10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
107,578 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2000 Nissan Pathfinder steering problems

steering problem

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2000 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #24

Feb 062017

Pathfinder

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11V244000 (steering, suspension). The dealer diagnosed that the frame had separated into the steering column, which potentially fractured. There was extensive rust and corrosion. The dealer kept the vehicle for further diagnostic testing. The contact was eventually provided with a loaner vehicle. The dealer refused to remedy the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified and indicated that a dealer should be able to provide the remedy for the repair. The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #23

Dec 222015

Pathfinder

  • miles
I heard a rubbing sound and the passenger side front brake was acting unusual so I took my truck to my mechanic assuming it needed brakes. When the driver front wheel was taken off it was ovious that my brake pad was fine. It was noted that my tires were wearing unevenly and it was also very very ovious that the entire wheel wheel area was corroded, rusted and missing. There was a extremely large hole being the wheel area. Looking further it was noted that the steering column was rubbing against a part of the engine area. That explains the rubbing sound and diffuculty turning the wheel. It was also noted that the suspension was rotted and that the engine measured around 2 inches lower as it was leaning on the drivers side. I was told by my mechanic that the damage was so extensive that it could not be repaired. There wasn't any metal available under the truck to even weld any reinforcement to. The truck was unsafe to drive and to take it to Nissan. We never went any further with an inspection of the passenger side ect. I did take it to Nissan in the afternoon and was called the following morning and told my truck was fixed. I was told they replaced the strut on the drivers side and put some fiberglass underneath the truck. They did say that it passed their 100 and something point safety check. They never addressed anything else. I have been without transportation for a week now.

- Deptford, NJ, USA

problem #22

Apr 292015

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
My Pathfinder was fixed for recall R1107 strut tower corrosion salt about 18,000 miles ago. The exact same issue came back and they said because it was already addressed they will not revisit it. This is insane. I could understand if it was from other causes, but if their "repair" did not truly repair it, how it it ok to say it was fixed? I've had cars 3 times the age of this one never have frame rust issues. This is a huge disappointment that Nissan just does not care.

- Macungie, PA, USA

problem #21

Feb 052015

Pathfinder

  • 159,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I took my vehicle for a recall free of charge. The Nissan dealer said that they cannot repair it because it is too expensive and the card does not worth it. They refuse to give my car back because they said by the law they cannot give it back without repair it. It has been 2 weeks already. They screwed everything because I need my car to work. They told me that I can have a car but I need to pay 20 dollars daily. It is that acceptable. Why they refuse to give me my car back. I had drove my car for more than 8 years without any problem. I give maintenance to my car really well and just bought new tires. I am very upset about it. How long it will take to resolve it. I do not need money for my car I need my car back because I need it. I have to loan a car from my cousin to go to work and dropped my child to school.

- Morton Grove, IL, USA

problem #20

Dec 212014

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Mechanical recall of November 2011 was never completed properly. On or about Dec. 21, 2014, the steering column broke while my wife and daughter were in the car. My mechanic inspected the call after the incident. He is willing to submit an affidavit stating that the recall was never properly completed. I have photos showing the un-repaired steering and housing that was supposed to have been repaired. The photos clearly indicate repairs were not done as required by the recall. Nissan usa insists it has no obligation to make repair....updated 02-03-15 the mechanic examined the vehicle and saw breakage in the rusty metal housing near the steering column, which allowed water from the road to enter the area of the steering column. Updated 03/02/15.....updated 03-11-15 updated 04/02/15 updated 06/8/2015

- Elkins Park, PA, USA

problem #19

Dec 212014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Nissan usa refuses to acknowledge that they is a recall on my vehicle, although the NHTSA records shows there is a recall because of the danger of steering column breakage. The steering column broke while my daughter was driving but Nissan says there is no recall and it would not repaid my vehicle. Although there is a NHTSA recall for my VIN, the local Nissan dealer referred me to the Nissan usa website, which states there is no recall. (see below). Nissan recall lookup 2000 Nissan Pathfinder VIN: [xxx] change VIN there are no open recalls or campaigns associated with this vehicle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- you can search for safety recalls all the way back to March 1994. This information was last updated on December 29, 2014. If you have additional questions regarding vehicle recalls, email us or call 1-(800) Nissan-1 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-(800) Nissan-1 free end_of_the_skype_highlighting. - see more at: www.nissanusa.com/recalls-VIN#/result information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Elkins Park, PA, USA

