Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 1998 Infiniti QX4 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2019.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Infiniti QX4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
14.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
416.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
28.0%
150,000+ miles
1768.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1998peak 4Aug 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Infiniti QX4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE11004Opened 28 Jan 2011Closed 30 Jun 2011STEERING:COLUMN
Frame/Body Structure Corrosion
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of April 20, 2011, Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall of certain 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-2003 Infinity QX4 vehicles to repair corrosion damage to the driver's side front strut tower.The vehicles included in the recall are those that were originally sold, or are currently registered in salt belt states including Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Islan...
Recalls on the 1998 Infiniti QX4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
11V244000
STEERING:COLUMN
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1996-2004 PATHFINDER AND MODEL YEAR 1997-2003 INFINITI QX4 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. IN AREAS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAY ENTER AN ASSEMBLY LOCATION HOLE IN THE UPPER STRUT HOUSING, CAUSING WATER TO COLLECT AT THE MATING SURFACE OF THE STRUT HOUSING PANEL AND THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. OVER TIME, THIS SNOW/WATER AND SALT INTRUSION MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING IN SOME SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Risk: THE STRUT HOUSING MAY CRACK AND PULL AWAY FROM THE INNER HOOD LEDGE ASSEMBLY. THIS MAY LEAD TO GRINDING NOISES, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, AND POSSIBLY THE STEERING COLUMN TO BREAK, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
07V435000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA , WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DURING THE COATING PROCESS OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY, AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF COATING MAY HAVE BEEN APPLIED AT THE LOWER MOUNTING BRACKET. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN OPENING IN THE COATING WHICH CAN ALLOW WATER TO ENTER AND MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL OF THE TUBE.
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN SURFACE RUST BUT NOT PERFORATION OF THE TUBE. HOWEVER, IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, IF A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT MAKES CONTACT WITH THE BARE METAL, CORROSION MAY OCCUR TO A DEGREE WHICH RESULTS IN PERFORATION OF THE TUBE. IN THIS CASE FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN FILLING THE TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201116574,983 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months, a mixture of snow/water and salt may enter an assembly location hole in the upper strut housing, causing water to collect at the mating surface of the strut housing panel and the inner hood ledge assembly. Over time, this snow/water and salt intrusion may result in corrosion of the strut tower housing structure. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition, the strut housing may crack and pull away from the inner hood ledge assembly. Should the strut housing separate and contact the steering column upper shaft, the steering shaft could break. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the strut housing and, if no corrosion or only minor surface corrosion is present, an anti-corrosion seal will be applied. If moderate corrosion is present, resin patches will be applied in addition to the sealant. If there is evidence of more significant corrosion, a metal reinforcement plate will be used to reinforce the strut housing assembly. In instances where it is impossible to repair the vehicle, Nissan will provide an appropriate remedy.
Recall 200730045,279 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, inadequate coating of the fuel filler tube assembly could allow water to penetrate past the coating and cause surface rust. In areas which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, corrosion may occur to a degree which results in perforation of the tube. In this case, fuel leakage may occur when filling the tank or shortly thereafter. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel filler tube assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 230,000 milesGuthrie, OKCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE THE REAREND STARTS A VIOLENTLY SHAKEING BACK AND FORTH AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO DRIVE OVER SOMETHING OR SOMEONE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS!!!HOW CAN THEY SELL US CRAP THAT CAN COST THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE AND NOT HONOR A RECALL ON REAR BUSHINGS...I NEARLY SHUT DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON MY LAST DRIVE......
NHTSA complaint #11242762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGuthrie, OKCrash
SUSPENSION
WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE THE REAREND STARTS A VIOLENTLY SHAKEING BACK AND FORTH AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO DRIVE OVER SOMETHING OR SOMEONE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS!!!HOW CAN THEY SELL US CRAP THAT CAN COST THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE AND NOT HONOR A RECALL ON REAR BUSHINGS...I NEARLY SHUT DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON MY LAST DRIVE......
