Nissan Recalls Leaf Vehicles for Brake Problems
Nissan Recalls Leaf Vehicles for Brake Problems
Nissan is issuing a vehicle defect recall for more than 47,000 Leaf electric cars citing a possible brake malfunction. According to an Associated Press news report, the problem is centered on a relay inside the cars’ electronic brake booster. The automaker stated in documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that very cold temperatures can cause the relay to fail requiring more driver effort to operate the brakes.
This could increase the risk of a crash. So far, no accidents or injuries have been reported to Nissan. When the recall begins, the automaker will notify owners who need repairs and dealers will reprogram software that controls the recalled cars’ brake control free of charge. The recall includes 46,859 Leaf cars in the U.S. and 679 in Canada, from the 2013 through 2015 model years. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between November 19, 2012 and July 31.
Dangerous Faulty Brakes
As drivers, we all depend on the vehicle’s brakes to come to a stop or to slow down. We use our vehicle’s brakes to slow down quickly, come to a sudden stop while driving and to come to a complete stop, for example, when we stop at crosswalks to yield to pedestrians. Vehicle brakes need to work properly for the driver to retain overall control of the vehicle.
When the brakes fail to function properly or when the driver has to exert more effort to operate the brakes, there is a heightened risk of a car crash. Brake failure could also result in serious injuries to pedestrians or bicyclists who are more vulnerable to out-of-control vehicles on the roadway.
Auto Product Liability Issues
When faulty brakes cause accidents and injuries, victims can seek compensation for their losses by filing a product liability claim against the automaker or the manufacturer of the defective product. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
When a defective product causes your injuries, it is also a good idea to preserve the vehicle and/or the part so an expert can thoroughly examine it for evidence of defects, malfunctions and design flaws. Victims or their families would also be well advised to contact an experienced California auto defect lawyer who will hold the negligent manufacturer accountable. The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
