Nissan Recalls Vehicles For Possible Fuel Leaks

Nissan Motor Company is issuing an auto defect recall for about 470,000 SUVs and cars worldwide for possible fuel leaks.

According to a Reuters news report, Nissan is recalling the vehicles from model years 2012 through 2015 because fuel pressure sensors may not have been properly tightened during production.

This defect, reported in vehicles with direct injection engines, could lead to a fuel leak over time due to heat and vibration, increasing the risk of a fire, according to documents posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Nissan officials say there have been no reports of accidents or injuries relating to the issue so far.

In the United States, the affected vehicles include certain 2012-2014 Nissan Juke SUVs, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56 cars and QX56 SUVs, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 sedans and QX80 SUVs.

Of the affected vehicles, about 233,000 are in Japan, 143,000 in North America, 22,500 in Europe, and 71,500 in the Middle East, China and other markets.

When the recall begins, dealers will replace the fuel sensors at no cost to consumers.

The Danger of Fuel Leaks

When fuel leaks occur there is the risk of a car fire.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), approximately one in seven fires in the country is a vehicle fire. Nearly 86 percent of highway vehicle fires occurred in passenger vehicles.

Also, 61 percent of highway vehicle fires and 35 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires originated in the engine, running gear and wheel area of the vehicle.

The leading cause of highway vehicle fires was mechanical failure (44 percent).

What To Do If Your Vehicle is Recalled

When a manufacturer issues a recall, it sends a letter or email to vehicle owners alerting them about the recall and instructing them to take their vehicles to a dealership to have the replacement parts installed at no cost.

If parts are not available right away, the dealership is required to notify you when parts become available. Once an automaker alerts NHTSA, it has 60 days to notify owners.

You could also be proactive by calling your dealership to make an appointment to service or install replacement parts in your car. The question you need to ask is if you are putting yourself and your family at risk when you use the recalled vehicle.

If your vehicle has been recalled for a fuel leak or a fire risk, you may also want to park it outside and away from any structures until the fix has been made.

If the automaker tells you to stop driving the vehicle, tow the car to a dealership and ask for a loaner, although such situations may be rather rare.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective vehicle, please contact an experienced auto product liability lawyer who will ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected, and that the negligent automaker is held accountable.

The best auto defect law firms always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.