1996-2004 Pathfinder / QX4 Strut Housing Corrosion Recall

[srd99]

Hi,

I have a 99 Nissan Pathfinder that Nissan that has been at the dealership now for almost 3 weeks for the Strut Housing Corrosion. Since no one at the dealership has contacted I contacted them to find out that my car is "non repairable" and that Nissan is willing to buy back the car at Kelly Blue book value.. (What the heck!!). They gave me the number to the corporation and they advised they will give me blue book value. So basically, I go in for a recall and now they are holding my car hostage. If I decide to get my car I need to sign a waiver.

If anyone is having this issue I would greatly appreciate any update of what you had to do. The corporation advised I Worley will buy back the car. How can the expect people to take this offer in this company. I checked if their is a class action lawsuit but I have found nothing yet. Any information will be great..

Thanks

[Kaptainkid1]

kaptainkid - sounds like that would be a good idea... but haven't you considered the risk to yourself and whomever might be in the vehicle during those 2 yrs you "rust out" the truck? Doesn't it seem a bit like playing with fire? There has to be a breaking point (figuratively and literally).

not flaming you by any means...

Hmqx4,

You're correct, I'm putting people at risk but don't worry because LA traffic I drive about 5 mph on the average. So much dam traffic out here.
Also, I'm complete aware of my cars performance and I'm on top of my maintenance of my vehicle. I noticed the rust 1 year ago and the recall issue has to do with the rust effecting the steering retaining bracket and front drivers wheel strut could collapse. Sadly the recall doesn't cover if passenger wheel collapse and its repairs are at owners cost . I'm in no financial means to buy another car even if they gave me $6500 for my car. The energy finding another car, taxes, etc is an expense I can't afford at the moment. Especially since I've just put in $1000 in maintenance in the last year.

[meatwad]

Hi,

I have a 99 Nissan Pathfinder that Nissan that has been at the dealership now for almost 3 weeks for the Strut Housing Corrosion. Since no one at the dealership has contacted I contacted them to find out that my car is "non repairable" and that Nissan is willing to buy back the car at Kelly Blue book value.. (What the heck!!). They gave me the number to the corporation and they advised they will give me blue book value. So basically, I go in for a recall and now they are holding my car hostage. If I decide to get my car I need to sign a waiver.

If anyone is having this issue I would greatly appreciate any update of what you had to do. The corporation advised I Worley will buy back the car. How can the expect people to take this offer in this company. I checked if their is a class action lawsuit but I have found nothing yet. Any information will be great..

Thanks

Hey,

I suggest you read this whole topic from the beginning to end. I know its alot but it has greatly helped me get through this, particularly when it came to negotiating the price with morley. There are some good and happy outcomes, and some not so good and happy outcomes. Personally, I am very satisfied with the way Nissan and Morley has handles my particular situation. As a matter of fact I am going into the dealership to pick up my check tommorow afternoon.

[bailey7593]

Ok, I have been on this forum few times and I have learned a lot but need more info. I have been waiting for Nissan to call me. That is what the dealership told me. It seems like some of you called and some of you did get a phone call from Nissan. Do I wait to hear from them?? It has only been two weeks since I have been in my rental. Thank God it is a SUV because I am in Western Massachusetts with our early winter. Just got my power back after 3 days without so I am one of the lucky ones.

[meatwad]

Ok, I have been on this forum few times and I have learned a lot but need more info. I have been waiting for Nissan to call me. That is what the dealership told me. It seems like some of you called and some of you did get a phone call from Nissan. Do I wait to hear from them?? It has only been two weeks since I have been in my rental. Thank God it is a SUV because I am in Western Massachusetts with our early winter. Just got my power back after 3 days without so I am one of the lucky ones.

Have they deemed your car unrepairable yet? If so, you should be contacted by Morley not Nissan. I waited two weeks before contacting morley. At that point it took them another 2 weeks to get back to me. If your vehicle has been deemed unrepairable, you should have received a case number and phone number from the dealership.

[meatwad]

UPDATE:

Just got my check today. After signing all the paperwork, I was taken to my car which was on a different lot offlocation. I grabbed my plates, city sticker, floor matts, windshield wipers, tire iron and jack.

[bailey7593]

Dear Meatwad,

My car is unrepairable. I am only into a rental given to me by Nissan for a few weeks. I know it may take a long time before my issue is resolved. They did not give me a case number so I called the dealer to check if i was supposed to get one. They said they filled out the paperwork and they sent it in and Morley not Nissan will contact me. I am glad you got your check. From what I have seen in your posts it took about 6 weeks. I wanted to make sure i was doing all of the right things. Thanks

[JoannaC00kies1]

ITS FINALLY OVER!

