Nissan recalls vehicles with defective seat belts

Franklin, Tenn. – June 29, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled a handful of vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat belt assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Infiniti QX30 crossover vehicles produced between Nov. 10, 2017, and Feb. 16, 2018. Nissan suspects all of the vehicles involved in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain right-hand lower seat belt anchorage components with faulty bolts. The defective fasteners were likely cross-threaded during installation, a condition that may allow lower seat belt anchorage systems to detach in the event of an accident. This defect, therefore, poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, who may be left unrestrained during collisions. It also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Nos. 208, 209 and 210. FMVSS 208 requires vehicle manufacturers to install proper occupant crash protections, while FMVSS 209 and 210 mandate technically sound seat belt assembly construction.

Despite the danger the defective seat assemblies pose, Nissan has yet to receive field reports connecting these components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In early 2018, engineers conducting post-manufacture vehicle inspections at the Nissan assembly facility in Sunderland, England discovered an Infiniti vehicle with loose right-hand side lower seat belt anchorage bolts. A quick investigation revealed that bolt installation specialists had accidentally cross-threaded these fasteners, making the connected anchorage systems prone to detachment. Following this finding, Nissan engineering teams implement production countermeasures to prevent recurrence. The Japanese automaker also launched a wider inquiry to determine the scope of the issue and assess FMVSS compliance.

On May 29, 2018, Nissan leadership reviewed the results of this investigation and determined that the defective seat belt parts violated FMVSS Nos. 208, 209 and 210. This prompted the company to launch a voluntary safety recall.

Nissan notified dealers of the issue June 9, 2018.

The Solution

Nissan has directed dealers to install retaining plates in affected vehicles to secure the defective seat belt anchorage components, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Dealers will perform these repairs free of charge. Nissan has yet to release a customer notification timetable. However, owners in need of assistance can speak with Nissan customer service personnel by calling (800) 662-6200. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesNissan recalls vehicles with defective seat belts