The federal government has opened an investigation into a possible auto defect in 400,000 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles. According to a news report in the Detroit News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation into 1996 to 2004 model Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles after complaints of severe corrosion problems. NHTSA officials say that the failure of the driver’s side front strut tower due to corrosion could result in loss of steering control.

So far, federal officials have received 35 reports regarding corrosion problems. There were allegations that the corrosion affected the steering in 18 of those reports. Nissan says it is not aware of any car accidents or injuries relating to this problem.

Investigations Relating to Corrosion

Nissan is not the first to come under scrutiny with regard to corrosion issues. NHTSA has opened up similar investigations involving various auto makers. In January, the federal auto safety agency’s investigation involved 1.8 million General Motors pickups and SUVs. In that investigation, which covers 1999-2003 GMC pickup trucks and SUVs, there were reports that the corrosion was causing braking problems. Also, last week, Ford recalled 425,000 Windstar minivans in cold weather states due to corrosion issues. Ford had issued a separate recall in August for more than 462,000 1998 to 2003 Windstar vans over concerns that the rear axle could fail and corrode.

I’m pleased that NHTSA is aggressively investigating these auto makers specifically for corrosion issues. This is particularly a problem in the 22 cold-weather states. Corrosion is extremely dangerous because it can cause vehicle parts to fail or malfunction. With regard to the Nissan Pathfinder SUVs and Infiniti QX4 vehicles, there is the potential for steering failure, which can result in a deadly car accident.

Auto Products Liability Issues

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by steering failure or corrosion, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases. It would also be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition so it can be carefully examined by an expert for evidence of auto defects, design flaws, malfunctions or other related damages. The best auto product defect firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Seriously injured due to an Nissan auto product defect? Want to know if you have a case? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation for your injuries? Want justice? Want to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to someone else?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after an auto product-related injury accident. Call 800-849-4905. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE personal injury lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your case by attorneys who have represented over 6,000 clients since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a friendly law firm in a comfortable environment.