Recall Apocalypse: How Nissan Is Dealing With My Recall

"CodyVella" (codyvella) 11/26/2014 at 00:42 • Filed to: None

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About six months ago, I had decided I wanted something bigger than my '12 Civic Ex Coupe. I wanted a truck, ideally, but wasn't about to drop 30k+ on a new truck. So, I decided to take in an orphan 2000 R50 Nissan Pathfinder from a friend that needed some TLC. She was a good overall truck, that just needed someone mechanically inclined to give it a once over and do some maintenance you would expect in a 14 year old, 200,oookm truck (I call it a truck because I used it to do everything anyone would ask of a midsized pickup). In the end, I had a midsized SUV I was more than pleased with. I used it to haul/tow just as much as you would with a midsized pickup. I ventured deep into the bush with it, even gave the 'ol 4-LOW a workout every now and then.

Fast forward three months after I began driving the truck full time. A friend of mine with an '01 R50 tells me he has been issued a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! by Nissan. The recall basically states that the front strut housings have a design flaw. there is an access hole that can allow road salt, snow and water to gather, and essentially rot the housing from the inside out. Making it very difficult to tell if your strut housings have any rust damage without taking a hammer to them. So, I inquire at my local Nissan dealership about the issue. They tell me there is in fact a recall, and they can get me in within a few days. So, I inspect my own strut housings prior to taking the truck in. What I found was surprising. Someone had already cut apart the strut housing, and reinforced it to the likes of a Sherman Tank. I ask the previous owner, he says a local body shop did this BEFORE Nissan issued the recall. Key point here.

I drop the truck off at the dealer, the service rep tells me the repairs should be complete before the end of the day. They give me shuttle home, and tell me they'll pick me up when the truck is done. Less than an hour later, the same service rep phones me, telling me the truck is "Unrepairable". I would like to take this opportunity to point out the strut towers/housings had ZERO rust anywhere. Even when you beat the hell out of them with a hammer. She then explains over the phone they have arranged for a rental car, that Nissan will pay for. I however have to pay for the insurance, which is understandable as Nissan can't be held liable for my driving. She then asks that I come in and speak to the dealer manager.

About two hours later I arrive at the rental car location. Much to my disappointment, my rental is a Mazda2. Nissan is supposed to provide me with a vehicle of equal size and capability to the vehicle they wrote off. I take the Mazda anyways, because I'm already there, and head toward the Nissan dealer. I should point out this Mazda2 was literally brand new. It had 9km on it. Arrive at the Nissan dealership, and the nice lady explains no rental agencies in the town have vehicles available for 2+ weeks. I explain that I am going away to my cottage for the weekend, therefore need something comparable to a Pathfinder. She makes some phone calls and promises to have me in a Nissan Titan before Friday, I can keep the Mazda in the meantime.

Next I talk to the service manager. He explains that they'll have the truck appraised, and then Nissan Canada will come to me with a buyout offer. When I ask him how long it could take, he says he has no idea. When I ask him how much to expect, he says he has no idea. What a help he was.

Many people who have had their R50s bought out by Nissan said expect an offer of $3500, then reject it until they offer $4500+. All I'm really looking for is enough to get me another R50, Certified, E-tested and registered. I guess for now, I just wait until they contact me.

I do however, applaud Nissan for standing behind their product, and buying out a 14 year old SUV. However, from what I've gathered, Nissan doesn't want to be held liable for repairs made by a third party PRIOR to the recall being issued. Therefore has just figured it's easier to write the truck off than fix it.

Also, in case anyone is wondering. The Mazda2 is a piece of crap. I hate this car. Can't wait to pick up the Titan tomorrow.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > CodyVella 11/26/2014 at 01:30

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At least yours won't roll away on you...

CodyVella > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/26/2014 at 02:21

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No, instead Nissan took it away from me...

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > CodyVella 11/26/2014 at 02:29

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I feel like they shouldn't have the right to confiscate a vehicle like that though.

Ducky > CodyVella 11/26/2014 at 02:44

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Dont like the 2? I always hear such good things ablut it. Must be the context :)

thebigbossyboss > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/26/2014 at 06:50

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Agreed.