2013 Nissan Pathfinder: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed May 20, 2025 · Suspension · 167,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving and making a turn, the steering wheel became significantly loose. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the front passenger's side wheel had moved closer into the front fender, and the control arm had detached from the frame due to significant corrosion. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Body, Suspension · KY

When getting a new set of tires found out that drivers side rear subframe assembly rusted away where the control arm attaches after looking at a Nissan fourn there are many with the same problem worried that due to this might be a issue for me and my children traveling to he roads

Filed May 14, 2024 · Acceleration, Steering · OH

I started having issues with my brakes. I had recently had the front rotors and pads replaced, but I still heard squeeking, and a little fishtailing on my back end. I figured I needed my brakes in the rear checked, so I took it to Pep Boys for a free inspection. The mechanic showed me that my rear control arm on the left was very loose, and the compartment that connected to it was severely rusted thru. He told me this was across the whole back end and it was actually part of my FRAME. He said it is called a K-Frame and it should not be rusted through with my car being barely 11 years old. There are massive holes all the way across. He said that is why I thought that I might need my struts replaced because of a thunk sound when pulling off. There was no connection at all. He says I should not drive it AT ALL because my whole back end could fall off literally!

Filed Jul 27, 2022 · Suspension · IL

Rear crossmember (K-frame) rusted through where dogbone links connect to rear control arms. Rest of vehicle is in excellent condition with little to no rust (surface at best), but rear cross member is completely rusted through at front right and left. This then lets the rear wheels loose toe and adjustment and causes skipping and alignment issues, potentially leading to a crash.

Filed Apr 19, 2021 · Steering · 61,000 miles · PA

The front passenger control arm snapped free from the subframe while sitting at a stop sign. I heard a loud noise and had no idea what it was until I started driving and felt an issue in the steering. When I went underneath to look, I realized that the entire control arm assembly was completely separated from the subframe. When looking online for a possible recall, I realized that I'm not the only one where something similar has happened. This is clearly not a wear and tear issue and no way should this ever happen. This is something the manufacturer needs to fix! I hope something is done soon before it happens to someone else!! Of course my car isn't under warranty anymore so now I am stuck with a $3,000 bill due to no fault of my own, and the insurance company can't help me either. Please add this to your recall list...this is so dangerous!!!!!

Filed Feb 22, 2020 · Suspension · 148,000 miles · ME

Vehicle with no known mechanical issues/never involved in an accident was traveling 50mph on a major state route when suddenly the vehicle seized and began vibrating as if it had a flat tire. As the driver tried to control the vehicle and pull over there was a loud scraping sound. The control arm on the rear passenger side had broken from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a licensed mechanic, where upon inspection it was found that the rear subframe broke apart: the bolt holding the control arm did not break off, a portion of the frame broke from the rest of the subframe. The mechanic found no unusual rust or deterioration anywhere on the underside of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that he had never seen this issue on a vehicle and there was no reasonable explanation why it should of occurred. The mechanic also stated that the driver was extremely fortunate that the vehicle wasn't involved in an accident due to this issue.

Filed Dec 9, 2013 · Airbags, Engine · AZ

Passenger airbag light illuminates as disabled when an adult passenger occupies the seat. Sensor has been reprogrammed but condition still exists. Dealer claims no codes are stored. Manufacturer has been notified. Recall did not affect my vehicle due to production date. Idle has been re-learned several times. Tachometer will drop below 500 as if vehicle is going to stall. Now I am experiencing loss of traction. Tires spin and squeal while just trying to pull out in to traffic. Had vdc light illuminate and shut off after 5 seconds in completely dry conditions. Had metal scraping sound, left wheel bearing and control arm was replaced. Took in to dealer a couple weeks ago for similar metal sound on left side, they claimed backplate bent in to rotor. Metal on metal sound still occurring. Called nissan to file yet another claim requesting that they absorb negative equity, since my original claim for them to repurchase vehicle was denied. There is something seriously wrong with this car.