problem #18

Dec 212014

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In December 2014, NHTSA's website said there was a recall on my vehicle. It now says there is no recall. About Dec 21, 2014, my vehicle suffered the same problem that NHTSA described (a steering column that broke while driving) in the NHTSA notice given for recall (see below) VIN: [xxx] year: 2000 make: Nissan model: Pathfinder number of open recalls: 1 NHTSA recall number: Opens new window takes away from VIN lookup section> 11V-244 recall date: April 20, 2011 manufacturer recall number: R1101 summary: 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. This recall affects 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. Safety risk: 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: The manufacturer will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary. Recall status: Recall incomplete manufacturer notes: Please contact Nissan Consumer Affairs at (800) Nissan-1 (or 800-647-7261) for additional questions. Monday - Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm cst this recall data last refreshed: Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Elkins Park, PA, USA

problem #17

Dec 232014

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
The steering column broke while my daughter was driving, making it impossible to steer the vehicle. She lost control of the vehicle. NHTSA lists my vehicle as being involved in a recall. But Nissan says there is no recall for the vehicle. Please let me know if the NHTSA information is correct, and what I should with Nissan's contention that there is no recall. Year: 2000 make: Nissan model: Pathfinder number of open recalls: 1 NHTSA recall number: Opens new window takes away from VIN lookup section> 11V-244 recall date: April 20, 2011 manufacturer recall number: R1101 safety risk: 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: The manufacturer will inspect the strut housing and repair the vehicles as necessary. Recall status: Recall incomplete manufacturer notes: Please contact Nissan Consumer Affairs at (800) Nissan-1 (or 800-647-7261) for additional questions. Monday - Friday 7:00am to 7:00pm cst

- Elkins Park, PA, USA

problem #16

Sep 052014

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 161,250 miles
My Pathfinder was "fixed" in 2011 for the recall 11V244000. Upon driving the vehicle the steering became problematic when turning left or right. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the supposed fix from Nissan for this, was a joke. This vehicle had no business being on the road. The strut housing collapsed. You can look in the fender well and see the engine compartment!!! vehicle not able to be driven. Complaint made to Consumer Affairs.

- Charles Town , WV, USA

problem #15

Apr 012013

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 183,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the steering wheel and the front end felt loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, which located the failure at the driver's side front strut housing. The strut housing was corroded and caused the strut tower housing to fracture. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the manufacturer failed to advised her of NHTSA campaign number 11V244000 (steering, suspension) and she was not aware if the vehicle was included in the recall. The failure and current mileage was 183,000....updated 08/22/13

- Dayton , OH, USA

problem #14

Mar 272011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car veered off road to right unexplainable causing me to hit a guard rail dead on the end. Airbags never deployed either. I thought I did something but got the recall notice right after my accident. Unfortunately, I had already settled with the insurance company on a payout and they took possession of the car so I have no way of verifying that this is what caused it but I honestly believe it was!

- Dover, PA, USA

problem #13

Apr 192012

Pathfinder

  • 176,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise and the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that the suspension was completely rusted and it would cost over $2000 to repair. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA campaign id numbers: 11V244000 (suspension: Front) and 11V244000 (steering: Column), in which the vehicle was repaired under both recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that they would send out a representative to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 176,000.

- Marathon , NY, USA

problem #12

Dec 222011

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • miles
Recall R1107 pertains to interstate towers. Were repaired had in shop from Dec 22 2011 - Jan 4 2012. Complaint: We were informed that the vehicle was properly repaired at this time. After I inspected my vehicle I found that they plated the left side, and they left a hole in the frame rail. They said they could not fill a hole without being held liable. Right side was just sprayed with undercoat. Picture shows undercoat inside of frame rail badly rotted out and no repairs made. Also there is a 6" hole in right rear frame rail around spring mount which is a common problem in other Pathfinders. I had a 1992 Pathfinder that upper frame rail rotted out and upper trailing arm mounts ripped out of frame and rear end was ripped loose. Nissan said our 2000 Pathfinder claim has been closed (satisfied) and we have no recourse. We feel Nissan should buy this vehicle from us under their level three plan. We just paid this vehicle off and bought it from the dealer five years who did all the maintenance work on it prior to us buying it and this vehicle has always been taken care of. We were planning on driving this vehicle for years and now it is a safety hazard. I won't drive it because my grandchildren are in my vehicle daily. My husband is a mechanic and has been all of his life. We have pictures that can be emailed to you. We have contacted Nissan and so far they have been no help. We would appreciate any help you can provide.

