Leaking exhaust system from resonators/catalytic converters.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

I have taken my 2002 Nissan Pathfinder to the greenville, nc Nissan dealer on two separate occasions for an exhaust leak. After both visits, they have diagnosed the leak as "front tubes". the Nissan dealer states these are not considered catalysts. They state the "front tubes" are cracking down the sides and causing an exhaust leak on both of them directly under the driver and passenger seats of the vehicle. The dealer attempted to charge me $1400 to fix the issue. I have attempted to resolve this safety issue with them. I have taken the Pathfinder to an independent exhaust shop and they diagnosed both "front tubes" as catalytic converters being faulty. The Nissan dealer still refused to assist with the matter. This is a major exhaust leak happening due to a manufacturer defect. I researched the Nissan service manual for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and located the exhaust diagram. According to the diagram, the part that is faulty is considered a twc(underfloor) which is a three way catalyst. Nissan is refusing to correct this defect. They offer a patch which utilizes an epoxy and round clamps to fit over a rectangular catalyst. This is not a proper fix. They still want to charge for this even though their parts manual states this is a catalyst. The vehicle in question had 63K miles on the first visit and now only has 70K miles on the most recent visit. This is a very widespread issue among the 2002 and 2003 Nissan Pathfinders.

- Oak City, NC, USA

Recurring exhaust leak, even after having the manufacturer install their own repair kit.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA

Both catalytic converters split at seams causing noise and exhaust leaks at 80,000 miles. Non-Nissan shop replaced because of cheaper than having Nissan dealer replace. Complaints made to Nissan Consumer Affairs and response was "what do you want Nissan to do about it?". unwilling to do anything about it since replaced at non-Nissan shop. Told repeatedly by several shops that this is a common problem on Pathfinders of that year, manufacturer defect. When these converters are leaking exhaust, they are located just under the front doors and a heavy exhaust smell comes out right at the doors, so having the windows down is not a good idea.

- Flowery Branch, GA, USA

The consumer stated took the vehicle into the dealer to see if the vehicle had an exhaust leak due to the vehicle making a loud noise upon evaluation by the dealer, he was informed there was a defective catalytic converter which separated at the seams. The consumer stated he had the vehicle repaired and would like to be reimbursed for repairs via internet this is a very common problem with this vehicle. Updated 09/12/07 updated 09/18/07.

- Guilford, CT, USA

Both catalytic converters seams blew out which made the oxygen sensor go bad. I called Nissan dealer in jamestown N.Y. to see for recalls, he said there was a service bulletin. They had me bring vehicle in and they cemented the seals. They said they had many complaints on them, and had a kit to fix them, they charged me $150 to fix it. Which lasted about 5 months, and they blew out again.

- Forest City, NC, USA

: the contact stated both catalytic converter seals failed which allowed the exhaust to leak. The service dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

- Bellerose, NY, USA

: the contact stated that the vehicle has problems with leaks from the exhaust leakin in the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to the dealers. They determined that the part could not be replace free of charge because it was not covered under his warranty. The dealers did repair the vehicles converter with a clamp. The contact states that the dealers are not honoring the warranty on the vehicle. Updated 8/16/2006 -

- New Fairfield, CT, USA

Consumer stated a hole formed in the catalytic converter. Dealer was unable to repair the problem.

- Huntsville, AL, USA