2003 Infiniti QX4 – Click above for high-res image gallery
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into certain late model Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs over corrosion of the driver's side front strut tower. Affected Queue-By-Fours are from the 1997 to 2003 model years, while the Pathfinders are from 1996 to 2004.
According to NHTSA's summary, the government organization has received 35 reports of corrosion instances, with 18 citing that this problem caused the vehicle's steering to suffer. What's more, five of these reports stated that the steering "shaft" or "column" broke, resulting in a complete loss of steering.
This investigation was opened on January 28, and pending NHTSA's findings, an official recall should be announced in the near future. For the full summary, follow the jump for NHTSA's release.
[Source: NHTSA]
NHTSA Action Number: PE11004
Vehicle Make/Model:
INFINITI / QX4
NISSAN / PATHFINDER
Model Year(s):
1997-2003
1996-2004
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Component(s):
SUSPENSION
STEERING:COLUMN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
STEERING
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 35 reports on the subject vehicles alleging a corrosion related failure of the driver's side front strut tower. In 18 of the reports there were allegations that the failures affected the vehicles steering, including five that reported the steering "shaft" or "column" broke resulting in a loss of steering. Severe corrosion of the frame/body structure in the area of the driver's side front strut tower can allow the strut tower to fail. If the failed strut tower contacts the steering column upper joint, or otherwise restricts the rotation of the steering column shaft, it can result in increased steering effort, steering impediment, or a complete loss of steering control.
Date Investigation Opened : January 28, 2011
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Vehicle Make/Model:
INFINITI / QX4
NISSAN / PATHFINDER
Model Year(s):
1997-2003
1996-2004
Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Component(s):
SUSPENSION
STEERING:COLUMN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
STEERING
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 35 reports on the subject vehicles alleging a corrosion related failure of the driver's side front strut tower. In 18 of the reports there were allegations that the failures affected the vehicles steering, including five that reported the steering "shaft" or "column" broke resulting in a loss of steering. Severe corrosion of the frame/body structure in the area of the driver's side front strut tower can allow the strut tower to fail. If the failed strut tower contacts the steering column upper joint, or otherwise restricts the rotation of the steering column shaft, it can result in increased steering effort, steering impediment, or a complete loss of steering control.
Date Investigation Opened : January 28, 2011
Date Investigation Closed : Open
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