NHTSA complaint #11242762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,200 milesMartin, SCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ON NOV.9 I WAS DRIVING HOME ON PATTERSONMILL RD. IN BARNWELL SC. A BUCK DEER HIT MY 1998 INFINITI QX4 I WENT OFF ROAD N HIT A TREE CUTTING IN HALF I WAS ABLE TO KICK OUT WINDSHIELD CRAWD OUT WENT TO NEIGHBORS HOME SHE CALLED FOR HELP MOREL TO STORY I HAVE A CRACK IN SKULL UNDER EYE CONTUSION AND CONCUSSION WITH CHRONIC PAIN UP DOWN MY SPINE I HAVE SURGERY ON MY ORBITAL FLOOR ON MONDAY PLEASE HELP ME CALL PLENTY LAWYERS BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO HALIDE MY CASE MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT PASSENGER SIDE DID I GOT HURT AND IS IN CHRONIC PAIN I WANT COMPENSATION FOR MY STRESS,INJURIES,PAIN N FUTURE PAIN AND SUFFERING FOR AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING.
NHTSA complaint #10553142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesReading, PACrash
STEERING
AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10406610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesReading, PACrash
SUSPENSION
AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10406610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesReading, PACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10406610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 230,000 milesGuthrie, OKCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE THE REAREND STARTS A VIOLENTLY SHAKEING BACK AND FORTH AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO DRIVE OVER SOMETHING OR SOMEONE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS!!!HOW CAN THEY SELL US CRAP THAT CAN COST THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE AND NOT HONOR A RECALL ON REAR BUSHINGS...I NEARLY SHUT DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON MY LAST DRIVE......
NHTSA complaint #11242762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGuthrie, OKCrash
SUSPENSION
WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS PEDDLE THE REAREND STARTS A VIOLENTLY SHAKEING BACK AND FORTH AND WILL CAUSE YOU TO DRIVE OVER SOMETHING OR SOMEONE DUE TO DEFECTIVE BUSHINGS!!!HOW CAN THEY SELL US CRAP THAT CAN COST THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE AND NOT HONOR A RECALL ON REAR BUSHINGS...I NEARLY SHUT DOWN THE INTERSTATE ON MY LAST DRIVE......
NHTSA complaint #11242762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 216,955 milesPerth Amboy, NJ
STEERING
I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN FOR A RECALL WITH STRUT TOWER AND CHASSY,THEY PATCHED TBE CHASSY UP,WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP I DIDN'T GET 5 MINUTES UP THE ROAD AND IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT HARD AND SHAKING AST 40TO 50MPH,IT'S A DRIVING HAZARD,I BROUGHT IT RIGHT BACK THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT ON IT,CALLED ME AND SAID IT'S STILL DOING IT AND THERE'S NOTHING ELSE THEY CAN DO,SO NOW I'M OUT OF A VEHICLE THEY TOLD CONSUMER AFFAIRS THAT I CALLED THAT IT COULD OF BEEN A,PRE EXISTING PROBLEM SO NOW CONSUMER AFFAIRS WON'T HELP ME SO WHAT DO I DO NOW IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTS ME TO JUST DRIVE OFF THEIR LOT WITH A HAZARDOUS VEHICLE,IT WAS FINE UNTIL THEY PATCHED THAT CHASSY UP THEIR WERE NO PRE-EXISTING PROBLEMS SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW,PLEASE HELP?THE DEALERSHIP IS RAY CATINA INFINITI IN EDISON,NEW JERSEY,THE ONLY THING THEY HELPED ME WITH IS GETTING ME A LOANER CAR AND THEM PAYING FOR IT BUT NOW I HAVE TO BRING IT BACK,I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT RIGHTS I HAVE OR
NHTSA complaint #11128014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,757 milesCorsicana, TX
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,757.
NHTSA complaint #10863087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,757 milesCorsicana, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,757.
NHTSA complaint #10863087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MA
WHEELS
THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED SO THAT NOW THE WHEEL WELL IS STARTING TO REST ON THE DRIVESHAFT.
NHTSA complaint #10629909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL HAS RUSTED SO THAT NOW THE WHEEL WELL IS STARTING TO REST ON THE DRIVESHAFT.
NHTSA complaint #10629909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,200 milesMartin, SCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ON NOV.9 I WAS DRIVING HOME ON PATTERSONMILL RD. IN BARNWELL SC. A BUCK DEER HIT MY 1998 INFINITI QX4 I WENT OFF ROAD N HIT A TREE CUTTING IN HALF I WAS ABLE TO KICK OUT WINDSHIELD CRAWD OUT WENT TO NEIGHBORS HOME SHE CALLED FOR HELP MOREL TO STORY I HAVE A CRACK IN SKULL UNDER EYE CONTUSION AND CONCUSSION WITH CHRONIC PAIN UP DOWN MY SPINE I HAVE SURGERY ON MY ORBITAL FLOOR ON MONDAY PLEASE HELP ME CALL PLENTY LAWYERS BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO HALIDE MY CASE MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT PASSENGER SIDE DID I GOT HURT AND IS IN CHRONIC PAIN I WANT COMPENSATION FOR MY STRESS,INJURIES,PAIN N FUTURE PAIN AND SUFFERING FOR AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING.
