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Nissan Pathfinder

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Kim of Rockville, MD February 13, 2008

Kim of Rockville MD (02/13/08)
I have a 2007 Xterra that had 6900 miles on it when the Service Engine Soon light went on one day. I took the truck to my mechanic, Pat Settersten, owner of Cartenders to check it out. While he was at it, I asked him to change the oil and rotate the tires. Pat told me later the engine light is not a reminder type thing, like I thought it might be, but something needing servicing which is probably covered by warranty, so it should go to a dealer. He and his mechanic, Paul Gerard recommended Fred Weinberg, Assistant Service Manager at VOB Nissan. I made an appointment with Fred that evening and left the truck on the night of Jan 28. While talking with Fred, he asked me right away when the last time I had the oil changed, and I told him I just had it done. He said, before the truck had even been examined, that it is probably the oil filter because aftermarket oil filters leak and do not hold pressure, and that I shoulc now know where I can take my truck for a proper oil change. I told Fred the engine light came on before the oil change, and the truck had a Nissan filter in it at that point. He called me the next day to tell me the light was indeed on due to the problem with the filter and that the oil level was half a quart low. I asked him if that small amount would make the engine light come on and he said yes. I told him again, the light was on before the oil change. Then he said, well we don't know what's wrong with it then. (The truck also pulled to the right and VOB did fix that by aligning the front end.) Three days later the service engine light came on again and I took it to VOB Nissan to get it fixed. Fred called me in the morning to say the problem is the oil filter leaking. I reminded him for the 3rd time that the engine light was originally on before I had the oil change at Cartenders. Fred stated he saw oil seepage himself and that it would be 25 for parts and labor for an oil change. I told him OK to change the oil and filter but I would be very angry if the engine light came on again. By this time I was pretty suspicious of Fred with his hard sell oil change routine, so I called Pat at Cartenders to explain the situation. Pat and Paul went over to VOB Nissan in person to speak with the mechanic. They called me back and told me they got the situation straightened out and the truck did not in fact need an oil change but had a bad intake sensor which VOB was replacing. The truck was supposed to be ready by 4 but when I arrived at 4:30 it was not. No phone call from Fred to notify me of this. When I asked him why the truck wasn't ready he said they were having a problem. I asked him what problem. He was evasive and said we're having a problem with the problem we're having. I asked him to be more specific and he said they replaced the intake sensor but the engine light is still coming on. The Service Manager, Bert Bennett was not in the office that day, so I called him the next morning on 02/06. I told him what had been happening with Fred and he said he would investigate. He called back later to say not only was the intake sensor bad, but the camshaft sprocket assembly was also bad and needed replacing. He admitted the truck did not need an oil change or a new oil filter. Bert arranged for me to get a loaner car and when I went to pick it up, I expressed my displeasure at Fred's attempts to get me to purchase an oil change and become a regular oil change customer and considered it akin to fraud. Bert stated that fraud would be if they received money from me for an unneeded service and asked if that happened. I told him no, because I caught them in the act, thanks to my 2 mechanics who investigated the situation. Bert further excused Fred's behavior by stating there was miscommunication between Fred and the mechanic. I told him that is not possible since there was never a need for an oil change or new filter. It was just a fraudulent attempt to get me to pay for a bogus service.

William of Lathrop, CA February 6, 2008

William of Lathrop CA (02/06/08)
Bought 2002 Nissan Xterra 4x4, while test driving, found the ABS light had come on. Brought it back after 2 days and they had the Service Dept look it up. Found a 700 dollar sensor needed replacing. They said they were not responsible for the replacement.

Julie of Commerce City, CO January 30, 2008

Julie of Commerce City CO (01/30/08)
I purchased a new 2006 Xterra about 1 1/2 years ago. I first noticed a rust spot under my back window. When I inquired, I was told it was a rock chip (although in a unlikely place). I have used touch-up paint 3x and the spot just grows larger and larger. When opening the back hatch, there are rusted tags where water pools. Since that time, I have noticed rust colored specks all over my vehicle, particularly on the back where water and snow would splash onto. I have taken it to a detail shop - they weren't able to buff or polish it off. Although, they were able to get the specks off with detail clay. But... then the specks came back. The car dealer and their body shop person says it is fall-out which does not make sense. I work with several other folks who have white cars (as is mine), and they don't have these fall-out spots on theirs.

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Camilla of Norfolk, VA January 29, 2008

Camilla of Norfolk VA (01/29/08)
2004 Nissan Pathfinder with 23,960 miles had reoccurring squeaking belts were replaced under warranty one time. I was charged for adjustment one time (later told belts self adjusting not sure why I was charged then) then good will . Saturday 1/26/08 driving heard noise. Sounded like a belt snapped and then started making a knocking noise. Drove vehicle to dealership as they are open until 1 pm on Saturday. Was told maybe Monday before it is looked at. Called 1/28/08 spoke to service adviser Elaina Arnold. She informed me she had good news and bad news.

Good news I would not have to pay it would be covered bad news I needed a new engine. Totally shocked cause I purchased this vehicle new 10/9/04 and had scheduled maintenance performed. She said they had never seen this happen with a Pathfinder. Altima's yes pathfinder no. Power valve screw fell into the engine. She said it would be covered under powertrian warranty. Was told I would get a rental car and she would call me back. Well after thinking would I have a new engine rebuilt on what cause I have very low miles on the present one. I called her back after the Rental Car Agent called and confirmed when I would be picking up rental car.

She then informed me that Brandy with Nissan had called them back and said it would not be covered under warranty and I would be responsible. Ms. Arnold gave me ref # N0128081605103 I called Nissan and spoke with Jennifer Erwin who could not locate the ref # but opened a new one for me file 6022443 said someone would get back with me no later than closing of the next business day. Wasn't satisifed with that response.

Meanwhile I call back Green Gifford speak to Ms. Arnold told I call Nissan and they didn't have ref # and thought I had written down wrong. Repeated and she said it was correct. She informed that I would still get a rental car. Asked to speak to the Service Manager Mr Powell since he also had been talking to Nissan. He then informed me the rental car would not be covered since the repair is not under warranty. I said well you have lied to me 2 today. First I am covered under warranty then I am not. I have a rental car and now I have to pay out of my pocket.

His smart remark was you were not lied to you were misinformed. Then he preceedes to say if you had bought an extended warranty it would be covered. Well I have purchased 5 Nissans from that dealership over the years and have not had any major problems. I had a few choice words for him with his smart attitude. Not what someone want to hear. Meanwhile I have searched the net to find any similar problems and they are out there. Nissan is aware of the problem but they do not own up to it. Hope you can help

Kristy of Moreno Valley, CA January 16, 2008

Kristy of Moreno Valley CA (01/16/08)
I bought my 2005 Nissan Xterra from this dealership. In the first few months I heard noises from the engine. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the fastener on the serpentine belt. I have this truck for the same problem and repaired at least five times in 2 and a half years. I have forty thousand miles on it and an extended warranty. I either want the vehicle fixed; or replaced. If I have to contact a lawyer I will. The car is at the dealership today; they said, the're waiting to hear the noise again. I want a dependable car; this is not what I paid for. The dealership says; this is one of the defects of the Nissan Xterra. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE

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