An unknown number of Nissan Versa models are potentially affected.
Nissan North America is recalling more than 36,000 2012 model year Versa cars because the Mexican supplied shifter can be moved out of park without the driver depressing the brake pedal.
Mechanical interference between the shifter actuation rod and the shifter handle can cause the safety defect, which could lead to ‘untended acceleration’ and injuries to people both inside and outside the subcompact Versa. Mexican supplied parts from GHSP Mexico are responsible for the defect.
Dealers will inspect and replace the Versa shifter knob or the entire shifter assembly, free of charge as is required by regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The safety recall is expected to begin on 20 February 2012. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. Owners can also contact NHTSA’S Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