After 59 long a** days - I finally received my check.

Recap: I had a 1998 Nissan SE Pathfinder - 199,999 miles. It was deemed irreparable and I accepted an offer of $4330 for the car. Excellent value + $600 additional to close the deal.

I racked up $2700 in rental fee's that nissan is going to pay for :]

I was told an inspector would come check out my vehicle when it was closed so I never removed anything that I wanted to. But Morely never sent an inspector they just mailed a 'closing kit' with my check and some paperwork to the dealer.

If I could have done it all over again, I would have fibbed a little about my trim/options to get more money - I did say it had power seats and it doesn't! Moowaha - they really don't know and don't seem to care to check those over. I probably could have said it was an automatic loaded LE & got $6700 for it and no one would have noticed. At least in my personal situation up here in Maine there was very little communication between Morely & my local Nissan Dealership (Berlin City - who took great care of me, if your ever in Maine take your Nissan to Berlin).

But I'm just glad its over with. I paid $600 for the car a few months ago

Now I'm gonna go roll around naked on $4,000.00 in fresh hundred dollar bills!

[Towncivilian]

Damn, 199,999 miles, literally? I would've been annoyed at not seeing it hit 200k. Good deal with your payout, though!

[yngw13]

Hey dudes...I just checked the driver side wheel wells on my 01 pathy and find no corrosion.
Should I just do my own DIY undercoating to winterize? I was planning to buy some in Autozone later...and apply if after doing a semi power wash. Called my local dealership here in VA and I didnt have my VIN on hand so I didnt get an appt.

again>>>Should I just do my own DIY undercoating to winterize? (3x coats)

[tysdad115]

Hi Everyone, Figured I would share my story too. April of this year my wife was driving my Pathfinder heard a loud snap. ABS light came on,steering felt weird. I drove it to my work (Im service manager at a GMC dealership) checked it out and found the left strut housing leaning on the steering shaft and ABS wires torn at connector. Im not in any position to buy a new vehicle, I sent it to our body shop they replaced the entire left wheel house and a considerable part of the left frame rail due to severe corrosion. I did a search found out this was a common issue, logged the incident with NTSB. Shortly after I got the vehicle back $1700.00 later...I received a recall notice, I called Nissan Consumer Affairs sent in the required paperwork including parts slips,RO for repair and proof of ownership. Thay had me bring it to a Nissan dealer to verify the repair was performed properly. I did, it was, sent them the copy of paperwork showing it was done properly. I was told I would be reimbursed quickly (this was June) . In August I received a call stating I had to bring my vehicle to dealer again for a second inspection, I did in September where they applied the sealant and brackets. Sent in that paperwork again along with all the original paperwork as they "Lost" all that I sent in. Resend everything again early September and here it is November 4, still no payment. I did receive a call from Nissan Consumer Affairs stating my paperwork has been processed.
I strongly advise if anyone calls or gets called about the recall make certain you take notes of who you spoke with, what day and time,precise extension #s and contact info. Keep all faxes/copies of paperwork at hand when speaking with anyone about your vehicle. In the 7 months my case has been started I have had four different file numbers and spoken with 12 different people. Cover your @ss because no one else is looking out for you.

[Chuck Tribolet]

Hey dudes...I just checked the driver side wheel wells on my 01 pathy and find no corrosion.
Should I just do my own DIY undercoating to winterize? I was planning to buy some in Autozone later...and apply if after doing a semi power wash. Called my local dealership here in VA and I didnt have my VIN on hand so I didnt get an appt.

again>>>Should I just do my own DIY undercoating to winterize? (3x coats)

Have the dealer do it.

[ashish1971]

I finally got everything settled today with Morley after one and half months. I had 97 pathfinder with almost 149k which deemed unrepairable. I was offered 5300 (excellent book value + $1000). I got my check today and I am completely satisfied. Not bad for 14 year old car.

[yngw13]

Hey dudes...I just checked the driver side wheel wells on my 01 pathy and find no corrosion.
Should I just do my own DIY undercoating to winterize? I was planning to buy some in Autozone later...and apply if after doing a semi power wash. Called my local dealership here in VA and I didnt have my VIN on hand so I didnt get an appt.

again>>>Should I just do my own DIY undercoating to winterize? (3x coats)

Have the dealer do it.

thanks CHUCK! I think I will...

[hmqx4]

Definitely have the dealer do it.

