Nissan Yanks Titan Trucks Over Alternator Harness Defect

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 15 – A wide-reaching recall is underway on 2017-2019 Nissan Titan pickup trucks, after the automaker discovered damaged alternator harnesses were installed in certain cars. The impairment is believed to have occurred during the manufacturing process, but it’s not clear how. As a result of this flaw, an electrical short may occur while the vehicle is on the road, which would could cause the engine to stall and potentially lead to an accident. The Nissan Titan alternator recall is also being ordered over the risk of an engine fire.

The Defect

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 91,319 Nissan Titan pickups are being pulled from the marketplace due to the potential for an electrical short to occur in the vehicle’s gasoline-powered engines (as opposed to diesel). The flaw affects the light duty truck’s alternator harness, which is a wiring cluster that attaches to the alternator itself. This portion of the engine is what charges the battery when the ignition is turned on and is what generates power for the electrical system.

As referenced in NHTSA’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report, at some point during assembly, the harness was damaged and the fraying may cause contact with the square edge of the truck’s metal frame bracket. In doing so, it could result in the harness having relocated from where it’s normally positioned. The harness that’s still in contact with the square edge may lead to a breach and damage the wires to such an extent as to cause an electrical short, which may prevent the battery from functioning.

Timeline of Events

Typically, NHTSA and the automaker in question provide a chronology that details what led to the recall and when the events occurred. Those specifics have not been made available as of yet but the company says it will provide the particulars pertaining to the Nissan Titan alternator recall “when it is available.”

For the most part, Nissan North America hasn’t had many recalls to speak of in 2019, but the automaker did provide an update on a voluntary recall that occurred around this time last year. In September 2018, roughly 1,600 Infiniti QX50s were recalled because of an air bag module defect that raised the risk of the passenger-side knee air bag detaching during deployment. Such a scenario could worsen the effects of an injury if the crash was impactful enough for the air bags to release from their holding units. Separately, Nissan also recalled an additional 200,000 EX35 sedans, which were originally pulled from the market in 2008, over a faulty passenger-side air bag sensor.

The Solution

On July 23, Nissan began notifying owners and dealers have also been made aware. Motorists who receive mailers should have their pickups examined by an authorized Nissan dealer so a repair can be performed if necessary. Only 1% of the 91,300-plus Titan are believed to contain the flaw, so an adjustment may not be needed. If it is, however, owners will not be charged for parts or labor.

For more information on the Nissan Titan alternator recall and other recalls that are in progress or soon will be, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesNissan Yanks Titan Trucks Over Alternator Harness Defect

Infiniti recall update: Some cars with defect not included

 

Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 15, 2019 – Infiniti’s recall of its EX35 sedan affected 200,000 vehicles that may have a faulty passenger-side air bag sensor.

According to a recent NBC report, this action did not target every car with the defect, despite its relatively large scale. Owners of vehicles from models outside the year range covered by the recall may find the same issue in their vehicles, but with those cars not covered by the complimentary replacement offer, the drivers have to pay out of pocket to safeguard their air bags.

Looking back at the initial National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall of Infiniti vehicles, reported back in 2008 by U.S. News & World Report, the cars that did receive official notices for faulty passenger-side air bag sensors were:

2007 – 2008

  • Infiniti G35
  • Infiniti G37
  • Infiniti EX35
  • Nissan Altima
  • Nissan 350Z
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Nissan Murano.

The vehicle still on the road that may contain the same part is a later model, the 2009 Infiniti G35. In total, more than 200,000 cars and sport utility vehicles were involved across the Infiniti and Nissan nameplates.

The Defect

The cars in question use an occupant classification system to determine whether to deploy an air bag on the passenger side in the case of a collision. The sensor involved in the recall is the part that tells a vehicle if there is someone in the right-side seat. When the component is defective, the air bag system may overlook the presence of a passenger, with the circuit becoming interrupted. In such a case, the airbag may fail to deploy and the occupants of the car would not be adequately protected.

U.S. News noted at the time of the initial recall that many automakers had problems with passenger-side sensors in 2008. BMW and Hyundai recalled an combined 600,000 for similar issues. The newspaper recommended that even cars that haven’t officially been recalled should likely receive inspections. This proved to be relevant, as a similar defect appeared more than 10 years later.

NBC explained the 2009 Infiniti found to have the defect was purchased new, and is now out of warranty. Several owners of vehicles made by Nissan and Infiniti have complained of similar defects to the NHTSA but been unable to receive free-of-charge service because their cars were produced after the 2007-2008 window included in the recall. A Center of Auto Safety representative replied that making complaints is important, as it helps set the recall process in motion.

