No rust induced steering failures are evident in certain parts of the U.S., claims Nissan.
An accident in Canada has prompted Nissan to partially recall almost 200,000 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 sport utility vehicles because rust can detach the steering column from the firewall and cause the steering to ultimately fail.
Nissan Pathfinders from model years 1996-2004, and Infiniti QX4 SUVs from 1997-2003 are affected by regional recalls for vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the following 20 states and the District of Columbia: 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.
Critics of regional recalls for safety defects maintain that they do not address the entire population of defective vehicles. Automakers like them since it cuts the expense by limiting the inspection to fewer vehicles.
Nissan maintains the rust problem only exists in areas of the country where road salt is used extensively during winter months. In those regions a mixture of snow, water and salt is apparently making its way into an assembly location hole under the hood. Over time, rust can crack the strut housing, possibly causing the steering column to break.
Nissan dealers in the affected states will inspect and repair as necessary rusted vehicles. A letter will be sent to owners Nissan knows about on or before 16 May. Owners may also contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
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What do i do if my Pathfinder has this issue and I live in a state where the recall applies but Nissan is telling me there are no open recalls against my VIN?
Call the Nissan Customer Service number (it’s in your owner’s manual) and explain that you the rust problem.