— Nissan is recalling over 300,000 cars and SUVs in two recalls, almost all related to plastic trim that can catch a driver's shoe.
Nissan Versa, Versa Note
Following an investigation into problems with plastic trim panel on the center console, Nissan is recalling nearly 299,000 model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedans and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note cars to modify the console trim panel.
The investigation was opened after a Nissan Versa owner reported their foot got caught by the console plastic trim to the extent the driver had to pull on their leg to get their foot off the gas pedal. In addition, another driver said their foot got trapped by the console plastic trim and blocked their foot from reaching the brake pedal. The delay caused a crash and minor injuries to the driver.
Once the investigation had been going a few months, Nissan told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a defect didn't exist in the cars. The automaker said it knew of no incidents related to the trim panel and no warranty claims had been received in the U.S.
Although the automaker denied there was a problem, a design improvement was initiated on the assembly lines. The improvement included a shorter console panel so the plastic edge is a greater distance from the driver's foot.
The recalled 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedans were manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and the 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles were built April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015.
The console plastic trim recall should begin in mid-October 2015. Nissan dealers will modify the trim to increase the distance to a driver's foot.
Owners of the 2012-2015 Nissan Versa and the 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note may contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.
Nissan Armada
About 1,500 model year 2015 Nissan Armada SUVs have seat belt problems that need repaired. Nissan says the SUVs might have been built with driver or front passenger seat belt assemblies that might not latch. In addition, the seat belts can fail to unlatch when the release button is pressed.
It's a no-win situation no matter how you see it. A seat belt that does not properly latch would be useless to an occupant and a seat belt that does not properly unlatch when the release button is pressed may prevent the occupant from quickly exiting the vehicle in a emergency.
The recalled 2015 Nissan Armada SUVs were manufactured April 30, 2015, to June 5, 2015.
The seat belt recall should begin in October 2015. Nissan dealers will inspect both front seat belt assemblies and replace them as needed.
Owners of the 2015 Nissan Armada who have questions should call Nissan at 800-647-7261.
- CarComplaints.com has complaints about the Nissan Armada, Nissan Versa and Nissan Versa Note.