Timeline of Events

All the cars involved in the recall come from the 2007 and 2008 model years, and they received an “urgent recall alert” in October 2008. The timeline becomes more complicated, however, when considering the possibility that the defect may occur on vehicles that haven’t yet received an official recall notice, more than 10 years after the fact. NBC published its report about this potential scenario in January 2019.

The Solution

Fixing the sensor problem involves using a detector to determine whether the part is defective, then replacing the entire seat cushion if there is a problem with the component. NBC reported that this process, when carried out on a car not covered by the recall, could cost over $4,000. Infiniti did offer to take on the majority of the cost in the case covered by the news organization, bringing the bill to $1,000. For recalled vehicles, the dealer does not charge to make the change.

Sean ReyesInfiniti recall update: Some cars with defect not included

Nissan and INFINITI Recall More Than 200,000 Sedans and SUVs Over Fire Hazard Concerns

Lilburn, Georgia – Sept. 20, 2018 – Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) and the company’s luxury brand, INFINITI, are recalling more than 200,000 sedans and SUVs. The recall is designed to allow the replacement of a faulty brake component that could cause a fire if brake fluid were to leak out onto a circuit board, according to Consumer Reports.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles, according to documentation provided by Nissan to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The Defect

According to safety recall campaign bulletins from Nissan and INFINITI, the Antilock Braking System (ABS) actuator pump seal may leak brake fluid onto the control electronic circuit board, which can cause an electrical short and potentially start a fire.

If a leak occurs, the ABS warning lamp will illuminate to warn the driver. If the vehicle continues to be operated with the ongoing leak, the brake fluid may seep down onto the actuator circuit, creating an electrical short which could lead to a fire breaking out.

This is not the first issue with Nissan and/or INFINITI sedans and/or SUVs. In 2016, an almost identical issue with a faulty brake fluid seal allowing brake fluid to drip onto the ABS circuit board caused Nissan to recall 134,000 2016-2017 Maxima sedans, 2015-2017 Murano SUVs, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid SUVs across the U.S. and Canada.

Additionally, in 2017 nearly 57,000 Murano crossovers from the 2013 and 2014 model years were recalled by Nissan for faulty power steering fluid hose clamps, which allowed the lines to separate, causing difficulty in steering. The leaked fluid also posed a fire hazard, as if it leaked onto hot surfaces it could start a vehicle fire.

Timeline of Events

The report about this recall was officially issued on September 7, 2018.

When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle outside and contacting INFINITI or Nissan Roadside Assistance to have the vehicle towed to an authorized INFINITI or Nissan service department as soon as possible.

The Solution

Owners of potentially affected vehicles will be notified beginning in October 2018 and asked to bring their vehicle to an authorized INFINITI or Nissan retailer to have their ABS actuator checked and the remedial work completed if required (incurring no cost for the vehicle owner for either parts or labor.)

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Vehicles identified under the previous recall in 2016 are still covered under this recall as well. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2018.

Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 18V601000. Vehicle owners can also enter their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sean ReyesNissan and INFINITI Recall More Than 200,000 Sedans and SUVs Over Fire Hazard Concerns

Large Nissan Recall in U.S. and Canada Over Ignition Switch

 

U.S. – Aug. 31, 2018 – In a recent announcement affected the U.S. and Canada, the Nissan Motor Co. is recalling 166,000 vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. There is a potential issue with the ignition switch, which may be connected to the deployment of airbags or the engine cutting off unexpectedly. Nissan has also been a part of the massive Takata airbag recall this year.

The Defect

The ignition switch where the key is inserted into certain Nissan vehicles is potentially wearing down prematurely. The risk is cars shutting off while the vehicle is in motion if the ignition switch wears down over time. This could offer a risk of an accident, loss of vehicle control or a crash.

Certain Juke SUVs, Frontier pickup trucks, Sentras, Versas, NV and NV200 van models from 2017 and 2018 are part of this particular recall. Nissan vehicles that have keyless ignition are not a part of this specific recall. About 13,000 of these vehicles are in the U.S, while the remaining 153,000 are in Canada. For now, Nissan recommends that all owners and drivers remove additional objects from their key ring that could cause issues, such as key chains and additional keys.

