1996-2004 Pathfinder / QX4 Strut Housing Corrosion Recall

[srmcda]

I decided to call Morely yesterday since the time they told me it would take to hear from a "re-purchasing agent" had expired. They called me back first thing in the morning (today). They were very generous in their first offer. This is what I was told by the dealer about 6 weeks ago. Of course I didn't take the first offer and settled for a bit more. It exceeded my expectations, having relied on Kelley and NADA. My words of wisdom are to give the time they need and then gently follow up. I had a very good result that made the waiting a lot easier to stomach.

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.

[Towncivilian]

Those of you who have 2011 or 2012 Nissan vehicles as rentals, you may want to check that it's not affected by the newest recall that applies to quite a few models. Read here.

[bushfoot]

I'm in Canada - owned a 2000 Pathfinder LE with about 196K. Just got an offer from Nissan (insurance company) for almost $8,500.00. Think I'm gonna take it and run. Seems pretty fair
to me since the Black Book Value is between $2,383 and $4,108. Checked some private sales on-line and they run $4,000 - $5,500.

Also you can get an incentive to buy another Nissan from your dealership - apparently you can get below cost pricing!! My experience
was relatively painless compared to you people in the US. Got my offer exactly one week after my car was deemed undriveable and will get the cheque in a couple of days. Good Luck to all!

[mel]

I am bringing my Nissan Pathfinder 2001 into the Dealer next Friday for the recall inspection. They said it will take 2-6hrs to inspect!!
What exactly should they be looking for and what should I confirm they have done if it passes??

[Towncivilian]

I am bringing my Nissan Pathfinder 2001 into the Dealer next Friday for the recall inspection. They said it will take 2-6hrs to inspect!!
What exactly should they be looking for and what should I confirm they have done if it passes??

See the PDF linked in the first post to see pictures of exactly what the tech will look for.

EDIT: Oh, the PDF link is dead. I will need to track down a working one - sorry for the inconvenience!

[Wkz1gg0a]

Holy Cow havent been on the Fourm since May and I Come back to this???!!!! Towncivilian get that PDF asap bro need to check it out before its too late!!! I LOVE THIS FRIGGIN PATHFINDER I dont want to lose her to RUST!!!

[Towncivilian]

Holy Cow havent been on the Fourm since May and I Come back to this???!!!! Towncivilian get that PDF asap bro need to check it out before its too late!!! I LOVE THIS FRIGGIN PATHFINDER I dont want to lose her to RUST!!!

http://www.4shared.com/office/EVLQulUL/ ... -1111.html

[Shake]

Just dropped off my 1999.5 LE today w/~136k miles. I've had it in a few times and they always told me the rust was pretty bad. My dealer hasn't had to deal with these recalls b/c I moved from a cold weather climate to warm weather climate a couple of years ago. He knew about the recall but he seemed pretty clueless as to whether it could be fixed or not. I hope to get $6k-8k back on it if it can't be fixed. I asked for an equivalent loaner but was told the Versa is what they typically give. I'm guessing this is because I'm not in a cold weather climate and because of the dealer as well.

[Shake]

I'm in Canada - owned a 2000 Pathfinder LE with about 196K. Just got an offer from Nissan (insurance company) for almost $8,500.00. Think I'm gonna take it and run. Seems pretty fair
to me since the Black Book Value is between $2,383 and $4,108. Checked some private sales on-line and they run $4,000 - $5,500.

Also you can get an incentive to buy another Nissan from your dealership - apparently you can get below cost pricing!! My experience
was relatively painless compared to you people in the US. Got my offer exactly one week after my car was deemed undriveable and will get the cheque in a couple of days. Good Luck to all!

Wow ! Seems like those in the US are getting screwed compared to what you are getting. I asked my insurance agent what the totaled value of the vehicle would be and he said KBB+any recent repairs made to it. I'm hoping to get what others in the US got for their LE 4WD.