1. It is free
2. Keep them liable! As long as they are doing the repair, if by chance anything goes wrong, you can still point the finger at them.

Best of luck.

[meatwad]

Another AWESOME update. Spoke to representative from Nissan yesterday. In 2-4 weeks I will be receiving a check for $1500 as a reimbursement for the repairs I made to the strut tower back in March of this year. That is on top of the $7000 I got from morley for my car.

Thank you Nissan and Morley!

[yngw13]

gah...talked to "Harold" of Sheehy Nissan Manassas and he said they wont winterize or do coating if there is no "level 1" damage/corrosion. I remember the other thread where "Morpheus" (mechanic? and OP) said "no hole no problem" . So I guess no preventative action will be done on mine then. I will have to DIY this undercoating. I might do the back wheel wells if it goes as smoothly with spraying. Id hate to take the wheels off so ill just wing it with spray covers.

[Towncivilian]

gah...talked to "Harold" of Sheehy Nissan Manassas and he said they wont winterize or do coating if there is no "level 1" damage/corrosion. I remember the other thread where "Morpheus" (mechanic? and OP) said "no hole no problem" . So I guess no preventative action will be done on mine then. I will have to DIY this undercoating. I might do the back wheel wells if it goes as smoothly with spraying. Id hate to take the wheels off so ill just wing it with spray covers.

Print page 9 of this PDF and bring it to your dealer. It clearly states that both the driver side and passenger side should receive an undercoating if there is little to no rust on both sides.

However, if you are in a "southern" state, if the dealer finds little to no rust, you won't get an undercoating. There is a different campaign ID for the southern states, R1108 I believe.

[rusted path]

Hello new to board,have a 1997,pathfinder,
mine rusted so bad the tower broke.
it been about 6 weeks havent heard anything.
still a 2011 rental,very clean truck loaded,
is kelly blue book what to expect?

[yngw13]

gah...talked to "Harold" of Sheehy Nissan Manassas and he said they wont winterize or do coating if there is no "level 1" damage/corrosion. I remember the other thread where "Morpheus" (mechanic? and OP) said "no hole no problem" . So I guess no preventative action will be done on mine then. I will have to DIY this undercoating. I might do the back wheel wells if it goes as smoothly with spraying. Id hate to take the wheels off so ill just wing it with spray covers.

Print page 9 of this PDF and bring it to your dealer. It clearly states that both the driver side and passenger side should receive an undercoating if there is little to no rust on both sides.

However, if you are in a "southern" state, if the dealer finds little to no rust, you won't get an undercoating. There is a different campaign ID for the southern states, R1108 I believe.

Ok thanks so much for the heads up!
I called another Nissan dealership (a little farther away) and talked to "Bill" of Rosenthal Nissan Vienna VA, mentioning that I already did my OWN visual inspection and found no corrosion...and he was aware of the recall + THEY ARE WILLING to do the undercoating for me without even taking my VIN# (not that it is a problem its just I wanted to make a general inquiry on what they would do before having to look for the vin# up). I said I will call back to set up an appointment. I already bought 4 cans of Rustoleum but would rather have a dealership do it since they can access the nook and crannies better than me. I had a feeling some of the dealerships have their own way of doing things in regards to accepting in recalls hence I called another which I just happened to have read about in some FS ad on CL in regards to maintenace on cars. Ill post my recommendations for this dealership after they do the promised work.

[cc.lindsay]

I finally got everything settled today with Morley after one and half months. I had 97 pathfinder with almost 149k which deemed unrepairable. I was offered 5300 (excellent book value + $1000). I got my check today and I am completely satisfied. Not bad for 14 year old car.

I am helping my boyfriend who has been a long time owner of a 96 Pathfinder. He was Just contacted by Morley who wants to buy him out. His Pathfinder has been the love of his life ! He had no intention (or means) to replace it . I am concerned that they will offer him low KBB value - 300,000 miles . But It is a good runner and he planned on it running for years to come. He needs a reliable truck for work. Looking for advice on this and what to expect. I have not seen many posts from 96-97 Pathfinders.

[arice]

Has anyone dealt with a vehicle that originally came from Canada (aka Chilkoot Trail edition)? I had my 99' Pathfinder repaired two years ago and am seeking reimbursement. The latest I have heard is that they can't locate my VIN number. I have already submitted all my paperwork and am worried I'll have to restart the process.