Nissan is also involved in the massive Takata airbag recall this year too, according to Fortune. Airbags are susceptible to explode if exposed to high heat or humidity. Tens of millions of cars are affected by this recall, including Nissan. The Takata recall is the biggest recall in U.S. history, and linked to at least 180 injuries and 20 deaths. 19 different automakers have been affected by the recall, with companies such as Ford, Toyota and Nissan having to pay out large settlements for consumer loss claims.

On the Nissan website, it’s reported that only 39 percent of the recall has been completed to date, meaning there are many more vehicles still on the road with this airbag risk. The automaker is offering incentives such as free repairs and free alternative transportation to those waiting on fixes. They advise to take the airbag recall seriously, as the defect can seriously injure those inside the car, or even be fatal in certain situations.

Timeline of Events

In late August, spokespeople from Nissan confirmed that they would perform the recall on certain vehicle models. There will be official announcements about the plan and execution in the coming days in the U.S., following the announcement by Transport Canada already this week.

Next month, Nissan will officially begin contacting those who may be affected by their recall, including drivers, owners and dealerships. Most likely, Nissan will offer complimentary inspections and repairs to the ignition switches of any of their cars and SUVs that are a part of this specific recall.

The Solution

If drivers, owners and dealerships are concerned about the recent Nissan recall, they can find more information from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) via their website, or call their hotline at 1-800-424-9153. However, the recall has not yet been officially announced on the NHTSA website. To contact Nissan directly in the U.S., those looking for more information can call 1-800-647-7261.

Sean ReyesLarge Nissan Recall in U.S. and Canada Over Ignition Switch

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Franklin, Tenn. – July 20, 2018 – Nissan North America (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled more than 104,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes 2010-2011 Nissan Versa sedans and 2010-2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks

Recall summary

Affected vehicles contain air bag assemblies with Takata non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate inflators prone to propellant degradation. When exposed to high-humidity or -temperature environments, the propellant granules in these parts may deteriorate, prompting the inflator to explode and break apart during air bag deployment. In such an event, shrapnel may fly through the cabin at high speeds. This defect therefore poses a serious safety hazard to occupants.

The defective components involved in this action are part of a larger, multi-year campaign involving approximately 37 million vehicles across more than a dozen brands, according to the NHTSA. These Takata air bag assemblies have claimed the lives of 15 individuals in the U.S. and injured hundreds more, according to Consumer Reports.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the defective air bag assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Nissan notified owners via first-class mail July 9, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 104,000 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 68,860 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesNissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Nissan recalls vehicles with missing labels

Franklin, Tenn. – April 30, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled almost 500 vehicles potentially equipped with incorrect load carrying capacity weight modification labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:
  • 2016-2018 Nissan Titan pickup trucks produced between April 14, 2016, and Feb. 27, 2018.
  • 2016 Nissan Titan XD diesel pickup trucks produced between Nov. 18, 2015, and Sept. 17, 2016.
  • 2018 Nissan Titan XD diesel pickup trucks produced between Dec. 7, 2017, and Feb. 13, 2018.
The Japanese automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall were assembled without the required labels.
The Defect
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 requires car companies to affix amended load carrying capacity weight modification labels to vehicles that receive presale modifications that exceed “the lesser of 1.5 percent of the gross vehicle weight rating or 100 pounds,” according to the Government Publishing Office. The models involved in the recall were sold without requisite labeling, putting them in violation of FMVSS 110. The vehicles also pose a safety hazard to occupants, increasing the likelihood of overloading that can, in turn, affect maneuverability. However, Nissan has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
Engineers at the Nissan Vehicle Preparation Center discovered a Nissan Titan pickup truck that included post-production accessories, but whose load carrying capacity weight label had not been updated. This discovery prompted the automaker to launch an internal investigation, which uncovered multiple Nissan Titan pickup trucks that had received modifications that surpassed the 100-pound threshold outline in FMVSS 110 but did not include updated labeling. Nissan determined that, because the vehicles had been modified by dealers, an official voluntary safety recall was necessary. Quality assurance and safety stakeholders initiated the action April 16, 2018, and contacted dealers the following day.
The Solution
Nissan will distribute new carrying capacity weight modification labels to owners, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to contact these parties via first-class mail June 16, 2018. Those in need of additional assistance can contact Nissan customer service at (800) 867-7669. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesNissan recalls vehicles with missing labels

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Feb. 14, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS hatchbacks produced between July 6, 2015, and Jan. 30, 2017. The Japanese automaker suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the safety action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain “out-of-specification” master brake cylinders that may inhibit brake performance. Specifically, the problematic fixtures feature master cylinder housings that could potentially come unsealed as a result of increased negative brake booster pressure and drier internal conditions, which, together, lead to resistance between the cup seal and the master cylinder piston.