[avoorhees1]

Morley info for some who asked:

E-mail is : [email protected]
800# is 877-477-2292
Fax is 877-276-2445

I started on Dec. 22 and was called the same day. They left a message about faxing info. Since I do not have a fax I can easily reach I called back and asked about E-mail(on their machine). Yesterday I got another call about doc request regarding buyout offer and was able to request the E-mail. I hope this helps others.

One thing that saddens me is I understand the new Pathfinder does not have limited slip and a transfer case? I went to the Nissan build my own site and did not see anything. I have had 3 Pathfinders(loved them all-SE the best) but this would send me else where if correct?
ALV

[realtordan828]

I am the original owner of a 1999.5 QX4 with 220.000 pretty much worry free miles until I found out about this recall. They did not call me, I called them! Said they had no record of me owning the vehilce, meantime Infiniti sends me monthly updates on servicing and what not.
Anyway my deemed undrivable began on 7/19/2011. I was offered a Focus as a rental but declined and got a Jeep Liberty, which was then sold so I am now in a Mazda CX7, nice 4x4 for sure.
It is now 1/6/2012 and we are still working on a buy out price. I hope to have this complete by 2/1/2012 but I really don't mind driving the new cars as at least we are getting the chance to take an extended test drive.
It appears morley will only give you
KBB value plus whatever recent $$ you put in. Or, they say they will return your undriveable vehicle to you as long as you release them from liability. HAS ANYONE TAKEN THIS OPTION? I am considering it. Does anyone have a copy of this "release" form? I am curious to see just what they want us to sign off on.
Thanks

[womanmarine]

Well, I see that that are some new entries. I found out that my '98 Pathfinder, 157,000 miles was declared irrepairable on 12/16/11. After an initial offer of $4,100 (ha, ha, ha) I countered with a $13,500 request (ha, ha, ha) They upgraded the condition of my Pathy from "Good" to "Excellent" and said that the very best they can do is $5,475. Who are these people getting $6K and $8K for theirs? (is that Canadian?)

I suppose that considering the options - driving my family around in an unsafe vehicle after signing some "release"; perhaps trying to sell it privately (not likely to be legal knowing it's condition; or junking it for $250. A few friends in the auto arena have said that $5,400 is a pretty good offer. I suppose that 13 winters in the Buffalo area (heavy salt) just simply took it's toll on the old girl. I went to see her today and I found her all the way in a back lot along with about a dozen other Pathy's. Some that looked much worse and a few that looked considerably better on the outside. But all "deceased" just the same. So in three weeks time we seem to have come close to completing the process. I'm dragging my feet a little until I can get something lined up to get into since I'm sure that the rental arrangement terminates upon receipt of the check.

(I was driving a 2011 Altima which just didn't cut it spacewise and since there are several other Nissan owners in the same situation, the only had a Dodge Nitro available. The room is pretty good. My teenage kids love it, but it's got some major design flaws . . . first one being American workmanship. Being former military it grieves me to say that, however, it grieves me more to know it's true.) I was looking at used Nissans and there is no way I can affort to get into even something a bit older. I fear that I shall be in a Trailblazer before long. I really need the 4WD in the winter and I need the SUV room.

Has anyone gone into litigation with Morley? The rep that I'm working with said that he hasn't experienced any such case directly, however, he remind me that it is a "voluntary" recall and I'm welcome to keep my Pathfinder but I will need to sign a release. I don't know how they can force us to sign anything? It's still registered, insured and in a lot that I can just go and drive it away. Is there any legal leverage? Thanks for listening :q

[epicsurge]

Brought in my QX4 the other day for inspection, got a level 2 repair done on it, but during the ride home seemed like my wheel was out of alignment.. anyone had this problem?

[Towncivilian]

Brought in my QX4 the other day for inspection, got a level 2 repair done on it, but during the ride home seemed like my wheel was out of alignment.. anyone had this problem?

Go to the dealer and complain. I'd think that they would fix it, since they were the last to touch the area.

