Nissan recalls Pathfinder, Infiniti QX4 for rusted steering column

Nissan is recalling at least 195,000 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 SUVs sold in 20 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia to inspect steering columns for rust and corrosion.

Nissan is concerned that road salt used in these cold-weather states could cause the steering columns to rust through and possibly break off.

In January, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started investigating 35 reports of corrosion-related failure of the driver's-side front strut tower. Half of the reports said the failures affected steering, and five of those said the steering column actually broke.

Nissan will start notifying owners on May 16 of the recall. Dealers will inspect the strut housing for corrosion. If none or little is detected, an anticorrosion sealant will be applied. If moderate corrosion is found, resin patches will be applied along with the sealant.

If more significant corrosion is evident, a metal reinforcement plate will be used to support the strut housing assembly. If the car is beyond repair, Nissan said it will "provide an appropriate remedy."

Nissan hasn't specified when it will begin fixing vehicles but said that drivers with immediate concerns can take their cars to a Nissan dealership for inspection at no charge.

The company is recalling 162,658 Pathfinders with 1996-2004 model years and 33,333 Infiniti QX4s from 1997 to 2003 in these places: 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. Some vehicles registered in other states will also be included.

By Michelle Koueiter