The driverside strut tower has become unattached from the frame. There is no rust marks anywhere in this section. The strut tower wore away at the steering wheel shaft and broke it. I lost all ability to steer the car and was forced to jump a curb.

- Marlborough, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact was making a sharp right onto a freeway when he could not control the steering. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road where the vehicle came in contact with the side rail of the emergency lane causing scratches on the front bumper. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the technicians stated the driver side strut tower was corroded and broke the steering column. The technicians replaced the strut tower, the ABS brakes sensor and the steering column. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. Updated 03/03/11 the strut tower separated from the unibody frame because of rust on the bottom/ the steering shaft snapped when the strut tower pushed inside the engine compartment. Updated 09/01/11

- Marblehead, MA, USA

Our Nissan Pathfinder 2001 had a noise in the left front end. We asked our mechanic to take a look at the front end. What he found, and confirmed by 3 other independent shops, was the unibody front end on the driver's side has rotted out. The car has been well maintained and we have had no other problems before this failure. The cost for repair ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 and these are only estimates. Updated IVOQ 05/24/11

- Upper Black Eddy, PA, USA

I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. It recently developed steering issues after hitting a small pothole. My mechanic informed me the entire left wheel well was rotted out and that I should not drive the car on the highway as the wheel might collapse. After then taking the car to a body shop for a repair estimate, I was told this was the 3rd time he had seen the exact same problem, with a 1999-2001 Pathfinder. Researching on line I found numerous complaints on the same issue. Repair estimate was $2000. Mechanic at body shop also stated not to drive car on highway as results could be fatal. Repair will involve removing engine components, bumper and replacing wheel well housing, then welding a reinforcement brace.

- Stamford, CT, USA

While driving the vehicle on 5/15.2008 I noticed a strange noise emanating from the outside rear area of the vehicle. The next day while having the vehicles tires replaced a shop employee pointed out to me that the sway bar was broken in half. This is not a normal wear and tear occurrence and was not due to any mistake or misuse of the vehicle by me. I have not driven the vehicle since and the broken part has not been replaced.

- Inverness, CA, USA