGE SHOW "F" THEN GASOLINE WILL OVER FLOW. ONLY RECOURSE NOW IS TO DRIVE WITH 3/4 TANK FULL IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUEL SPILLS. TOOK IT TO DEALER. DEALER INDICATED THIS IS NORMAL FOR FRONTIERS AND NOTHING IS WRONG. DT
Tires, Oct 27, 2002
TIRES HAVE NO WET TRACTION, THEY SPIN OUT AT LOW RATE OF SPEED LEAVING YOU EXPOSED TO FAST APPROACHING VEHICLES. TIRES ALSO CAUSE VEHICLE TO "FISH TAIL" AND SPIN OUT AT LOW SPEED TURNS, LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND/OR SIDE SWIPPNG A GUARD RAIL AND OR VEHICLE. DT
Vehicle speed control, Oct 27, 2002
THERE IS A PATTERN OF FAILURES FOR ALL NISSAN VEHICLES 1998 THRU 2001 (DID NOT SEARCH NHTSA DATABASE FOR ANYTHING EARLIER). THIS FAILURE INVOLVES THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATING USUALLY WHEN THE DRIVER IS EITHER SLOWING DOWN OR BRAKING. IN OUR CASE, WE COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP OUR FORWARD MOTION. THE DATABASE SUMMARIES SHOW THE DEALER RESPONSE IS ALWAYS THE SAME - WE CAN'T REPLICATE, THEREFORE WE CAN'T FIX. ADDITIONALLY, OUR DEALER CONTACTED NISSAN AND WAS TOLD THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS VERY UNLIKELY SINCE THE REPORTS IN YOUR DATABASE SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE REPEATED TOLD NISSAN OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE BEGIN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND FORCE NISSAN TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM, DETERMINE ITS CAUSE AND RECALL THE VEHICLES. THIS PROBLEM IS ENDEMIC ACROSS ALL NISSAN MODELS (CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS, VANS) AND ACROSS A NUMBER OF MODEL YEARS (1998-2001). THIS PROBLEM COULD AFFECT MILLIONS OF CARS. ODI ID NUMBERS SOME OF THE RELATED PROBLEMS: 746324, 875795, 898284, 8001581, 741992, 854025, 566322, 56065, 758859, 8003876, 893370, 896545, 890278, 725165, 716994, 717202, 851041, 855272, 856147, 878223, 724641, 738694, 8019220, 857221, 863072, 885430, 531657, 558376, 737832, 842113, 553051, 725198, 836694, 855561, 829460, 853157, 785598, 533896. THANK YOU. DT
Tires, Sep 21, 2002
SIDEWALL OF TIRE BLEWOUT. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Aug 22, 2002
VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AND STOPPED OR SLOWED--CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF CAR
Tires, May 16, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE BLEW OUT. BRIDGESTONE DULLER HT #25565R16.*JB
Tires, Mar 26, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE, TECHNICIAN SERVICED VEHICLE AND NOTICE EXCESSIVE RADIAL RUN OUT ON TIRES (DOT UT6D2K30901 255-65-16). NLM THE CONSUMER IS ASKING REFUND FOR THE EXPENSE PAID FOR THE TIRES. *YH
Tires, Sep 3, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 6A74100 TIRESIZE: P255/65R16)
Air bags, Aug 1, 2001, crash
I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 40MPH WHEN A 16 YEAR OLD DRIVER SITTING THE THE TURN LANE COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT MY BRAKES(ABOUT 20FT OF SKID MARKS) AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID THE OTHER CAR. I HIT THE OTHER CAR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE THE WENT ABOUT 15 FEET AND HIT A FOUR FOOT BLOCK WALL. MY PATHFINDER FOLLOWED THE WALL ABOUT 12 FEET AND CAME TO A REST ALMOST ON ITS SIDE. I HAD TWO FRONT IMPACTS AND NEITHER AIRBAG OPENED ON EITHER IMPACT. *AK
Suspension, Jul 20, 2001
BOLT BROKE IN FRONT STRUT TOWER, AND FEEL OFF IN THE DRIVEWAY. WE HAPPENED TO DRIVE 60 MILE TRIP AND SON CALLED AND INFORMED OF THE BROKEN BOLT. WE TOOK TO NISSAN IN MARIETTA, AND GOT NO SERVICE PERIOD. WE HAVE CALLEN NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REGISTERED A COMPLAINT.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 16, 2001
WHEN PARKING VEHICLE AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE SUDDENTLY TOOK OFF . HE HAD TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK IN ORDER TO STOP. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM . INCIDENT WITH SUDDEN ACELLERATION HAPPENED THREE TIMES. *AK
Visibility, Jun 22, 2001