NHTSA complaint #10553142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesToms River, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 9/4/13
NHTSA complaint #10533854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
STEERING
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR TODAY AND IT WAS DRIVING FINE AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT UNTIL I ACCELERATED OVER 40MPH THE REAR BACK WAS SWERVING LEFT TO RIGHT AFTER I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. ALMOST HAD 4 CRASHES. SOMETHING IN THE REAR IS MAKING THE CAR SWERVE LIKE ITS LOSING TRACTION BUT ONLY WHEN IT'S RELEASED OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS THE BIGGEST FATAL PART OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN DRIVING OF MY LIFE. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT IS PRETTY RUSTED ON THE STRUT AREAS SINCE I CHECKED IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN UNDER THE CAR. LOW SPEEDS AROUND 30MPH THE CAR DRIVES FINE BUT HIGHER SPEED ITS LIKE, I HAVE TO KEEP ACCELERATING TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM SWERVING IN THE REAR. MY LIFE WAS ENDANGERED FOR 40 MINUTES OF MY LIFE ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE CONTACT ME, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I NEED TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10472477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
SUSPENSION
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS CAR TODAY AND IT WAS DRIVING FINE AT LOW SPEEDS, BUT UNTIL I ACCELERATED OVER 40MPH THE REAR BACK WAS SWERVING LEFT TO RIGHT AFTER I RELEASE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. ALMOST HAD 4 CRASHES. SOMETHING IN THE REAR IS MAKING THE CAR SWERVE LIKE ITS LOSING TRACTION BUT ONLY WHEN IT'S RELEASED OFF THE GAS PEDAL. IT WAS THE BIGGEST FATAL PART OF EXPERIENCE WITHIN DRIVING OF MY LIFE. ALL I KNOW IS THAT IT IS PRETTY RUSTED ON THE STRUT AREAS SINCE I CHECKED IF SOMETHING WAS BROKEN UNDER THE CAR. LOW SPEEDS AROUND 30MPH THE CAR DRIVES FINE BUT HIGHER SPEED ITS LIKE, I HAVE TO KEEP ACCELERATING TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM SWERVING IN THE REAR. MY LIFE WAS ENDANGERED FOR 40 MINUTES OF MY LIFE ON THE HIGHWAY. PLEASE CONTACT ME, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I NEED TO REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10472477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniondale, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
1998 INFINITI QX4. CONSUMER WRITES IN DISCONTENT CONCERNING RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER NEVER INFORMED HER IT WOULD TAKE AN EXTENDED AMOUNT OF TIME TO FIX THE STRUT TOWER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAD HER VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS. FINALLY, THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE CORROSION ON THE STRUT TOWER HOUSING WAS SO SIGNIFICANT, THAT IT NOT ONLY NEEDED SEALANT AND RESIN PATCHES AND ADDITIONAL WORK, BUT THE REPAIRS COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED BY THE MECHANICS.
NHTSA complaint #10429872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesMount Prospect, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN DRIFTING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN IN ORDER TO STOP THE DRIFTING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR SPRING AND SHOCKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPLACED BOTH REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE REAR BUSHING ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS THE REAR TRAILER ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000. UPDATED 09/27/11 *BF UPDATED 09/30/11.
