Two problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder based on all problems reported for the 2000 Pathfinder.
Also after having the previously mentioned problem fixed, 1 week later I noticed the following: my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder seemed excessively bumpy and the steering seemed very stiff at times after hitting a pothole. I took it into my mechanic and was told that the frame has rusted through where the wheel well is attached to a strut mount. The strut is loose (causing the bumpy ride) and the strut is pressing against the steering system causing the steering to be stiff. I was told that if I continued to drive it and went over a bump, the strut could plunge through the hood. I feel that this is a safety issue that could cause a serious or fatal accident if I were to hit a pothole at on a highway at a high rate of speed. After investigating the incident further, I have come to find out that this is a structural defect issue with Pathfinders and the and the cause was that the frame rusted through.
After a routine tire rotation, the steering wheel would shake from side to side during speeds of 35-40 and again at 50-65. Steering rack replaced, rear diff replaced, tires replaced, tires balanced, drive shaft replaced. Now vehicle has a excessive vibration a speeds of 30-35, and again at 50-60. Causes numbness and tingling in hands and noted on feet. It is not just the wheel that vibrates excessively, it can be felt on the shifter and down by the driver and passenger foot well.