Owners of some Nissan trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV) are urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation for transmission problems. Reports filed with the NHTSA alleged that an internal crack on the oil cooler tube in some Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras, could force coolant into the transmission causing transmission failure. Last October, Nissan extended the warranty on radiators of 2005-2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders, and Exterras to eight years or 80, 000 miles, but under the extended warranty, Nissan did not have to cover vehicles bought used. Owners feel that Nissan extended the warranty on these vehicles, knowing they would surpass 80,000 miles before having problems with the transmission. They want Nissan to issue a recall to all owners and reimburse those who have already paid for transmission repairs.

Nissan will be recalling certain 2012 Altima sedans and 2012 NV cargo vans for a problem with the air bag control unit (ACU). The ACU was not assembled correctly and may not operate correctly. In the event of an accident, the airbags may fail to inflate, increasing the risk of injury of the occupants. In the recall, Nissan will replace the airbags, free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Nissan has announced a recall for some 2010-2011 Sentra sedans manufactured between May to July 2010. The problem is being blamed on a machining error that could allow for a gap to occur in the contact area of the positive terminal. This gap could result in a voltage drop that could make it difficult to start the engine and could damage the engine control module. Owners receiving the recall can take their vehicles to their local dealer to get the positive battery terminal cable end replaced. For more information contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Nissan is recalling certain 2011-2012 Altima sedan manufactured between April to June 2011 at the Canton, Mississippi plant. An incorrectly torqued transverse link bolt could become loose while driving resulting in the driver hearing a rattling or feeling a vibration while driving. If the bolt comes off completely, the driver could experience difficulty controlling the car. Nissan will replace the transverse link bolts and nuts making sure they are tightened to the proper torque. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

When the Nissan Leaf was first introduced to the U.S. market it was offered in only a few states: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. The 2012 model will be expanded to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C., but consumers wanting to buy Nissan’s all electric vehicle will have to pay almost $2,500 more to get it. Nissan says the price is due to more standardized equipment added to the car such as heated seats, heated steering wheel, battery warmer, and a fast charging set up, but rising prices for materials and the strength of the yen is also contributing to the rise in cost. Furthermore, consumers wanting to purchase the new 2012 Leaf will have to get on a waiting list, because almost every car has been pre-sold before it even reaches the dealership.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating brake problems with the 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, after receiving twenty complaints of loss of braking power. Altima drivers complained that the “brake warning” light would come on intermittently while driving, and after taking in the vehicle for service, were told that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed replacement. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 440,000 2007-2008 Altimas could be affected.

In 2008-2009, Nissan recalled over 160,000 2007-2008 Sentra vehicles for the same problems.

When the first mainstream electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, hit the market, they were advertised as being easy on the pocketbook and good for the environment. Because of their size and weight, may consumers had concerns that safety may have been compromised in order to meet the promised fuel efficiency. Recent crash tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown that this just isn’t true. In fact, both cars have received “Top Safety Ratings” receiving the highest possible ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. According to Joe Nolan, the IIHS chief administrative officer, Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to an electric vehicle should not think twice about buying a Leaf or Volt for highway driving. General Motors and Nissan have shown that safety doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fuel economy.

Complaints of starting issues for the Nissan Leaf has prompted an investigation into the electronics of this all electric car. The problem has been traced back to the Leaf’s air conditioning unit, but it is not known if it is a defective component or a problem with the programming of the system. Because the safety of the vehicle is not affected, the decision to issue a recall will not be made until the source of the problem has been identified.