At random... This pathfinder will go into a crazy death wobble, to the point to were it wants to put your head and the heads of your children threw the windows. I have replaced the shocks in the car. But yet the problem remains. My car is at the nissan dealership right now racking up a bill that I can not afford, for something they will most likely not be able to fix. I have read a hundred complaints on line that describe the same problem to a t. God help us!
1997 Nissan Pathfinder suspension complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 105, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Extreme rear end wobble (sway) at highway speeds.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for routine maintenance when the mechanic noticed a separation of the front driver side strut. The contact was advised that the vehicle was not drivable and could not be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 183,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the vehicle accelerated over a speed bump and the rear of the vehicle swayed back and forth. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the front and rear struts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000 and the current mileage was 174,000. Updated 8/24/12 *cn the consumer also statd the front and rear sway bar links needed to be replaced.
I bought my 1997 nissan pathfinder a few months ago as my second vehicle to get back and forth to work some 30 miles one way. I can't drive it more than up the street because it has developed a severe swaying defect when driving at speeds over 40 MPH. It is so bad that it feels like an amusement park ride!. It is very very dangerous to drive on the highway. After looking on the internet to try to get some information about this problem, I found out that there are way too many comments from people over several years that have experienced this "death sway" that it is actually appalling that nissan or the consumer safety department hasn't stepped in to correct this dangerous problem. The majority of the people found that it is a rear upper and lower bushing arm that seems to fix the problem but at a hefty expense of up to $1,000. A life shouldn't have to be taken for nissan to accept responsibility for this well documented defect. Nissan not being held accountable for this defect is inexcusable.
Please note that nissan dealership only patched up the strut tower. The vehicle continues to display problems with steering. I am afraid to continue driving this vehicle. I am very disappointed with the repair services that were completed at the nissan dealership in turnerville n.j.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact received repairs to the vehicle under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v244000(suspension:front). The contact stated that the sheet metal that was used to cover the rust on the strut tower per the recall would not be sufficient when driving under normal road conditions. The contact spoke with the manufacturer in regard to the inadequate recall remedy but the manufacturer did not provide a response to the contact. The vehicle had not experienced a failure. The current mileage was 180,000.
97 pathfinder safety problem with rear suspension links. Side to side sway. It feels like the vehicle is about to flip .are these parts defective? Are they of inferior quality? This can caused an unsafe condition on the highway. It seams like nissan USA is well aware of the problem. Service bulletin classification: ra97-002, reference: ntb98-001, hopefully we don't have to wait until somebody gets kill for nissan to fix the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that while having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic for routine inspection, he was informed that the frame was corroded. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v244000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the corrosion on the body of the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was un-repairable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 02/01/12*lj the consumer stated after the vehicle failed inspection, he received a recall notice for the strut tower. The consumer stated there was nothing wrong with the strut tower, it's the frame, that is the problem.
I received a recall for my 1997 nissan pathfinder strut tower housing assembly. On the recall nissan stated that the vehicles registered in certain states that uses road salt can develop corrosion that can lead to steering damages. However, the recall letter that was sent to me was stating that my vehicle was never in that states and also stated that my vehicle will not be covered for the applicable repairs. When I was in active military I was stationed to great lakes il. From september 2006 to june 2010. I was residing at[xxx]. My il states driver's license number was [xxx] and was issued [xxx]. I'm writing this complaint to make sure that all applicable inspections and repairs for my vehicle will be covered by the manufacturer. Thank you for your time. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
1997 nissan pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to strut towers corrosion *tgw the consumer stated the deterioration of the struts caused very noticeable shimmying and swaying of the vehicle while it was in motion. The corrosion of the struts was so severe, that the consumer needed to replace the front and passenger side struts immediately. Upon inspection, the mechanic noticed that both struts were entirely corroded, to the point that the vehicle was relying on the springs for support.
I had to pay to repair the strut housing sheet metal, that was grinding against the steering arm, on the left side of the vehicle. The cost of the repair was approximately--and I am waiting to get the receipt,as it was paid by credit card---$1340.00. Was the name of the repair shop,. The repair was done before the recall campaign began. I am very disappointed and frustrated by nissan's lack of response, since I was informed of the recall. They state, in the document , that was sent to me, that I am eligible for reimbursement of related expense of repair. I have been trying to get a hold of nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261, and have not heard back from them, after numerous messages and voice-mails. Nissan has not gotten back to me, after repeated attempts to reach them. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving, the steering became hard to control. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who performed an inspection that located the failure at the front strut tower as being corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 134,000.
(noticed problem end of 2007/ beginning 2008 and again in 2011) I have low mileage on pathfinder and it is only driven on the freeway and in town. First noticed when driving speeds over 50 and during shifting on highway. Very sloppy steering control, pathfinders rear swaying, skipping and jerking sometimes violently from side to side. Very dangerous driving conditions;very good chance of flipping over.took to different auto mechanics and most could not figure out issue. It turned out that the problem was all defective - failed, broken, cracked, or /and worn bushings links both front and rear. I recently completely replaced the bushings and components and after 6500 miles they are broken/defective and the pathfinder is unsafe to drive again. I researched the bushing issues with the 1996 -2001 nissan pathfinder and most all pathfinders of this years are having this serious suspension-defective bushing issues. Their have been many unanswered consumer complaints. This should have been and is a definite recall issue. Protect the consumer. Report this. Please ck into this asap.
1997 nissan pathfinder. Consumer writes in regards to recall for possible corrosion of the front driver's side strut tower *tgw the consumer stated in october 2009, the front driver's side brake line failed. The failure caused the brake fluid to drain from the system resulting in minimal braking action. The consumer had to use the hand brake to stop the vehicle.. Approximately three weeks later, while having the muffler replaced, the mechanic informed the consumer the strut tower was disconnected from the frame of the vehicle and stated that it could lead to brake failure. The mechanic further advised the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the strut tower disconnected from the frame. While driving home, the front driver's side brake line failed for a second time in the same manner.
