The repair was done by my mechanic who said it would last forever, and I believe him. The inspector didn't know what to do because they had not seen a pathfinder that had already been repaired. The car had 181,000 miles and was starting to rust, although I could have gotten 2 mores years from it.I have an email from Morley stating their position. The woman from Nissan was like a robot stating the facts. I will not be calling her back. I have amended the acceptance letter to read "I will be pursuing the reimbursement from Nissan".

I already had my inspection done and just set up a repair appointment. They can't get me in until December 12th! Also the lady said it would take 1-7 days?

Reading most of this is just plain sad. I am hesitant to even bring my Path in. Sanded down what I painted months ago, could not find much rust at all and repainted it. Seems like most are going thru a headache and a half to say the least. Also gonna lose alot of memers to this forum along with their Paths/QX's etc.

While this is obviously a large enough problem that Nissan is buying back and inspecting these vehicles - I can tell you that many show no signs of rust. I currently have two LE 4x4's -- one I bought new in 2002 that now has almost 150k on it and another 2002 that I recently purchased with only 55k on it. Anybody getting almost 7k for one of these with over 150k is making out like a bandit. For a couple of thousand more then can turn around and get one that looks as new with 100k less miles on it. While this is nothing to take lightly -- The Pathfinders are really great vehicles. My oldest one is still in the area with over 200k on it.

Not sure if anyone really cares...

but here's the letter I just got today in the mail:



Unfortunately, I don't believe the truck has ever been in any of those states, but I will take the truck in to the local Infiniti dealer to see what they say

Just curious. When are people asked to return the rental car?

I I keep having this nightmare.where I go to return the rental, and when I get there I get out to find put that one whole side is caved in

Cerebralailment wrote:Just curious. When are people asked to return the rental car?

The lady from Morley I spoke with said that I'd be asked to return the rental car when their agent is at the dealer's location to exchange the buyout check with the title of the car.

I will relay my experience with the Strut Housing recall. Around Aug 15, 2011 we took our pathfinder in for the recall, was told our car was unrepairable and would be crushed and put into a rental. About 1 week ago we where then told that the car was repairable the parts ordered and would be fixed. I was very apprehensive about this but I went along with the situation. Went to pickup my car Friday Sept 23 and could not even drive the car out of the lot. Spent the whole weekend thinking that I had been shafted. Tried to find help but could not, did go pick up our car yesterday and it was okay. Things I found out:

1. The dealership may deem your vehicle unrepairable, but the final decision is made by the Morley inspector.
2. There is a technical bulletin out there telling the situation, but still Morley is the one with final decision.
3. You can not get a copy of the report
4. Lawyers will not help you unless you are willing to pay them.
5. Nissan USA will not help you they back the dealership.
6. If your Nissan is under this recall plan to wait and plan to be jerked around.

To me if this is such an issue why can't Nissan a least treat there customers with better respect. We have lives too, we don't plan to be waiting in the world of the unknown.

Any rate with all that said Nissan's are still great vehicles, we plan to keep ours, just wish I did not have to go through all that mess. Oh, by the way someone asked about the rental, it is taken when they either repair the car or they settle with you.

Oh by the way anyone wanting the technical bulletin email me at [email protected] with your email address and I will gladly email it to you.

Im going to fax my title registration and drivers license in tomorrow. this im told is when them negotiations will start. Can someone given me an example of how the process went for you? ofc ourse I'm going to want the must money possible for my pathfinder. To my knowledge its a LE ¿I'm not positive of the trim level. But its a 5 speed with power Windows an locks. Cruise control. Cd tape. Tow pckage. Cloth seats. My kbb estimate in excellent is 3940 (I think?).. Anyone have any tips?

Gotta say this has been a consistent drama...
Fact my pathfinder that i put 1800.00 in repairs into is now unrepairable...
Fact Morley and Nissan Corporate both agree that just unfortunate needed maintenance and has no bearing on the value of the vehicle and are not refundable.
Fact Morley started this process more than two months ago at 2500.00, kbb private sale value, they added the cost for recent tires and added a thousand to be 'nice' after weeks and weeks of talking and talking and talking. Now the rental bill is retarded...lol... My point was that had they at least been fair in the beginning there wouldn't be a 1500.00 rental bill... and for that matter they could have just added that to my offer and I would have been happier. I argued all along it should be retail value, plus recent repairs, and tires, because it increased the value. Their point is they don't care... I can either sign the 5100. they are offering or take back my vehicle...Soooo no real choice i guess. According to the verbage accepting the offer releases Nissan from all liablity. I have to have a car to work and can't afford to get one with out the buy back money. I truly hope morley costs nissan a fortune in settlements and future sales.