[epicsurge]

Brought in my QX4 the other day for inspection, got a level 2 repair done on it, but during the ride home seemed like my wheel was out of alignment.. anyone had this problem?

Go to the dealer and complain. I'd think that they would fix it, since they were the last to touch the area.

I think i will, also they did a free 27 point maintenance inspection, came back with

:Rear trail arms rusted, rebound bumpers, rotors poor surface & rust, valve covers leak, timing belt due, front wheel bearings need adjustment

went to a local shop and asked about the prices to fix the rotors.. he said 280 and 300 for the valve cover leak

[mel]

I had my 2001 pathfinder recall done on Friday It took approx. 2hrs they said it was a level 1. The rust was cleaned and primed with an under coating applied. They were going to give me a rental for the day but decided to wait for the repair.. Overall not a bad experience.

[Shake]

I turned in my vehicle and it has been declared unfixable by the local Nissan dealer. They say they need to verify this with but Morley has already initiated the process of asking for a copy of my title and drivers license. Morley said it would be two weeks for them to confirm whether the vehicle can't be repaired as the local Nissan dealer says. Problem is I've located another Pathfinder (2008) which I want to purchase but the seller won't hold it for me for too much longer because they've had a lot interest in it. Does anyone have any idea how long Morley takes and whether the two weeks they told me is realistic ? My vehicle had rust coming on the outside from the driver side right above the front wheel and it had gotten significantly bigger in the last month or so before I turned in the vehicle.

[meatwad]

I turned in my vehicle and it has been declared unfixable by the local Nissan dealer. They say they need to verify this with but Morley has already initiated the process of asking for a copy of my title and drivers license. Morley said it would be two weeks for them to confirm whether the vehicle can't be repaired as the local Nissan dealer says. Problem is I've located another Pathfinder (2008) which I want to purchase but the seller won't hold it for me for too much longer because they've had a lot interest in it. Does anyone have any idea how long Morley takes and whether the two weeks they told me is realistic ? My vehicle had rust coming on the outside from the driver side right above the front wheel and it had gotten significantly bigger in the last month or so before I turned in the vehicle.

If you really want that 2008 pathfinder, take out a loan. You're looking at probably about 3-5 more weeks before you see a check from Morley. At least that has been my experience from back in August. Maybe they sped things up lately.

[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....

Status Update: Friday, January 13th, 2012 received a call from the dealer telling me they got to the root of my mechanical malfunction and gave me pricing to fix. Called them back to remind them they told me my car was unrepairable. Through this conversation, I learn -- SIX WEEKS LATER -- that my Pathfinder IS repairable. So, while the mechanic who saw it with his own eyes told me the car was unrepairable....Nissan determined thru PHOTOS that the vehicle WAS repairable. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to pick up the old Pathfinder....just concerned with the lack of communication and should I be worried about safety since the final decision was made with PHOTOS?? Glad I didn't buy a new SUV while all of this was going on. And...oh yea, Lindsay at Orland Park, IL Nissan - thanks for NOT COMMUNICATING with me GREAT JOB!

[Pathfinder3.5]

Well I posted photos of mine in the 'MAY 2011 RECALL' Topic on here with photos of mine taken in May. I just went out to take a look and saw that mine has gotten ALOT worse. The spot weld closest to the front of the truck is completely pulled away. The other two closer to the rear have pulled away even more. Overall, it's getting much worse than it was before. I am already looking at newer 2003-04 pathfinder LE's and Platinums. Mine is a 2002 LE with 175,000KMS. I don't want it back if it's just going to rust and put me or my family in harm. I'm in Toronto so they use alot of salt.

[Towncivilian]

That doesn't look terrible. Nissan would most likely do a level 1 repair, which is sanding off all the rust and applying an undercoating. I assume you haven't had the vehicle inspected by Nissan yet?

