Nissan Recall Issued Over Fuel Gauge and Brake Problems

Nissan has announced that it is recalling about 540,000 trucks, minivans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) due to a faulty brake pedal and inaccurate fuel gauges. 

The Nissan recall, issued last week, affects certain 2005-2010 Infiniti Qx56, Xterra, Pathfinder and Armada SUVs, Titan and Frontier pickup trucks and Quest minivans. The company reports that in some of the models, a manufacturing error can cause the brake pedal pin to disengage from the pedal. The company has received at least three reports of the pins becoming partially disengaged, resulting in a loss of braking ability. However, there have been no injuries reported in connection with the defective brakes.

Some of the vehicles are also being recalled because Nissan found that the fuel gauges were giving incorrect readings on vehicles with high mileage. The problem could lead to drivers being unaware that they are low on fuel, causing them to unexpectedly run out of gas.

The Nissan fuel gauge and brake recall affects 539,864 vehicles worldwide, with 418,865 of those vehicles in the U.S. The brake problems affect 2008-2010 Infiniti QX56 and Armada SUVs, the Titan pickup truck and the Quest minivan. All of the same vehicles except the Quest are affected by the fuel gauge problem. A recall is also being issued for 2005-2008 Pathfinder and Xterra SUVs, as well as the Frontier pickup, due to the fuel gauge problem.

The recall hits Nissan, the third largest Japanese auto maker, as Toyota, Japan’s largest car manufacturer, is still reeling from recalling about 9 million of its vehicles due to gas pedal and brake problems. The Toyota recalls included pulling 437,000 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS250h’s from the streets due to brake problems caused by the hybrid vehicles’ software.

Nissan has sent recall notices to registered vehicle owners. The company warns that the brake problem could result in a crash and injury. The company suggests that vehicles with the fuel gauge problem face no real danger, and recommended that drivers of those vehicles keep the gas tank at least half full at all times until they can take the cars in to be fixed.

The company estimates that dealers will be ready to start taking vehicles in to inspect and repair them by March 22.