WHILE DRIVING TRUCK ON A SIDE STREET, THE REAR DOOR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED/ SHATTERED. MY DAUGHTER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW NO PEOPLE OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS.I REPORTED THE EVENT TO THE DEALER TO NO AVAIL. THEY CLAIM "IMPOSSIBLE, SOMETHING HAD TO HIT IT". I THEN REPORTED TO NISSAN CUSTOMER HOTLINE, ALSO TO NO AVAIL. THEY CLAIM IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE NISSAN WARRANTY. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2001, crash
2001 PATHFINDER SAFETY ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM PERTAINS TO THE SPACING BETWEEN THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL ON THE 2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER. AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED WITH OUR PATHFINDER DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THE CLOSE SPACING, THE GAS PEDAL WAS MISTAKEN FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE ENTERING A PARKING LOT AND THE DRIVER PANICKED AND THE VEHICLE STRUCK A WALL. A SIMILAR PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH ME. WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I BRAKED BUT MY FOOT WAS PARTIALLY ON THE GAS PEDAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LURCH. FORTUNATELY, I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM IN TIME AND PREVENTED AN ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED WAS THE DRIVER'S FIRST "AT FAULT" ACCIDENT IN 25 YEARS OF DRIVING. THE CLEAR DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL ON THE PATHFINDER IS 2 3/8". ON OTHER CARS, I MEASURED THE CLEAR DISTANCE AS 3". THIS EXTRA DISTANCE MAKES A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN DISTINGUISHING THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. I BELIEVE THAT THIS SPACING IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE PATHFINDER AND CREATES AN UNSAFE CONDITION. I RECOMMEND THAT NISSAN RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE PEDAL AND LEVER ARM WITH A LEVER WHICH IS OFFSET TO INCREASE THE SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS. AT THIS TIME, I WILL DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT SHOES OR WEAR A SOFT SOLE SHOE SO THAT I CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL. A HARD SOLE SHOE CAUSES BOTH PEDALS TO FEEL THE SAME, AND BECAUSE OF THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE PEDALS, IS THE SOURCE OF CONFUSION AND SAFETY CONCERN.*AK
Seats, Equipment, May 25, 2001
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
Air bags, May 10, 2001, crash
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2-19-01. WE WERE TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON A CITY STREET WITH THE POSTED SPEED OF 40 MPH. WE WERE TRAVELING ABOUT 38-40MPH. A CAR TRAVELING WEST BOUND TURNED IN FRONT OF US, WE HIT THE CAR AND THE HIT A STOP LIGHT POLE. WE CONTACTED NISSAN, AND THEY SENT US A LETTER STATING THAT WE DID NOT DECELERATE QUICK ENOUGH. GOING 40MPH AND HITTING A CAR AND THEN A LIGHT POLE, HOW CAN THAT NOT BE A QUICK ENOUGH DECELERATION? MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, AND ALL OF THE DAMAGE WAS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, WITH THE LIGHT POLE RESTING IN THE CENTER OF THE HOOD. EVERYONE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE POLICE, FIRE DEPT., AND AMBULANCE WOULDN'T EVEN ATTEMPT TO GET ME OUT OF THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED FOR FEAR THAT THE BAGS WOULD DEPLOY IN ATTEMPT TO GET ME OUT. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THEY DIDN'T DEPLOY, AND I WANT SOMETHING DONE ABOUT IT. I LOVE MY EXTERRA, BUT IF EVER THERE SHOULD BE ANOTHER ACCIDENT, I (OR SOMEONE ELSE) MAY NOT BE AS FORTUNATE TO SURVIVE THE CRASH.*AK
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 27, 2001
THERE IS SOME SHAKING IN FRONT END BETWEEN 55 MPH AND 70 MPH. CONTACTED DEALER 8 TIMES, BUT SO FAR NO REMEDY.*AK ALSO, THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY ROAR OR SKIP. *YH
Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2001
WHILE STOPPING ENGINE WOULD IDLE HIGH. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK