1996-2004 Pathfinder / QX4 Strut Housing Corrosion Recall

[wedgeshot]

For all you folks unhappy with the outcome of your Morely buyback.... Nissan is not hearing about it!! , this is from the conversation I had this AM on the phone. IMO - To Morely, you are just a case number and a soon to be crushed vehicle. I finally had someone call me back from consumer affairs named Karen and told my story of how this buy back is a slap in the face and Toyota was treating their customers right giving enough money to actually go and buy a replacement vehicle. Remember folks, if you don't speak up to Nissan you won't be heard on these forums. Call the consumers affairs at least twice and ask to speak with someone, they'll probably send you a survey and when they do.... let them have it.

Speak up and maybe Nissan will get the message! Vehicles can last 20 years easily as I have a 92 sentra still kicking!

[DiannaB]

I'm sorry to report my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder (188k miles) is officially retired. My reliable old ride broke down last night while driving on the highway. Had it towed to the dealer, who informed me that my car was unrepairable due to the corrosion damage. Said the mechanical malfunction may have been divine intervention / a blessing in disguise because I would have been in a whole world of trouble if I hit a big pot-hole (wonder how long I was driving around in this unsafe vehicle that was immediately impounded). Said I could have lost complete control of my vehicle. So, like my fellow Pathfinder owners who find their reliable old vehicle prematurely taken away...I'm sad, unsure what the "settlement" process will hold and thankful for the information shared here. Going to get my loaner car tomorrow. Not looking forward to sliding around Chicago with a Sentra this Winter. Me & my golden retriever are sure going to miss the old Pathfinder....all broken in like our favorite pair of jeans. We were hoping to get at least another 50k miles out of the "dog-mobile". It's a very sad day....

[meatwad]

I'm sorry to report my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder (188k miles) is officially retired. My reliable old ride broke down last night while driving on the highway. Had it towed to the dealer, who informed me that my car was unrepairable due to the corrosion damage. Said the mechanical malfunction may have been divine intervention / a blessing in disguise because I would have been in a whole world of trouble if I hit a big pot-hole (wonder how long I was driving around in this unsafe vehicle that was immediately impounded). Said I could have lost complete control of my vehicle. So, like my fellow Pathfinder owners who find their reliable old vehicle prematurely taken away...I'm sad, unsure what the "settlement" process will hold and thankful for the information shared here. Going to get my loaner car tomorrow. Not looking forward to sliding around Chicago with a Sentra this Winter. Me & my golden retriever are sure going to miss the old Pathfinder....all broken in like our favorite pair of jeans. We were hoping to get at least another 50k miles out of the "dog-mobile". It's a very sad day....

DEMAND a pickup/SUV/4x4 rental. Say you DEMAND a car that is comparable to the pathfinder, and you will get it. Which dealer did you go to? Mid City on Irving Park is where I went and I had a very good experience there.

[DiannaB]

I'm sorry to report my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder (188k miles) is officially retired. My reliable old ride broke down last night while driving on the highway. Had it towed to the dealer, who informed me that my car was unrepairable due to the corrosion damage. Said the mechanical malfunction may have been divine intervention / a blessing in disguise because I would have been in a whole world of trouble if I hit a big pot-hole (wonder how long I was driving around in this unsafe vehicle that was immediately impounded). Said I could have lost complete control of my vehicle. So, like my fellow Pathfinder owners who find their reliable old vehicle prematurely taken away...I'm sad, unsure what the "settlement" process will hold and thankful for the information shared here. Going to get my loaner car tomorrow. Not looking forward to sliding around Chicago with a Sentra this Winter. Me & my golden retriever are sure going to miss the old Pathfinder....all broken in like our favorite pair of jeans. We were hoping to get at least another 50k miles out of the "dog-mobile". It's a very sad day....

DEMAND a pickup/SUV/4x4 rental. Say you DEMAND a car that is comparable to the pathfinder, and you will get it. Which dealer did you go to? Mid City on Irving Park is where I went and I had a very good experience there.

Thanks for the input! I did request a comparable rental over the phone yesterday and was told that was not an option. I think I was still numb from the news about my Pathfinder, so I didn't fight it too hard. I'll become more DEMANDING today in hopes of scoring a safer 4 x 4 ride for me and my boy (okay, so my boy is furry ~ but he's still my boy). I'm dealing with Orland Park Nissan. I'll keep you posted on how things go. THANK YOU!!

[twring23]

Howdy all - I have a recently condemned 97 pathfinder, 20800 miles. I'm just beginning the buy out process. I have heard it can take a while - which doesn't matter to me beacuse Nissan is paying a rental on a 2012 pathy for me to cruise around in - they can take as long as they want as far as that goes. If anyone could give me some tips on dealing with Morely so I dont' get boned on the buyout it would be greatly appreciated

[Camelfilter]

..."Thanks for the input! I did request a comparable rental over the phone yesterday and was told that was not an option. I think I was still numb from the news about my Pathfinder, so I didn't fight it too hard. I'll become more DEMANDING today in hopes of scoring a safer 4 x 4 ride for me and my boy (okay, so my boy is furry ~ but he's still my boy). I'm dealing with Orland Park Nissan. I'll keep you posted on how things go. THANK YOU!!"...

It really shouldn't be a problem for them to find you a comparable loaner.

The dealer I took my pathfinder in for the repair uses National Rent a Car for there loaner cars. They were going to give me a HUGE pickup as my rental, but it was too big for me to park in my driveway-it wouldn't have made the turns. I ended up with a VW jetta.

Thankfully my repair was successfull and only took a day + a day for some other work. National was not concerned with how long I would have the rental, they just wanted a general idea (days/weeks etc).

[DiannaB]

Howdy all - I have a recently condemned 97 pathfinder, 20800 miles. I'm just beginning the buy out process. I have heard it can take a while - which doesn't matter to me beacuse Nissan is paying a rental on a 2012 pathy for me to cruise around in - they can take as long as they want as far as that goes. If anyone could give me some tips on dealing with Morely so I dont' get boned on the buyout it would be greatly appreciated

Congrats on surpassing 200k! Boy, I wish I was in your shoes ~ or in your 2012 Pathfinder. My 2000 Pathfinder was retired yesterday and today I got a lovely Versa to cruise around in for the Winter. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy Nissan is providing a loaner...but a Versa??..not comparable at all. I called Nissan to see about getting a larger, safer 4x4 for the Chicago Winter and they opened up a file, told me someone would be back in touch with me on Monday. Dealer told me I had a $35.00 per diem allowance and if I wanted to PAY THE DIFFERENCE they could upgrade me to something more comparable.

[DiannaB]

..."Thanks for the input! I did request a comparable rental over the phone yesterday and was told that was not an option. I think I was still numb from the news about my Pathfinder, so I didn't fight it too hard. I'll become more DEMANDING today in hopes of scoring a safer 4 x 4 ride for me and my boy (okay, so my boy is furry ~ but he's still my boy). I'm dealing with Orland Park Nissan. I'll keep you posted on how things go. THANK YOU!!"...

It really shouldn't be a problem for them to find you a comparable loaner.

The dealer I took my pathfinder in for the repair uses National Rent a Car for there loaner cars. They were going to give me a HUGE pickup as my rental, but it was too big for me to park in my driveway-it wouldn't have made the turns. I ended up with a VW jetta.

Thankfully my repair was successfull and only took a day + a day for some other work. National was not concerned with how long I would have the rental, they just wanted a general idea (days/weeks etc).

Well...I think I drew the unlucky straw today ~ instead of getting the Sentra, I was downgraded to a Versa! Really ~ how is that comparable? How's a girl supposed to drive 50 miles to work in a Versa when they live in Chicago? Called Nissan and they opened a file with Consumer Affairs to see if I can get a 4x4. Supposed to hear something on Monday.

[DiannaB]

Excellent deal I'd have too say!!! I like what you said about the inconvenience aspect...I feel the same way.....I'd be interested to hear what your Pathfinder was and year...as this could set the trend for many of us....
Thanks Eafin
Again, great deal....

It was a 99.5 LE with most of the options. Just check KBB excellent value for ur vehicle, and keep pushing price up. BTW. whole process took about 6 weeks total so far.

MEATWAD ~ Thanks for sharing your details. I have a 2000 LE and I'm hoping to score a great deal like you did! Maybe it will fill the void left by my departed Pathfinder. Thanks everyone for the info you post to this forum - it is really helpful.

[syrin101]

I go next week to sign title over and pick up my check I was wondering if anybody knows what check the bank is written out of so I know if I can just cash it and get money or if I have to deposit in my bank and wait for it to clear

[JamesB4500]

Just joined.

I have a 1998 Pathfinder "Chilkoot Trail" with 267,161 km that I bought back in late 2008. I noticed the steering getting heavier during the second half of 2009 and sometime In late 2009/early 2010, the left strut tower let go and the steering got extremely heavy which caused a minor off-road excursion and I had to get the car towed.

When I researched the problem at the time, the general information was that it was relatively common for the LH tower to fail (but not the RH tower), but Nissan was insisting that there was no problem. As I couldn't afford to pay for the repairs, and I considered the car to be unsafe to drive, I took the car off the road, and it's been sitting in the horse yards ever since.

Last week, I did one more search to see if there was a fix for the problem before I called a wrecker to take the car away. I found this post on this forum, and eventually found the Canadian recall information.

If I can get the car moved from where it's been parked for the past 2 years or so, I'm going to see one of the local Nissan dealers shortly (but most likely I'll have to wait until after the snow has cleared so I retrieve the car). As far as I'm concerned, they can pay for a tow to bring it to them to get it inspected as it isn't safe to be driven on the road.

I let the vehicle registration lapse at the end of September 2010. I canceled the insurance on it in mid 2011, as I couldn't see any possibility of it ever going back on the road, and the insurance was now just a constant monthly financial outlay for nil return.

[asnorton44]

Dealer told me the soonest they could get me in was Jan. 23rd. Said they only do three a week. Does that sound strange to anyone else? You mean Infiniti is willing to let me dirve it for three months before they will even look at it?

That sounds right, my dealer is finally getting to my car and I scheduled the repair about 3 months ago.

[rusted path]

I go next week to sign title over and pick up my check I was wondering if anybody knows what check the bank is written out of so I know if I can just cash it and get money or if I have to deposit in my bank and wait for it to clear

got my check its on hold for 5 days due to the bank it is draw from has to manny overdrafts!

my pathfinder when in on sept 28,11 just got check 12/8/11 did have a 2011 murano to drive !

[bailey7593]

Hi Everyone,

Bailey here. I am into my 7th week of a 2012 Jeep Liberty rental. I have not heard a word from this Morely person. I called the dealer and they said to wait for the call. At this point I do not mind going through the winter with my rental because I am not paying a dime, but...It seems like things are being resolved in 6 weeks and I am getting nervous. I do not want to get a check in the mail without talking to Morley. What is the longest it has taken anyone??

[meatwad]

Hi Everyone,

Bailey here. I am into my 7th week of a 2012 Jeep Liberty rental. I have not heard a word from this Morely person. I called the dealer and they said to wait for the call. At this point I do not mind going through the winter with my rental because I am not paying a dime, but...It seems like things are being resolved in 6 weeks and I am getting nervous. I do not want to get a check in the mail without talking to Morley. What is the longest it has taken anyone??

I called myself after 4 weeks. Took 3 more weeks to get an offer. Call your dealership, ask for the 800 number to morley (I'm sure someone here can provide it to you as well) and also ask for your morley case number. Just call and ask at what stage your case is at.

[DiannaB]

Okay, so it seems like the rental situation varies from person to person. Some getting a 2012 Pathfinder, a 2011 Morano, a 2012 Jeep Liberty (all sweet) while others (unfortunately, me) receive a VERSA to drive around in while they wait for their settlement. I'm frustrated that no one at the dealer nor Nissan cares that this compact vehicle doesn't accommodate my space or safety / practical needs for the Winter. I spoke with Nissan Consumer Affairs and haven't made any traction (I guess I'm out of luck with no 4 x 4). Any suggestions?