[Pathfinder3.5]

That doesn't look terrible. Nissan would most likely do a level 1 repair, which is sanding off all the rust and applying an undercoating. I assume you haven't had the vehicle inspected by Nissan yet?

Nope not yet. Hopefully this weekend sometime.

[JamesB4500]

Yeah, that's pretty minor. When all that's holding your strut tower in place is the brake master cylinder and the steering shaft and some of the spot welds on one side of the strut tower, you know you have a real problem.

[Pathfinder3.5]

Yeah, that's pretty minor. When all that's holding your strut tower in place is the brake master cylinder and the steering shaft and some of the spot welds on one side of the strut tower, you know you have a real problem.

HO LEE s***! Yeah, I'll agree mine is perfectly fixable.

[ralphs]

2002 QX4 isn't coming home. Only 150K, lots of rust, some bracket that was attached to strut tower is now being supported by the brake master.
Got a Jeep Liberty as a rental.
Dealer said four to eight weeks for resolution. I will post some pix when I figure out how.

[97partyfinder]

Hey there

Bought a 97 Pathfinder se two years ago, I live work in Illinois/indiana. While she is in the shop for other things, should I be in contact with nissan to have inspection for recall prob. Forgive me for being naive but Im not sure if im eligible for repair/buyout because im the 2,3, maybe 4th owner?? Any insight/advice would be greatly appreciated.

tx
Ryan

[Towncivilian]

Yes, your Pathfinder is covered. It doesn't matter how many previous owners the vehicle has had as far as I know - why would it?

[suemagoo]

Well. This is my first time here. I discovered this site yesterday as I was researching the recall on my 2000 Pathfinder LE. I have been aware of the recall since last spring and actually had my car repaired for this issue back in November of '09. I wasn't in too much of a hurry to get it to the dealer since it had been fixed. Then I heard that it had expanded to the passenger side as well and decided it couldn't hurt to have them look at it. When I first took it in back in October '11, they inspected it and returned it saying that the repair that was done was excellent and there were no problems. They gave me copies of the forms they had filled out and supposedly sent to Morley. Well, another month goes by and I heard nothing from anyone. I followed up with Nissan customer service who then transferred me directly to Morley. They had no record of my claim! Apparently the dealer never filed the paper work properly. Since they had never inspected it in the first place, Morley requested a second inspection. After another 2 months of fighting with the dealer to get a decent rental, living in PA in January with a killer driveway, they finally got me a nice new Rogue to drive. It has now been a week and I have heard nothing. I am just waiting patiently for them to call and tell me it's D.O.A. With the amount of body work I have done on it in the past year I will be surprised if they give it back. It is actually rusting from the inside out! Not sure what I am going to do because like most people I cannot afford a new car. I do plan to fight for everything I deserve after all the hassle I have been through. I love my Pathfinder and really don't want to give it up!

[realtordan828]

Well, what began on 7/19/2011 should finalize next week at the "closing' of the expired vehicle. I feel like its a reading of the last will and testament of my 1999.5 QX4. Had 221,000 miles on her and I would say they were very much trouble free. If they still made this vehicle i would buy a brand new one for sure. have you seen the price of the new comparable SUV's? Looking at mid 40's and more, much more. You should all try to get excellent condition KBB private party values plus any recent tires and things like that.
Anyone selling a one owner QX4? Please contact [email protected]

[KW_Pathy_DRVR]

This is my first time posting to the forum. Thank you to everyone who has posted their recall experiences. I took my 03 LE w/190k into Kitchener Nissan for the recall work this week. The dealership was really good about explaining level 1, level 2 and the potential buyout depending on the level of corrosion upfront.

After leaving the dealership I did a search for additional info on the recall and found this forum/thread. In hindsight should have done more research going in - I had no idea the truck could have been deemed unrepairable . Anyways, after stressing out a bit about the inspection the service rep called to say that there wasn't a lot of corrosion and that a level 1 repair was needed. Picked pathy up today and the repairs to the driver and passenger side look good, hopefully many more km's to go now.