- Waterloo, IA, USA

problem #11

Apr 262012

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 116,000 miles
We purchased a new 2000 Nissan Pathfinder in March of 2000. The vehicle has 116,000 miles on it and has been driven exclusively on urban roadways and highways (no off-road usage). There has been no unusual usage of the vehicle. We have not used it for towing or Transport of heavy or corrosive materials. The vehicle has never been involved in any accidents. The vehicle has been maintained per the manufacturer requirements. When not in use, the vehicle is stored in a garage. The vehicle has been regularly evaluated and inspected by Nissan mechanics during the free inspections offered by Nissan dealerships. They never reported any serious problems with the vehicle. About a month ago, we developed a noise in the front end when turning the vehicle. We took it to a dealership for an evaluation. The dealership determined that a portion of the frame was severely corroded and had cracked. I immediately requested that they inspect the rest of the frame for corrosion. They refused and told me that any repair would have to be made by a body shop. They said the vehicle was no longer under warranty.. after picking up the vehicle I immediately drove the vehicle to an auto body shop for evaluation and repair. The auto body shop removed the engine from the vehicle and inspected the frame. They found extensive corrosion of the frame. There are many locations in the frame where it has rusted completely through. The vehicle manufacturer must have improperly or inadequately applied anti-corrosive materials to the frame. It is obvious Nissan is aware of corrosion issues with Pathfinder frames. Nissan repaired a corrosion related problem with the strut housing while the car was at the dealership. There are numerous references to Pathfinder frame corrosion on the internet.

- Brecksville, OH, USA

problem #10

Dec 212011

Pathfinder

  • miles
I have had to have muffler replaced twice, front brakes. Replace exhaust. System replaced both axles, drive belts and rotors turned. I also need converter replaced asap. I went in for brakes and ended up getting this items fixed can't afford. I had to get loan but need converter replaced now. Can I get reimbursed. For repairs paid for out of pocket?

- Greenbelt, MD, USA

problem #9

Nov 122010

Pathfinder

  • 120,000 miles
Took a left hand turn into alley, driver side strut tower broke free from inner fender, busted steering shaft. Had to have the vehicle towed, to auto body shop. Inner fender needed to be replace. Steering arm also needed replacing. An alignment was also needed after the repair. Corrosion was the cause auto body shop applied coating to the inner fender so that this would not happen again. Total cost of everything was around 2500 dollars.

- Tomah, WI, USA

problem #8

Jul 212011

Pathfinder

  • miles
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 11V244000 ( steering:column), the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the parts needed for repairs were not readily available. Two months after receiving the recall notice, the dealer had not yet received the parts and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact did not feel safe driving the vehicle knowing a faulty strut housing was in the steering system. The contact had not experienced a failure. The current mileage was 130,000.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #7

Apr 072011

Pathfinder

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while making turns at any speed, a noise that sounded similar to banging pieces of metal could be heard coming from the front end. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who stated that the front struts were separating from the frame, causing the steering failure. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the dealer was not authorized to perform the repairs associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V244000 (steering: Column). The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 130,000.

- Milwaukee , WI, USA

problem #6

Jan 012011

Pathfinder

  • 149,000 miles
The contact owns a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated she heard a noise within the steering column while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the front driver's side strut tower was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was again informed that the front driver's side strut tower was corroded. The vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 11V244000 (steering:column). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 149,000.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #5

Mar 042011

Pathfinder 4WD 6-cyl

  • 197,620 miles
2000 Nissan Pathfinder major front drivers strut tower corrosion, caused steering column to snap.

- Saint John, New Brunswick, Can, 00, USA

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