NHTSA complaint #10424499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMoon Township, PA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V244000 (STEERING:COLUMN). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO WAIT FOR AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER TO ARRIVE IN THE MAIL. AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER NEVER ARRIVED IN THE MAIL. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS AGAIN NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE PARTS NECESSARY TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10409010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesReading, PACrash
STEERING
AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10406610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesReading, PACrash
SUSPENSION
AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10406610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesReading, PACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
AS I PASSED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, A VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT. I TRIED TO VEER TO AVOID HIM, BUT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. AS A RESULT OF THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE, THE CAR STRUCK MY VEHICLE AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. AFTER MY CAR WAS SCRAPPED, I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10406610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesMaine, ME
STEERING
HAD A RECALL ON OUR CAR AND WHEN WE CALLED TO TELL THEM WE HAD IT FIXED THEY WANTED US TO TAKE IT TO THEIR DEALER WHICH THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS OVER 300 MILES AND IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN BARLEY SURVIVE ON WHAT I GET AND THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO TRAVEL THIS DISTANCE MONEY WISE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSES BUT WONT IF I CANT GET IT TO THEIR DEALER. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN AUGUST 2010 THE EXACT RECALL WORDING WAS FOR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING I COULDN'T FIND THIS IN YOUR LIST AND WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER THAT'S WHEN SHE TOLD US ABOUT THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10403636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesMaine, ME
SUSPENSION
HAD A RECALL ON OUR CAR AND WHEN WE CALLED TO TELL THEM WE HAD IT FIXED THEY WANTED US TO TAKE IT TO THEIR DEALER WHICH THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS OVER 300 MILES AND IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN BARLEY SURVIVE ON WHAT I GET AND THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO TRAVEL THIS DISTANCE MONEY WISE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSES BUT WONT IF I CANT GET IT TO THEIR DEALER. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN AUGUST 2010 THE EXACT RECALL WORDING WAS FOR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING I COULDN'T FIND THIS IN YOUR LIST AND WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER THAT'S WHEN SHE TOLD US ABOUT THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10403636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesMaine, ME
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HAD A RECALL ON OUR CAR AND WHEN WE CALLED TO TELL THEM WE HAD IT FIXED THEY WANTED US TO TAKE IT TO THEIR DEALER WHICH THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS OVER 300 MILES AND IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO I AM ON DISABILITY AND CAN BARLEY SURVIVE ON WHAT I GET AND THERE IS NO WAY POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO TRAVEL THIS DISTANCE MONEY WISE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REIMBURSED ME FOR THE REPAIR EXPENSES BUT WONT IF I CANT GET IT TO THEIR DEALER. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN AUGUST 2010 THE EXACT RECALL WORDING WAS FOR FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER HOUSING I COULDN'T FIND THIS IN YOUR LIST AND WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER THAT'S WHEN SHE TOLD US ABOUT THE FUEL LINE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10403636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesRome, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
STRUCTURE FRAME FRONT DRIVERS SIDE. EXCESSIVE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. FRAME RUBBING ON THE STEERING SHAFT FROM CORROSION DUE TO POOR DESIGN. SAFETY CONCERNS WHEEL SECTION COULD SEPARATE FROM FRAME CAUSING SEVERE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS OR OTHERS. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF FRAME COULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND HITTING A POT HOLE. REPAIR COSTS IF POSSIBLE ARE IN THE THOUSANDS. THE FRAME SEPARATION IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE CAUSED BY PREMATURE CORROSION PROBLEMS. THE FRONT FRAME LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES HAD TO BE WELDED USING STEEL PLATES TO SUPPORT FRONT STRUTS. VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME FAILURE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10396859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRAME FAILURE ON INFINITI QX4 AND NISSAN PATHFINDER; MODEL YEARS 1997-2001. FRAME FAILURE ON INFINITI AND NISSAN VEHICLES; FAILURE IN MANUFACTURING TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT FROM ABNORMAL CORROSION AND ROT, THE FRAME, UNDERCARRIAGE AND MOUNTING BRACKETS OF NISSAN AND INFINITI SUV VEHICLES. EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND ROT TO FRONT APRON AND FRAME OF INFINITI QX4 AND NISSAN PATHFINDER VEHICLES; SUSPECT ASSOCIATION WITH NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 07V435000. INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION OF FRAME FROM ABNORMAL AND PREMATURE CORROSION AND ROT; RESULTANT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF FRAME WHILE HITTING A POTHOLE AT 10 MILES PER HOUR. FRAME IS BROKEN ABOVE LEFT FRONT AXLE; TEAR IS APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET LONG AND 2 INCHES WIDE. FRAME AREAS AROUND TEAR AND THROUGHOUT WHEEL AND AXLE COMPARTMENT ARE EASILY POKED THROUGH BY USING A FINGER. MECHANIC AND BODY SHOP MANAGER ADVISE THAT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. REPAIR COSTS FOR REPLACEMENT OF FRONT APRON OF FRAME ESTIMATED AT $3,000-$4,000. NISSAN BODY SHOP REPORTS THAT ABNORMAL AND PREMATURE CORROSION AND ROT OF FRAME ARE TYPICAL OF INFINITI QX4 AND NISSAN PATHFINDERS PRE-2003. SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH FINDS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO MODEL YEARS ASSOCIATED WITH FUEL LINE RECALL. NISSAN DOES NOT REPLY TO REPEATED REQUESTS FOR COMMENT NOR WILL IT ISSUE SAFETY WARNING IN RELATION TO POSSIBILITY OF HIGH SPEED FAILURE OF FRAME RESULTING IN COMPLETE SEPARATION OF TIRE FROM AXLE AND FRAME; SUBSEQUENT BROKEN FRAME WOULD TRAVEL THROUGH ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SEVER BRAKE CYLINDERS AND STEERING. GRAVE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF LIMB OR LIFE. TYPICAL STATE SAFETY INSPECTIONS MAY NOT TEST FRAME INTEGRITY. RECOMMENDATION FOR ADVISORY NOTICE TO BE SENT TO STATE INSPECTION STATIONS AND TO VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FACILITIES.