[srmcda]

We're in the same boat (SUV?). My friends and I are baffled by the lack of communication and responsiveness. The people I have spoken with at Morely are nice but appear to be a bit overworked. My 7-10 days to wait for a "re-purchasing agent's call". Is on it's way to 14. I already had to switch out my rental because it was "sold"? When my good dealer told me within 2 hours that my Pathfinder could not be repaired and I would be getting an offer from them to buy-back my car within 24-48 hours, I wasted no time in beginning the dreaded chore of replacement. Now get this, my newer car has been in my garage for 4wk's while I drive a rental on Nissan! I even told Morely, I bought replacement, give me the money you're projecting to spend on extending the rental for another 10days towards my buyback? They didn't want anything to do with that rationale. So, what is the basis for my damages in addition to what Ashley has already pointed out? Well, the good Nissan name is becoming "mud". I'm surprised they didn't quickly try to accomodate me in a newer Nissan - so no customer service to speak of going on there. I've had Nissan Pathfinders for over 10 years and at the same local dealership? I had to extend my credit prematurely. I have never had engine problems. It's very reliable and I drive less than 2mi's to work everyday! Who's to say I couldn't get another 5yr's out of this car? I have a kid going into college in less time. Now I'm paying a loan with interest on used car?

My friend has a QX4 and it was reparable. He was told a 99 model got a $10K offer for buy-back? You can't tell me there's more of a difference between my Pathfinder? Luxury items?

First of all...thnx to everyone for the information. Here's my situation.I started feeling some vibration in the front end of my 2000 Pathfinder (165K miles, 140K I put on myself in the past 9 yrs). I brought it to my mechanic in late June to have him take a peak. I knew right away there was a major issue when he elected to request I "come down to take a look at this" rather than communicate his diagnosis to me over the phone. When I got there her showed me the rusty hole in my wheel well (almost 12 inches in diameter). He said he couldn't fix it, and wasn't sure if it was repairable...period. he also instructed I drive it home, and park it in my garage until I figure out my next steps.

My father in-law suggested I contact the dealership to see if there was an outstanding recall, he referenced a fried of his who has the "entire frame" of his Toyota Tacoma replaced for free under a recall. I contacted Nissan and to my delight was instructed the issue may be part of a recall campaign. I was instructed to drop it off at a local Nissan dealership. Over 2 weeks after this, I got a call from the dealership and they confirmed the assumption that this was associated to the recall, and I would be contacted by the Nissan mfg regarding next steps. A few days later, I was contacted by Morley Assoc. and some paperwork was requested of me (reg., drivers license, etc.). I followed up w/ them two weeks later (now the beginning of August) for an update regarding status, and they said they has an inspection planned to confirm the dealership's diagnosis.

I received a call on Friday from Morley stating the vehicle was not able to be repaired, and they would need me to send a copy of my title and registration so they can begin to create an "offer". I'm trying to get a feel for what they will come back to me with. I'm hoping it is "retail" for the vehicle, and not "trade-in" value. Now begins my research regarding what is fair compensation.

Here's my argument thus far:

- My mechanic stated this condition had most likely been "dangerous" for some time...probably over 6 months. I never received a recall stmt, and believe they were not mailed until April or May. My wife had been driving my children around in this vehicle daily. I am not happy with that.
- I also own a 2005 pathfinder (not part of this recall), and I will NEVER buy another Nissan and I am not fairly compensated...and then some.
- I heard the Tacoma owners I referenced earlier we compensated 150% of retail value for the vehicle they were not able to repair as part of that recall.

If there is anyone out there who has made it this far, or even farther, in this process please post your results. I'd like as information as possible to support my next conversation with Nissan.

[bailey7593]

Ok for all of you that have talked to Morely, could someone please give me the phone number. Thanks

[Towncivilian]

Ok for all of you that have talked to Morely, could someone please give me the phone number. Thanks

I saw 800 647 7261 posted earlier in the thread, you can try that.

