Franklin, Tenn. – Jan. 05, 2017 – Nissan has announced that it must recall several vehicle models due to labeling errors on crucial components that may result in improper configurations and malfunctions.
The Defect
The problem appears to stem from a supplier error. Calsonic Kansei, a Tier 2 supplier, incorrectly labeled boxes of occupant classification system electronic control units. As a result, these parts were incorrectly installed into car seats, which meant that they may not have received the correct software. The purpose of these sensors is to determine whether a seat is occupied so air bag deployment can be governed. Any error could inadvertently prevent air bag deployment in the event of an accident, which could lead to injury or death.
Specifically, the defect affected model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured between Jan. 3, 2013 and July 29, 2013, model year 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured between Oct. 14, 2014 and Aug. 12, 2016, and model year 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured between June 4, 2015 and Aug. 19, 2015.
Timeline of Events
- August 2016 – A Nissan dealer reported to the manufacturer that it had experienced an error while reprogramming the electronic control units.
- October 2016 – Further analysis revealed that the wrong components had been installed, due to the mislabeling.
- November 2016 – Nissan reviewed millions of production records to identify all vehicles that may have received a mislabeled component.
- December 2016 – Nissan announced a voluntary recall of the vehicles.
Resolution
Nissan will replace the affected components and reprogram them with the latest software. This will be done free of charge.
