Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the door open warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle dome light remained on. The contact stated when opening the rear door hatch there was an abnormal noise present. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V282000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where she was informed that the remedy parts were no longer available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the window pulsated on the front windshield due to corrosion on the firewall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the firewall was corroded and perforated. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer also discovered that the vehicle had severe corrosion and stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The issue would need to be further escalated through Nissan. Once Nissan was contacted, the dealer was instructed to put an anti-corrosive spray on the strut housing and place a bracket on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
I own a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder le 4x4 both sides of the front frame where the strut tower are located are severely rotting which caused the entire all my brake lines to rot away I was driving to upstate college to get my son and I was also with my daughter I could have died I checked online and was told there was a recall on that particular problem I called Nissan and was told there is no such recall I am so upset and worried the mechanic can't even lift the truck all the way due to the fact that the brake tower buckles even the mechanic said there is a recall please help me. ..updated 03/08/17
"front strut tower corrosion and rust" - while parked, I checked the front passenger side wheel well area and noticed corrosion and rust. Upon further investigation, there is a large crack in the strut tower itself. This crack begins in the area that Nissan allegedly "fixed" and "repaired" under their recall a few years back. Obviously, this was not a permanent fix and has now presented a safety hazard and potentially financial burden on my family and me. This vehicle is a primary means of transporting my family, including my 2 year old child.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. While the vehicle was undergoing routine repairs, the contact was informed by the mechanic that the structural integrity of the vehicle was compromised due to excessive corrosion. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and was unable to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000. The VIN was not available.
Base rusted and very dangerous to drive I was driving making a left turn and the fender popped loose the steering column causing me to lose control and couldn't turn anymore, luckily it was just a turn down the street of my house. Please help
Driver's side strut tower has rusted to the point were the truck will pass va state safety inspection. There was a recall performed by several years ago by Nissan for the rust issue on both inner wheel wells and strut tower area.
The body and frame and suspension rusted from what I read online pathfinders are known to rust away from the frame and etc. My car has been well taken care of with original paint and its rusting everywhere.
Rear mount of front passenger control arm cracked where mounts to frame. Very little metal left where bolts hold bracket to body.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the driver side front strut tower failed and separated. The steering shaft broke as a result. The failure occurred while another driver was turning at 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the strut tower separated. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer at the time of the complaint. Upon inspection of the vehicle, it was determined that not only had the strut tower rusted at the bottom, but the lt frame rail had rusted and essentially disintegrated where it was supposed to be joined to the strut tower. Without the support, the remaining welds on the strut tower were unable to hold it in place. Updated evoq 10/15/10 updated 11/12/10. …
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Some of the brackets used to attach the two gas struts to the rear door (hatch) May have been improperly made. At high ambient temperatures, the increase in gas pressure in the strut(s) could cause one or both brackets to bend, resulting in the struts detaching from the bracket(s)…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the strut brackets. Owner notification began September 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Body complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the body & structure of the 2001 Nissan Pathfinder, 13% of the model year's 230 complaints. The component named most often is body (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Nissan Pathfinder body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-282 (hinge and attachments, Aug 30, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Nissan Pathfinder body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 122,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.