Gov't Investigating Steering In Nissan SUVs

WASHINGTON (AP) - The government has opened an investigation into Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 sport utility vehicles over reports of corrosion that can lead to the loss of steering.

The investigation covers about 400,000 vehicles, including Pathfinders from the 1996-2004 model years and QX4s from the 1997-2003 model years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its website Tuesday that it had received 35 reports of corrosion leading to a failure of the driver's side front strut tower, which affects the vehicle's alignment. A failure of the strut tower could affect the steering column and make it more difficult to control the vehicle.

The government received 5 reports of the steering shaft breaking, leading to a loss of steering.

There have been no reports of crashes or injuries.

Nissan said in a statement it was "committed to customer safety and the quick, effective resolution of safety issues and will work closely with NHTSA to investigate this issue."