I was experiencing swaying in my rear end at highway speeds. I had a mechanic install new link bushings and link rods, both upper and lower. Due to rust the securing bolts and bushings had to be torched out. This is very strange and must be due to inferior parts since I live in new mexico, a very dry climate where we do not typically experience rusting on vehicles of this age. This vehicle was originally purchased in nm and I purchased it at 40 some thousand miles and do not believe this vehicle ever spent time in a damp climate. The above repair took care of the problem but now I have 139,000 miles on the vehicle and am having the same problem only worse.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated the federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 11v244000 (suspension: front) was performed on the vehicle and it began to wobble excessively. The repair was suppose to replace the strut housing. The contact spoke to the dealer and was told to bring the vehicle back for an inspection. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, but the refuse to assist with correcting the failure. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
My front drivers side strut tower housing was completely corroded and damaged and had to be replaced. I received a recall notice in the mail and realized this was what was behind the issue.
Rust/corrosion in unibody at lower control arm/strut assembly on 97' nissan pathfinder passenger side. The problem/failure is equivalent in severity to the situation nissan is recalling for the driver's side. (pe11004) also (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v244000). If the corrosion becomes severe enough, the stresses involved in the strut assembly operation loads, compounded by the lateral loads created by steering, and handling, may cause the lower control arm, lower ball joint/strut mount to separate from the unibody. This would invariably result in a loss of steering control, and quite probably, in a highway speed failure, throw the vehicle into a skid as the passenger side wheel stuffs itself into the wheel well area.
Driver's side front strut tower rusted and failed, dropped 4 inches, in contact with brake master cylinder, near steering column. Vehicle quit on interstate, smoke in cabin, computer burned, wires to relay box over left strut worn and shorted, blown fuel injector relay fuses . Mechanic says unsafe to drive. Updated 07/26/11 updated 02/27/12 *bf *tr updated 03/02/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact was driving 10 MPH when he heard a loud popping noise and the steering wheel began to exhibit grinding noises. The vehicle was inspected by the driver and he noticed that the strut tower was separated from the front suspension. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were approximately 154,000.
I have a 1997 nissan pathfinder, it is grinding and almost impossible to steer. I have not been able to fix it yet because it is too costly. There is a recall on 1996-2004 pathfinders with this same problem however based on my VIN mine is not included. Nissan does recommend that I take it to a dealer and pay to fix it to avoid any further problems. How could I possibly have the same year, make, model and problems but not be part of the recall??
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff as the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was driven to the contacts home where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and advised that the front strut tower was severely corroded and fractured from the frame. The front strut was found to be rubbing against the steering shaft abnormally and causing the steering failure. In addition, the strut was pushed up approximately three inches and was beating on the air intake and the air filter. The contact stated that the brake and ABS lines were also damaged and the wheel was pushing on the steering shaft. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v244000 ( steering: column) but the VIN was not included. There was an open investigation into the falure under the federal safety agency action id: pe11004 (suspension:front:shock absorber steering suspension:front:macpherson strut steering:column). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
1997 nissan pathfinder left front strut tower about to collapse due to severe rot.
Left front strut tower, and frame rusted away causing strut to hit steering shaft. Brake master cylinder hitting hood. Vehicle unsafe to drive.
Hit a pothole and then started hearing a noise from the front driver side of the vehicle. I then noticed that my odometer was no longer working. Upon inspecting the vehicle I found that the driver's side front strut tower had a large rusted out area and that the spot welds of the panels were separating. This problem seems to be the same as those listed in the federal safety agency action number: pe11004
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the steering wheel began to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic shop where the contact was advised that the front driver side mcpherson strut was rusted and corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted to report the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder le. While driving 20 MPH over a small hill, the contact made a right turn and the vehicle went into a ditch. The contact was able to drive home but the vehicle was making a noise. The vehicle was taken to a local collision center where the contact was informed that the right front driver side strut mount was completely rusted. The mechanic replaced the apron and the fender assembly. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 155,834.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 nissan pathfinder. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the front end of the vehicle began shaking abnormally and becoming unusually unstable. The vehicle was taken to a vehicle repair facility where the technician advised the contact that the front driver side strut tower had fractured from the vehicle and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repairs. The technician at the dealer stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and if the vehicle was repaired, the contact would be liable for all repair costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 109,443.
Our 1997 nissan pathfinder develops a rear rocking motion (sway, wobble) at highway speeds that would clearly put the vehicle out of control if not quickly stopped, which can usually be accomplished by letting off the gas. This happens continuously and repeatedly, sometimes even at lower speeds (in the 40 MPH range.) the sensation is very unnerving to the driver and passengers especially since it is not due to anything the driver has done and it strikes without warning. In just a few seconds the car feels like 2 seconds more and it will flip or roll or crash into another lane! (take a ride with me, you'll see I'm not exaggerating.) the trick is to stop the rocking as soon as you notice it starting, usually by letting off the gas. This problem is well known to many pathfinder owners (in the 1996-200 range) and to nissan, which has produced a tsbs on it (ntb98-001, ntb98-012) but the company has not dealt with it as a recall. It is an expensive ($700-$1,400) repair apparently due to faulty control arm bushings, the smart repair is apparently to use polyurethane after-market bushings instead of oem (unless you want it to come back again in less than 100k.) *tw we have had this problem for 6 months and ours set in at about 170k but many other owners were reporting this problem 3 or 4 years ago at 100k. And many are not happy with how nissan has not handled this design problem they created.
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