NHTSA complaint #10376467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesSaint Louis, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
FRAME FAILURE ON INFINITI QX4 AND NISSAN PATHFINDER; MODEL YEARS 1997-2001. FRAME FAILURE ON INFINITI AND NISSAN VEHICLES; FAILURE IN MANUFACTURING TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT FROM ABNORMAL CORROSION AND ROT, THE FRAME, UNDERCARRIAGE AND MOUNTING BRACKETS OF NISSAN AND INFINITI SUV VEHICLES. EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND ROT TO FRONT APRON AND FRAME OF INFINITI QX4 AND NISSAN PATHFINDER VEHICLES; SUSPECT ASSOCIATION WITH NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 07V435000. INSUFFICIENT PROTECTION OF FRAME FROM ABNORMAL AND PREMATURE CORROSION AND ROT; RESULTANT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF FRAME WHILE HITTING A POTHOLE AT 10 MILES PER HOUR. FRAME IS BROKEN ABOVE LEFT FRONT AXLE; TEAR IS APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET LONG AND 2 INCHES WIDE. FRAME AREAS AROUND TEAR AND THROUGHOUT WHEEL AND AXLE COMPARTMENT ARE EASILY POKED THROUGH BY USING A FINGER. MECHANIC AND BODY SHOP MANAGER ADVISE THAT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE. REPAIR COSTS FOR REPLACEMENT OF FRONT APRON OF FRAME ESTIMATED AT $3,000-$4,000. NISSAN BODY SHOP REPORTS THAT ABNORMAL AND PREMATURE CORROSION AND ROT OF FRAME ARE TYPICAL OF INFINITI QX4 AND NISSAN PATHFINDERS PRE-2003. SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH FINDS CONSUMER COMPLAINTS RELATED TO MODEL YEARS ASSOCIATED WITH FUEL LINE RECALL. NISSAN DOES NOT REPLY TO REPEATED REQUESTS FOR COMMENT NOR WILL IT ISSUE SAFETY WARNING IN RELATION TO POSSIBILITY OF HIGH SPEED FAILURE OF FRAME RESULTING IN COMPLETE SEPARATION OF TIRE FROM AXLE AND FRAME; SUBSEQUENT BROKEN FRAME WOULD TRAVEL THROUGH ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SEVER BRAKE CYLINDERS AND STEERING. GRAVE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF LIMB OR LIFE. TYPICAL STATE SAFETY INSPECTIONS MAY NOT TEST FRAME INTEGRITY. RECOMMENDATION FOR ADVISORY NOTICE TO BE SENT TO STATE INSPECTION STATIONS AND TO VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FACILITIES.
NHTSA complaint #10376467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesLebanon, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 INFINITI QX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT STRUT APRON BROKE AND IT WAS COVERED WITH RUST WHICH CAUSED THE STEERING COUPLING TO SHEAR OFF. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE TRIED TO MAKE A TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING OVER POT HOLES THERE WAS LIMITED STABILITY IN THE STEERING WHEEL; ALTHOUGH, THE SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10286737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zanesville, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
CONSUMER STATES THAT BEFORE THEY RECEIVED THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE FOR THEIR 1998 INFINITI QX4, THEY HAD A PROBLEM WITH CORROSION. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD THE REPAIRS MADE ON THE LEAKING FUEL FILLER TUBE PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE RECALL. THE CONSUMERS MECHANIC STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE CORROSION HAD CAUSED THE DETACHMENT OF THE LEFT STRUT TOWER FROM THE FRAME AND NEAR THE DETACHMENT OF THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT TOWER FROM THE FRAME AND THAT THE FRAME IN THE GENERAL AREA OF THE FRONT END AND THE STRUT TOWERS WERE BADLY CORRODED. *JB THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 06/29/11.
NHTSA complaint #10274509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.