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 NHTSA campaign id number: 11V244000 ( steering: Column) but the VIN was not included. There was an open investigation into the falure under NHTSA 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.

- Kiel, WI, USA

I am having problems with the performance of my 1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE (81,000 miles); at first I thought that the front shocks were shot; then a mechanic told me that no - it was the front struts. I have since found a web site with many owners of this vintage model that tell me the problem is with the 8 rear control arm bushings. Nissan should issue a recall on this - this is dangerous. At very least, they should notify owners.

- Concord, MA, USA

Front left strut tower is rotted and cracking without any apparent reason. The right side looks brand new, yet the left side is in danger of failure.

- Towaco, NJ, USA

The struts are leaking.

- Franklin Square, NY, USA

Vehicle was rattling on right side. Took vehicle to mechanic, and when mechanic moved vehicle, the right front wheel fell off. Mechanic indicated strut had broken.

- Greenville, SC, USA

The struts went at 52,000 miles $800 to replace, exhaust manifold needs to be replaced(warranty). Today the news that the speedometer was just"worn out " $235, the rear suspension lincs were "worn out" $350, the intake pinium(sp?) was leaking $660. Something has to be done about Nissan and their "worn out" vehicles. It's not even paid for yet!

- Chicopee, MA, USA

I contacted my Nissan dealer the first time the struts went out. They replaced only 1 strut not 2. when the struts went out the 2nd time I contated the dealer they said it was not their problem. When I took it to another car repair shop they advised me you never replace only 1 strut. I contacted the dealer about this they said too bad. My Pathfinder still had the banging noice in the front. I took it to a couple of car places they seemed to know of the problem with this particular Nissan fault. The next time the struts went out I was in Idaho visiting family. It as again a very scary ordeal. I was driving on a very windy canyon road with the river right beside me. I had a number of children in the car. I had it towed to a Dodge dealer in emmett Idaho who advised me they knew of a report out on this make and year of vehicle. This is the first I heard of Nissan acknowledging the problem. I have contacted them numerous times since. They are not willing to do anything about this or reinburse me for all the expense. My childen and I could of been killed a number of times with this reoccuring problem and Nissan did not even bother to contact us. What is my choices on action to take against the company? please help me make this large company listen to one very dissatisfied and concerned person.

- Riverton, WY, USA

I feel, as many other 96-97 Pathfinder customers do, that excessive and uneven (cupping) tire wear and premature strut failure, appear to be symptoms of a larger problem with the suspension of the 96-97, possibly 98 Nissan Pathfinders. Nissan will not admit there is a potentially huge problem. I have web postings/E-mails confirming many customers with the same and worse problems than my own. Two postings report accidents. One driver of a 1998 Pathfinder lost control as the car mysteriously veered to the left, across traffic, and the driver broke a finger trying regain control. The other posting recounts a strut completely failing while the truck was in motion and sent the car spinning. Nissan offered to replace the one tire that was "chewed up beyond all recognition." I believe Nissan is ignoring this dangerous situation in the hopes of avoiding an expensive recall. Is someone going to have to get hurt before they listen? I have contacted corporate in gardena on numerous occassions only to be told that this is "normal wear and tear" on my vehicle. Other customers repeat the same ridiculous reaction from Nissan. I have a meeting with the Nissan regional service manager during the week of July 17th. He has copies of the postings/E-mails that I metioned earlier sustantiating the size of this problem. The meeting should prove interesting. Thank you for your time.

- Denver, CO, USA

Front struts and shocks failed causing premature tire wear.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA