Aside from the braking system, few components or systems are more critical to vehicle safety than the steering or suspension. Although the total number of vehicles involved in Nissan's latest recall is relatively small, the nature of the components makes it an important one. 2012 model-year Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra two-wheel-drive models may have been manufactured with front wheel hubs that did not meet hardness specifications, resulting in premature wear and cracking.
The Problem: 2012 Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra two-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012, are being recalled for faulty wheel hubs. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. The wheel hub was manufactured below hardness specification, and may wear prematurely and crack.
Consequence: Vehicles with faulty hubs could fail, potentially resulting in a crash. If the vehicle is driven in this condition, the wheel hub may break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The Fix: Owners will be notified by Nissan, and dealers will replace the left- and right-side front wheel hub assemblies at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or around October 8, 2012. Owners can contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261, or NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
Number of Units Affected: 2417 Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra 2WD models built from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012