Faxed in my stuff today. Lets see what they have.to.say

Just a fyi, if you have a lift it wont be warrantied out. At least thats what two dealers told me...if its not in stock form its not covered. I dont have any rust issues anyways so its not a big deal to me

I just took my 01 pathfinder into the dealership to have it checked out. well i had been replacing the brakes i noticed a spot on the passenger side


the dealership deemed it unrepairable and i just got a phone call from morley yesterday and was told that it would at least 2 weeks for a second inspecter to come out and look at it . the only up side of this is im driving a 2011 pathfinder rental lol. either way im 90 percent sure that i wont be keeping my pathfinder even if they fix it.

Has anyone in CANADA gone through with this recall process?

I am in Vancouver BC and received the recall letter and took my 2001 Pathfinder into my dealership for inspection. They said the rust looks pretty bad and might not be repairable. I have to bring the truck back next week for further inspection where they will take photos and send them to Nissan Canada for their decision on a buyback or not.

Just wondering if anyone else in Canada is dealing with this too. Thanks!

Also, for those of you who have had Nissan buy back your Pathfinders.....what are you going to buy as a replacement??

I can't think of a better SUV for the price ($5000-9000) with the reliability and options that the Pathfinder has.
Considering alot of us arent in themarket for a new Nissan, what are the choices?

I'm in Canada (Nova Scotia), I outlined my experience a couple of pages back, but my truck was deemed undamaged and preventatively repaired with the plate. I'm one of those religious yearly undercoating guys. So was the original owner.

No snow here but I have driven through my fair share of salt water.... i'm going to get it checked out. Problem is, my local dealer (Kearny Mesa Infiniti) is a bunch of scam artists and they don't even do the proper inspections.... when we had the fuel fill neck recall, they literally just washed my QX4 and told me it was OK, without even looking at the filler neck. When I asked them why, their reply "well when we asked you if you drive it in these northern states, you said no, so that means we don't have to inspect it"

Just took a closer look at my truck and was surprised at what I saw:



Is that repairable or should I say goodbye to my Pathfinder?

Morely companies says i should expect another mont h until everything is done. Jesus.

Haha holidazed it looks like your pathfinder has a rusty vagina lolol

I work at a dealership in GA. We got out first pathfinder that had a problem with the strut tower today....and it was originally from NY.... and will probably be unrepairable. I am not sure why some of you are upset with how Nissan is handling this... these vehicles are 7-14 yrs old... the owners voluntarily live in areas that use salt in the winter and are fully aware that it causes rust and vehicles in these areas don't last as long as southern vehicles. I am impressed that Nissan is even doing anything about it. I had a 86.5 hardbody that the bed rusted out when I lived in NY and I never expected Nissan to do anything about it. I had an 85 Subaru that completely rusted out by 1992 and I never expected Subaru to do anything about it. I was simply a drawback of living in an area that used salt, and NOT a manufacturer defect.
I say to those of you that are getting offers on the "buy back", take it and be glad that Nissan is even offering you anything. For those of you that aren't even the original owners and didn't buy it from a Nissan dealership, you really should be thankful that Nissan is even offering you anything at all.

I am sure I will get flamed for this post, but some of you really seem to be whining about Nissan stepping up to the plate and taking care of stuff.

I for one am happy that they took care of it. I bought an 02 Pathy with 80k on it 2 weeks ago for 6K. I live near Chicago. Took it in and they did a "level 2" repair. I inspected it when I picked it up and it looked great. They even repaired a small hole "outside of the repair area" for free. AND they gave me a loaner car for 2 days free of charge. When I got it home I prepped the frame where any rust was present and POR-15d those areas. I plan on inspecting and doing this yearly as this is mainly a winter vehicle and I want it to last. Like Luv2ski35 said, we are lucky that Nissan are even doing anything considering the age of the vehicles and the heavy salt areas that they are in.

