NISSAN Recall

Nissan Motor Co., Japan's third-biggest car maker, announced it will recall about 540,000 vehicles worldwide because of potential defects in brake pedal pins and fuel-gauge components.

The brake problem involves some 2008-10 models of the Titan pickup, Armada SUV and Infiniti QX56, and some 2008 and 2008 models of the Quest minivan. About 179,000 of the vehicles affected were sold in the US. The concern is that a pin in the bake pedal can dislodge and cause a loss of braking force. Nissan is aware of three instances where it took place, one in the US, and two in the Middle East.

A ten minute inspection at a dealer can determine if a vehicle has a problem pin. If it does, the fix takes about 30 minutes. Nissan claims it has already fixed the problem on cars in the assembly line.

The fuel gauge problem can lead to higher mileage vehicles running out of gas despite the fuel gauge indicating otherwise. It can affect some 2005-08 models of the Armada, Titan, and Infiniti QX56, and Frontiers, Xterras, and Pathfinders made between January and March 2006, and between October 2007 and January 2008. The vast majority of the vehicles being recalled were sold in the US.

Nissan recommends that owners of vehicles being recalled for a faulty fuel gauge fill their gas tank more often until the system can be repaired. Showing at least half a tank on the fuel gauge ensures that the vehicle does not run out of fuel.

Nissan is sending recall notices to owners of the affected vehicles, but recommends contacting a dealer or the company's hotline with any additional concerns. The hotline for Nissan is 800-647-7261, and for Infinity it is 800-662-6200.

The recall comes amid a slew of recalls, including the highly publicized Toyota recall for the unintended acceleration of some of its automobiles. Other automakers recently announcing recalls include Honda, Suzuki, and General Motors.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a recalled vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.