Nissan recalls nearly 250,000 Xterras, Pathfinders and Frontiers
Nissan is recalling 242,720 model years 2005-2009 Xterras, Pathfinders, and Frontiers for faulty Crash Zone Sensors (front) that may prevent front airbags from deploying in an accident. The recall is Nissan's second airbag sensor-related issue in the past three months. The last recall involved passenger cars including the Altima. This particular recall mainly effects vehicles sold in the northern half of the U.S. where heavy salt usage during winter months can corrode the crash sensor. The corrosion can then cause sensor interruption, which will cause the air bag warning light to illuminate.
To fix the problem, Nissan will replace the faulty sensors with an improved sensor. Owners of 2005-2009 Xterras, Pathfinders and Frontiers that live outside of the States where the recall is in effect will receive a 10-year extended warranty on the Crash Zone Sensors. Nissan hasn't yet set a timetable for the recall, but if your air bag warning illuminates, we'd suggest heading to your neighborhood Nissan dealer right away to get it fixed. Hit the jump to see if you live in one of the states affected by the recall. Thanks for the tip, Owen!
[Source: NHTSA]
PRESS RELEASE:
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence:
THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ebm14 9:24AM (1/07/2009)
Those cars would good for the first few years, now it is time to dump all 3 and bring the X-Trail here.
Nissan USA won't listen, stubborn fools.
Reply
dukeisduke 10:36AM (1/07/2009)
I agree; send us the X-Trail. And maybe the Ford EcoSport, too.
ebm14 12:16PM (1/07/2009)
I don't see the point of still selling the Pathfinder and Xterra. They are almost the same size and basically drink about the same amount of gas, almost clones in looks too. With the name like X-Trail curiosity will lead people into showrooms and like the idea that this has a nicer interior with cool features. Plus the engine drinks less gas as far as I believe. If Mexico public has access to this, why can't we?
MM 12:38PM (1/07/2009)
The xTrail is cool but according to the Nissan Dealer in the Bahamas, I can't have it in the US because it doesn't meet the US safety regs. The same reasons as to why we can't get the Ford EcoSport which is pretty cool or any of the other fuel frugal cool cars we see in Europe.
ebm14 2:57PM (1/07/2009)
All SUVs, especially from Nissan have airbags, ABS, ESC, etc. So, I am 100% sure it will pass. If the Smart can be exported with its tiny size, this can make it here.
I also have my eye set on this from Honda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VywP79bRSbg&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch?client=safari&rls=en&q=honda+crossroads&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1iurl=http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/VywP79bRSbg/hqdefault.jpg
My website is on there....
dukeisduke 10:35AM (1/07/2009)
Two sensor recalls in three months?!? They must be from the same supplier.
Reply
Ligor 11:21AM (1/07/2009)
they most likely are.
once they concluded tee Altima, etc investigation they went back to check where else they used that part and determined if it's a concern then recalled for the Extera, etc.
Scotty 12:20PM (1/07/2009)
What about Canada?
Reply
the friendly grizzly 3:52AM (1/08/2009)
"What about Canada?"
H'mm. Last I looked, it's still there as of this morning...
Ivan 10:05AM (1/12/2009)
Have you experienced the VDC and SLP lights coming on at random times except when you actually take it in to the dealer? My 2006 Nissan Frontier just went in for service to replace the U-joints 75k and have the check engine light checked. They ran a diagnostic test $95 and said some emissions kit costing with installation over $300 needed to be done. I deferred until after Xmas and behold the light went out on its own! I am wondering if the sensor lights might be an electrical issue?
Gary 11:25AM (1/07/2009)
Since Nissan is Japanese, they ride the coattails of success from Honda and Toyota's quality reputation, even though Nissan's quality rankings are so-so compared to other manufacturers.
Reply
kaslings 11:43AM (1/07/2009)
Eh, Toyota has been riding toyota's coattails of quality reputation, as well...
George 12:42PM (1/07/2009)
so true kaslings.
ebm14 12:26PM (1/07/2009)
The video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF9Sym6ugFc
Reply
MM 12:40PM (1/07/2009)
Nissan figures that hitting a Moose at 100KPH will kill you anyway, so why waste good airbag impact sensors. :)
Reply
Nick G 3:33PM (1/07/2009)
Looks like I'll be taking a trip to the dealer. Aside from the recall, my 07 Frontier has been great. Oh yea, the back seats constantly fall down when I'm driving and scare the beejesus out of me.
Reply
Conundrum 7:04PM (1/07/2009)
I wonder if my Titan will be next? I haven't been as lucky as Nick G. Back to the shop AGAIN!
Reply
Matt 8:25PM (1/07/2009)
I have a question for those who have a 07 Frontier. My Frontier is the bottom of the pile no thrills truck with a stick. My driver side seatbelt is in the habit of locking up every time i shift. Does this happen to any one. Supposedly the dealership replaced the belt but the new is just like the old. Thanks.
Matt
Reply