Posted: Jun 27 2005 at 11:00pm | IP Logged

On March 13th 2005, my wife and I were at Cape Hatteras, NC on a short trip.  On that day I had a small issue with my 2004 Nissan Titan.  The front differential (axle) sheered in half at the point where the front drive train connects to the differential.  When I say sheered, I mean the entire differential split apart and separated.  I was moving from a dead stop after shifting from 4x4 high to 4x2 high when the axel cracked.  I was able to limp back to Wilmington, NC, via the North Carolina ferry system and have the vehicle repaired.  Nissan warranted the Titan after getting approval from higher via 1.800.NISSAN1.  The extent of the damage was so severe that had I not had a modified protection bar behind the skid plate under the front axle, the front drive shaft would have fallen to the ground while driving and possibly shot up through the driver or passenger seat!

Two weeks ago, on June 7th, 2005 I was driving in Wilmington and after making a right turn into traffic the rear differential cracked.  Although not as dramatic as the first time, the crack stopped me cold just shy of being hit by an oncoming vehicle.  The crack did not split the differential, but I was only able to get the Titan to the dealership in 4x4 by using the front wheel drive.  The real issue was that Nissan took TWO (2) weeks to fix the issue and return the vehicle to me.  The service staff at Wilmington Nissan was great.  Those guys did everything they could to help me.  My problem was with 1.800.NISSAN1.  I was promised several times to hear back from a regional representative and never heard anything.  The problem became so bad that when I finally had a conversation with a regional rep she became rather belligerent and even offended the other Nissan rep listening in on the call.  I thin action was taken against her shortly afterwards.  She was very, very rude and quit unprofessional.  According to her, when one calls 1.800.NISSSAN1 and is not happy with the service, then they just have to deal with it.  Speaking to a customer service supervisor is not allowed according to Nissan customer service regulations.  This was completely uncalled for after my truck had been sitting at the dealership for fourteen (14) days!  I even went so far as to contact Dana Corporation, the axle manufacturer, and inform them of the problems.  I was made aware that Dana is not allowed by Nissan to speak with customers about such problems.  I made a point to send Dana pictures of the axles and have the issue documented.

I hope that my Nissan Titan was the ONLY Titan to have these issues.  I hope that no one else has their axle crack in the mist of traffic and endanger their lives!  Neither Nissan nor Dana can say what has caused the problems.  This is all besides the fact that both mine and my wife's Nissan's [Armada] have been in the shop three or more times a piece for brake issues!!

Please send comments to AWDillon@charter.net or 910.233.2726.

Posted: Jun 28 2005 at 1:33pm | IP Logged

I think your problem is something skin deep to a bigger problem. If they replaced the part and it happened again 9 times out of 10 it’s another problem causing the issue. The dealer needs to dig deeper then just replacing the part. I’m not sure about your state but in Colorado they have 3 chances to fix the same problem or have the vehicle down for repairs more then 30days in the first year or 12000miles or the lemon law states you get a new vehicle or you money back.