[wedgeshot]

Just signed up here to follow and post info. I'm at the start of buy-back negotiations with Morley. I have a '97 Pathfinder and the buyback amount started at 3,952! and after stating that I had a brand new exhaust, remote start, put all this money into keeping it up and within 2 minutes up to 5,302. My view is give me a replacement or more money because I can't justify buying a pre 2004 replacement because I can't trust carrying my kids in a vehicle with known severe issues..

Does anyone find it strange that the letter from Nissan stated this was the second the notice?.. I call shenanigans!! I honestly don't remember a first notice because I would have taken my vehicle in immediately *if* there was any kind of notice of rusting.

Reading some of the comments on the Facebook page about the class action suit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Class-Act ... nitiNissan I can't tell if there is one actually filed?? Some posters have settled and others starting.

This is a real downer because I was expecting to have this car 20 years and now it seems I'm being forced into a car payment I don't want as more than just Nissan have had rust issues.

Anyone had any luck with new or media as that is probably the best hope for attention on this issue.

This is just bad business Nissan!! Do the right thing.

FWIW - I know of two folks that went through the same thing with Toyota and have received >$10,000 for Tacoma trucks!

[eafin]

Just wanted to thank Nissan and Morley for the professional way our PathFinder buy-back experience was handled...We are now the proud owners of a 2012 Nissan Altima..it never would have happened if not for Nissan...with all the discounts on top of our $6955.00, it was a no brainer...We even qualified for 0% financing....Love the car, but will miss our PathFinder that never failed us over these past 10 years....Again our thanks to Nissan and everyone at Morley....

[GRNMACHINE]

Glad to hear some positive outcomes. The Taco buyback was an incredible example of customer service, the buyback was incredible.

[Kckouki]

So, some of you all may remember I bought this Red 2000 pathfinder about a year ago, when I bought it had 120k, now its got 150k. I gave the car to my fiance, and started doing maintnance on the car one day at my house, took the air filter, and maf off, looked over and noticed some bubbles on the strut tower, poked it with my finger and it went through, got to the size where I could stick my hand through. Took it in to Victory Nissan in knoxville TN to have another common problem with the motor fixed, ($f***), and they told me the car was unsafe, had to leave it and they put us in a 2011 Altima. After them telling us they were gonna buy it back, we looked at cars, they ran our credit, everything, they called us the next day and told us that they werent gonna buy it back, fixed the motor problem, and gave our car back without fixing the rust. I work 12hour shifts 6 days a week, so the fiance had to pick the car up. I would not have let that happen if I knew about it. Should I go back with the car and demand they fix it? Its very unsafe, and its my fiances and childs only vehichle to drive, and were not in a situation were we can have another car payment on top of one and apartment and all the nessities of life. I was wondering if theres a direct number that you guys have been using or what?

[Towncivilian]

What? They said they were going to fix it and they didn't do anything and gave you the car back? I would call 1-800-NISSAN1, don't even bother talking to the dealer again beforehand.

Out of curiosity, what was the problem with the engine?

EDIT: Topic stickied!

[deuce2000103]

I have a 2000 Pathfinder that I wrecked in Jan. 2011. I lost control of the steering. The vehicle was immaculate so I repurchased it from the ins. co. that totaled the vehicle inhopes of fixing it back. Then I get the recall notice and my local Nissan Dealer says unrepairable and I start dealing with Morley. Long story short after several hours on phone and several faxes they tell me they being the Manager Josh Wegener ( who was unprofessional , not a mechanic , not an engineer and not a nice guy) that they are not going to fix my vehicle or buy it back! Due to the fact it is a salvaged title, of course it is a salvaged title , I purchased it back form the ins. co. . But my dealer says not safe, any suggestions on what to do? Anyone know how to go above this pencil pusher at Morley or a number to a corparate office of Morley?

[Towncivilian]

You lost control of the steering as direct result of the strut housing rust? I'd definitely keep arguing your case if I were you. Maybe even try calling 1-800-NISSAN1 about it, even though they don't handle the buybacks perhaps there's something they can do.

[Camelfilter]

1999.5 SE ~103K miles.

I had the Strut Housing successfully fixed under the recall a couple weeks ago. I called a dealer expecting to get an apointment a few weeks out, but they could take my Pathfinder the next day.

Sounds as though the recall took a good bit of a day (they also did the gas filler tube replacement recall). The strut recall looked to be a "level 2" as I have that plate with bolts etc.

I had them do some maintenance (accessory belt & belt tension pulley), oil change, winter tire swap & fr brake pads.

They took my Pathfinder at 10am, and I got it back the next evening. I got a rental car untill they were done.

This was at Frosts Nissan in Newton MA.