If unsealed, the master brake cylinder may leak fluid into the brake booster and extend stopping distances. However, the braking systems in affected vehicles should continue to function overall, as these assemblies feature two separate circuits so that when one fails, the other can power the brakes. That said, the defect still increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a safety risk to occupants. Nissan has yet to receive reports linking the defective parts to any accidents or injuries, though.

Owners operating vehicles with the problematic master brake cylinders have reported seeing the brake system indicator light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, Nissan received a report from an overseas detailing an instance of master brake cylinder trouble. The car company immediately launched an investigation, reaching out to Tokico Automotive, its brake assembly supplier, to gain more insight into the potentially problematic component and determine the likelihood of the part affecting Juke models sold in the U.S. Nissan was able to confirm that vehicles sold in the U.S. market did indeed come equipped with the part. However, no American dealers had submitted reports outlining instances of master brake cylinder failure.

One month later, Nissan conducted a test to determine whether the defective master brake cylinder inhibited brake functionality to such an extent that the vehicles on which it was installed fell out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135, which stipulates that vehicles must stop within 551 feet after accelerating to 62 miles per hour, according to the Government Publishing Office. Analysis showed that the affected vehicles did not violate FMVSS 135.

Nissan and Tokico then collaborated to identify the range of vehicles that could contain the defective parts, eventually landing on the models included in this recall.

The automaker launched a voluntary safety recall Jan. 29 and informed dealers Feb. 1.

The Solution

Nissan has directed dealers to replace the master brake cylinders in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The organization intends to notify owners March 19. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Nissan customer service at (800) 646-7261. Concerned owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydNissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Feb. 14, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS hatchbacks produced between July 6, 2015, and Jan. 30, 2017. The Japanese automaker suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the safety action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain “out-of-specification” master brake cylinders that may inhibit brake performance. Specifically, the problematic fixtures feature master cylinder housings that could potentially come unsealed as a result of increased negative brake booster pressure and drier internal conditions, which, together, lead to resistance between the cup seal and the master cylinder piston.

If unsealed, the master brake cylinder may leak fluid into the brake booster and extend stopping distances. However, the braking systems in affected vehicles should continue to function overall, as these assemblies feature two separate circuits so that when one fails, the other can power the brakes. That said, the defect still increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a safety risk to occupants. Nissan has yet to receive reports linking the defective parts to any accidents or injuries, though.

Owners operating vehicles with the problematic master brake cylinders have reported seeing the brake system indicator light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, Nissan received a report from an overseas detailing an instance of master brake cylinder trouble. The car company immediately launched an investigation, reaching out to Tokico Automotive, its brake assembly supplier, to gain more insight into the potentially problematic component and determine the likelihood of the part affecting Juke models sold in the U.S. Nissan was able to confirm that vehicles sold in the U.S. market did indeed come equipped with the part. However, no American dealers had submitted reports outlining instances of master brake cylinder failure.

One month later, Nissan conducted a test to determine whether the defective master brake cylinder inhibited brake functionality to such an extent that the vehicles on which it was installed fell out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135, which stipulates that vehicles must stop within 551 feet after accelerating to 62 miles per hour, according to the Government Publishing Office. Analysis showed that the affected vehicles did not violate FMVSS 135.

Nissan and Tokico then collaborated to identify the range of vehicles that could contain the defective parts, eventually landing on the models included in this recall.

The automaker launched a voluntary safety recall Jan. 29 and informed dealers Feb. 1.

The Solution

Nissan has directed dealers to replace the master brake cylinders in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The organization intends to notify owners March 19. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Nissan customer service at (800) 646-7261. Concerned owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesNissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags [Video]

Hello and welcome to another Recall Masters video blog.

Nissan North America has recalled one hundred and eleven two thousand-eighteen Nissan Versa Note hatchbacks believed to be equipped with defective side curtain air bag inflators. The automaker suspects just one percent of the models named in the action actually contain the defective safety features.

The affected vehicles contain side curtain air bag assemblies with top hat diffusers that could detach during deployment, putting occupants at risk for injury.

Nissan notified dealers December 22, 2017 and plans to reach out to owners February 8, 2018. The automotive company plans to replace the defective features free of charge.

Thanks for watching and make sure to check back in for more recall updates.

adminNissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags [Video]