The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said
Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into Nissan Motor Co.
(NSANY) Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 sport-utility vehicles over
reports of corrosion that can lead to the loss of steering.
The investigation covers about 400,000 vehicles, including
Pathfinders from the 1996-2004 model years and QX4s from 1997
through 2003.
According to a posting on its website, the NHTSA has received 35
reports of corrosion leading to a failure of the driver's-side
front strut tower, which affects the SUV's alignment. A failure of
the component could affect the steering column and make it more
difficult to control the vehicle.
The agency said it received five reports of the steering shaft
breaking.
There have been no reports of crashes or injuries, the NHTSA
said.
Nissan, in a statement cited by the Associated Press, said it's
"committed to customer safety and the quick, effective resolution
of safety issues and will work closely with NHTSA to investigate
this issue."
NHTSA searchable website: www.safercar.gov
-Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2900