Nissan has announced a recall covering an unspecified number of vehicles over defective sensors that may fail to detect passengers, preventing proper airbag deployment in the event of an accident.
Nissan Motor America has announced a recall covering five models, including their most popular Altima and Sentra sedans, over faulty airbag sensors that may fail to detect passengers. Filed through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall will cover an unspecified number of vehicles built over a period of time also unspecified. Alongside the Altima and Sentra, the Leaf electric vehicle, and the Infiniti JX35 luxury sedan are also included; only models sold in the US appear to be affected, as Nissan has not made mention of any sold internationally.
Nissan was made aware of the potential problem after noticing a sharp increase in warranty claims filed by owners two months prior to the recall announcement. According to owner accounts, their airbag detection dashboard warning light were becoming illuminated, prompting trips to dealerships, where inspections revealed the faulty sensors in need of repair. Without proper function, these sensors failed to detect if and where a passenger was seated in a vehicle, which could prevent the deployment of air bags in the event of a crash. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have resulted from the issue, said Dan Passe, a spokesman for the major Japanese automaker.
To ensure that only needed airbags are deployed in an accident, these on board sensors detect where occupants are seated throughout the vehicle, preventing the need for airbag deployment in the front passenger seat if the seat were empty, as an example. Because air bags need to be replaced after being fired in a crash, limiting the number of airbags deployed helps to minimize costs for owners, and airbag replacements for dealerships. This conservation of airbags can backfire however, if they fail to deploy and provide impact absorption for those on board.
Notifications are set to be delivered to owners starting next month, at which time they will be prompted to take their vehicles to the nearest Nissan dealership where a technician will inspect the sensors and replace those found to be defective at no cost.
Nissan also announced a second recall on the 2013 Sentra sedan model, a total of 482 models sold in the US, Canada, and Mexico, built between September 11 and October 4 last year because of an improperly sealed fuel tank. This incomplete seal could lead to a small gas leak while tanks are being filed. From this gas leak, a risk of fires can develop, though Passe again assured that Nissan is unaware of any injuries or accidents that have taken place. Like the other recall, Nissan will offer a free fix of the fuel tank to all owners of affected vehicles.
For those set to receive notices for either of the two recalls, responding promptly is essential to continued road safety. Driving with a known defect will only introduce the threat of danger or an accident, even in otherwise normal driving conditions.
Truck Kills Man Kicking Ball from Seattle to Brazil 2014 World Cup
As the World Cup approaches, a man willing to walk to it was killed when a truck crashed into him. He was using the trip as a chance to capture an audience who would donate money to an organization that donates soccer balls to less fortunate students.
Federal Government Introduces Reduced Drunk Driving Limits
In an attempt to limit automobile accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol, the National Transportation Safety Board has introduced a new recommendation to lower the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent.
Flying Car Crashes near Canadian Airport
A flying automobile crashed near a school in Canada as it tried to land at a nearby airport. It happened after the pilot lost control of the aircraft that doubles as a road vehicle.