Cerebralailment: yes those salt trucks sure gave my Pathfinder a good pounding over the years...haha

update on my truck, the dealership said my truck was repairable and did a Level 2 repair and cleaned/patched up the rusty hole and it looks good to go now. I was told that the truck is structurally sound and needed no further repairs. I was given a 2011 Versa (yuck) for 2 days while they did the repair and everthing is back to normal now. Its a relief to know I can keep the truck for a while longer now.

Its just weird. This is the longest turn around i've ever had with any product I've owned. As far as the rust comment goes. Im from Maine. Yes I choose to live here enjoy being in my beautiful state. l know rust too. I'm a mechanic by hobby and let me just say I KNOW Rust. Typically you see rusted out Rocker panels, wheel wells, bumpers, cab corners, quarter panels etc - On autos from salty winter roads. Wash your car everyday it will last longer. That's just typical. Worst case - on trucks the frame goes. But you don't normally see rust where its appearing. Its a faulty designed piece of sheet metal overlooked by someone who probably never even worked on a car. I know other company's have been spending money on rest prevention since way before 97. That little hole was created for manufacturing purposes. Sucks someone didn't predict the outcome. A failure in the manufacturing design. Why is Nissan replacing these vehicles? Because there liable for the safety of their consumers.

I get better customer service with my $100 a year website hosting provider. Morely companies... sub-par to standards. I can't get a rental car that I can use like I used my pathfinder. I dabble in recycled parts. Do you know how many times I've had to strip down infront of a junkyard after working on a car? Im starting to think the owner thinks im odd because of the amount of times he's seen me drive with socks on my hands. I don't think you understand my position and two months is an inconvenience to say the least. Nissan is great though love thier cars to death.

^Lolio

Being that I am a service advisor and will have to work through this process from a different aspect as most of you here, I will certainly be able to report on what company is holding up the process.... Nissan, Morley, dealership. Sounds like some are getting quick turn arounds and some are not.... Bet I has a lot to do with the service advisor.... We will see. I'm gonna get a jump on it Monday. Good thing we have an in-house rental department with 20+ cars as well as on site body shop.

Luv2get a clue. So nissan designed a 4wd vehicle and did not properly undercoat the thing and you do not feel they are responsible for placing my life as well as everone elses in danger due to their neglect. COME ON. This is utility vheicle and the reason i bought it was because i have bad winters and i didnt feel a ford escort would fair as well through the mess. I have owned chevy, ford, toyota, nissan, etc and guess what. The only one that rotted away structual components after 10 years was the pathfinder. Hmmmm.

chrishere0 wrote:Luv2get a clue. So Nissan designed a 4wd vehicle and did not properly undercoat the thing and you do not feel they are responsible for placing my life as well as everyone else's in danger due to their neglect? COME ON. This is a utility vehicle and the reason I bought it was because I have bad winters and I didn't feel a ford escort would fair as well through the mess. I have owned chevy, ford, toyota, Nissan, etc and guess what. The only one that rotted away structural components after 10 years was the pathfinder. Hmmmm.

Just my $.02 on this thought:
I'm an old fart, and I've owned a crap load of vehicles over the course of my life.
Cars from the Big 3, Japan, England and whatever other country I can think of.
I tend to drive my vehicles until they break, and then I send them to the scrapheap.
I've seen them all rust out to some degree. (Which is not unusual, since I live in Canada, in a snow belt, where tons of salt is used on the roads.).
I can honestly say that as much as my cars rusted out (ask me about my '84 Buick Regal),
there was not a SINGLE vehicle that rotted away the structure or the frame the way the Pathfinder/QX4's are doing. Not one.
Rocker panels, fenders, doors, window frames, etc., yes. Structurally, no.
As for my own 2002 Pathfinder, I mentioned on here before that I oil spray this thing every year, and it has apparently paid off big time.
No rust underneath so far. I have some rust across the top of my windshield, but that's another issue.
As for the way Nissan is dealing with it, the process may suck, but at least they're doing something about it.
Cheers.