[bailey7593]

THANKS

[womanmarine]

Took my 1998 Pathfinder (160,000 miles) to the dealer on Friday, December 16th for the strut tower recall. After dropping it off at about 8:30 a.m. I got a phone call at lunch time telling me that it couldn't be repaird because the corrosion was to extensive and that there was nothing to apply the repair kit to. Nissan has put me in a 2011 Altima (not a Pathfinder, by the way) but o.k. Enterprise rental said that the last one they knew that went through this had the rental for nearly 3 months. Can anyone give me some idea as to what the "buyback" offers have been pricewise? I realize that its 13 years old, but it was my vehicle and I had just put nearly $1,000 into it over the summer for A/C condenser; various belts and harmonic balancer. I just would like some idea as to how this might end. Thanks

[Camelfilter]

Took my 1998 Pathfinder (160,000 miles) to the dealer on Friday, December 16th for the strut tower recall. After dropping it off at about 8:30 a.m. I got a phone call at lunch time telling me that it couldn't be repaird because the corrosion was to extensive and that there was nothing to apply the repair kit to. Nissan has put me in a 2011 Altima (not a Pathfinder, by the way) but o.k. Enterprise rental said that the last one they knew that went through this had the rental for nearly 3 months. Can anyone give me some idea as to what the "buyback" offers have been pricewise? I realize that its 13 years old, but it was my vehicle and I had just put nearly $1,000 into it over the summer for A/C condenser; various belts and harmonic balancer. I just would like some idea as to how this might end. Thanks

Bummer! Sorry to hear that it wasn't repairable.

Perhaps dig up your receipts from your recent repairs to have available. When the Morley people do get around to making a buyback offer maybe they could add what you have spent.

[meatwad]

Bummer! Sorry to hear that it wasn't repairable.

Perhaps dig up your receipts from your recent repairs to have available. When the Morley people do get around to making a buyback offer maybe they could add what you have spent.

Don't bother with the receipts, they will never look at them. They "officially" only add to the buyback price if you purchased new tires in the past year. However, do make sure to mention all the repairs during the negotiations. The more you mention and argue, the higher the price will be. Expect KBB excellent value +/- a couple hundred.

[womanmarine]

How long can I expect to be in "negotiations?" I haven't sent any documentation yet. Do you know of anyone who just kept their vehicle?

[meatwad]

How long can I expect to be in "negotiations?" I haven't sent any documentation yet. Do you know of anyone who just kept their vehicle?

I'd call them after 4 weeks. By all means, you have the right to keep your vehicle, after you sign a waiver releasing Nissan from any responsibility for anything that might happen because of the affected recalled areas. But honestly, you're better off taking the cash. There is no way you would get as much as morley offers if you tried to sell it on the street.

[RICHARD1]

INFINITI QX4 BROKE STRUT TOWER AND STEERING SHAFT SEE SLIDE SHOW ON YOU TUBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e27SLRj-j4

[Thesaurica]

My immaculate loaded 1996 Pathfinder with less thank 100k was deemed unrepairable this morning. Drove away with a 2011 Altima courtesy car. Morely called me this afternoon to get more information. I have a feeling this is going to hurt.

[womanmarine]

Morley called me yesterday. Want a copy of the title and my driver's license to make sure they are negotiating with the owner. I, too, have a feeling that "this is gonna hurt." Best trade-in value from either Kelly or Nada only put about a max value of $5,000. The rep told me I would be in the rental about a month. I'm driving a 2011 or 2012 Altima. Fun little ride, but it's no Pathfinder. I'm in Buffalo and although we don't have a single flake on the ground, I sure have grown to depend on my Pathy and tomorrow is only the first day of winter. The Morley rep told me that if I wasn't happy with the Altima (just simply no room for all the gear I have to have with me for various jobs) that all I needed to do was keep bugging Enterprise for a bigger vehicle. They have a contract with Nissan and they will give me whatever I want. (not sure about that, but I plan on contacting Enterprise to see if they have a Pathfinder.)

[srmcda]

womanmarine: you might better off with a Murano. I'm in my seccond one now. I'ts got decent room in the hatch and great leg room in the backseat. Cute car. This is my second Murano. They sold the first one. go figure. Still waiting on Morely's callback. I quickly approaching 2 mo's now.

[Thesaurica]

They told me to keep the Pathfinder insured, but why bother?
Anybody have any success getting Nissan to hook you up with another car instead of a payout? They have vast resources, why can't they get me in a comparable vehicle or perhaps set me up with a lease?