Potentially Faulty Sensors Prompt Nissan to Recall Some Sentras
A pair of potentially faulty sensors that could cause the engine to stop while the car is in motion has prompted Nissan Motor Co. to recall 103,000 of its model year 2000 and 2001 Sentra sedans in the U.S.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the voluntary action as part of its monthly list of automotive recalls, published to alert motorists who might have missed manufacturers’ notices.
Other recalls on the latest list, which covers recalls reported to or ordered by NHTSA in November, are four from Hyundai Motor Co., one from DaimlerChrysler’s Jeep brand, one from BMW and one from Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
Nissan said an additional 13,000 Sentras sold in Canada and an unspecified number of Nissan models using the same four-cylinder engine and sold in Europe and Asia also are being recalled for the same faulty sensors.
No accidents or injuries linked to sensor malfunction have been reported, the company said.
Nissan is sending letters to owners of the affected cars, asking them to visit their local dealers for free replacement of the engine camshaft and crankshaft timing sensors.
Hyundai, South Korea’s largest auto maker, recalled 86,000 Sonata sedans from the 1999 through 2001 model years for a faulty air bag warning light that could activate unnecessarily; 42,782 Tiburon sports coupes from 1997 through 2001 for potentially faulty seat belt retractors that could cause the belts to become tangled; and 26,608 Accent models from 2000 and 2001 to correct a problem that could cause excessively high engine idle speed in cold climates.
The company also has recalled 1,900 of its 2001 model XG300 sedans to correct improperly manufactured powertrain control modules. The XG300 is nearly complete, said spokesman Mike Anson.
DaimlerChrysler recalled 38,700 of its model year 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees to inspect for and correct potentially leaky fuel filler tube.
NHTSA said BMW is recalling 1,318 of its 2002 model 5-Series sedans manufactured with standard suspensions in September and October because of a problem with the tire mounting process that could cut the outer sidewall surface of some tires.
Dealers will inspect all five tires for a possible cut and replace them if needed. Owner notification began Dec. 10. BMW spokesman David Buchko said that the recall is voluntary and that there have been no reports of any tire failures, accidents or injuries.
Mitsubishi recalled 18,630 Mirage sedans and coupes from 1999 through 2001 for inspection and replacement of a crankshaft pulley bolt that could loosen, resulting in loss of power steering.
