Regional Auto Recalls
Can an auto recall be limited to certain regions of the country?
Sometimes, an auto recall problem—such as a defective door latch—becomes apparent quickly and only newer model vehicles are affected. Other times, like in the case of the massive Takata airbag recall previously reported on in this blog, the problem may not present itself for many years and may only involve older vehicles. These older model auto recall problems, like the recent Nissan Versa coil spring recall, may not present themselves until corrosion factors in.
Nissan defects attorneys have learned of a regional Versa hatchback recall—effectively an expansion of an earlier 2015 recall on 2007-2012 Versa sedans. In both cases, the coil springs were allegedly vulnerable to corrosion and then breaking due to reportedly receiving “less phosphorus coating than required” during manufacturing. The phosphorus coating apparently helps prevent corrosion from road salt.
Unlike the 2015 Versa recall which impacted 218,000 sedans spanning model years 2007 to 2012, the recent Versa hatchback recall only impacts about 1,100 model year 2012 hatchbacks.
In addition, the Versa hatchbacks affected were only those sold or registered in the following limited geographical areas which are apparently more prone to snow and rock salt exposure: District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Better quality springs with “improved phosphate coating” were installed in Versas manufactured after December 2012.
Owners complained the front coil springs broke and punctured their tires and/or brake lines, sometimes while the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed.
If your Nissan Versa is impacted by the regional hatchback recall, the front coil springs can be replaced without charge by an authorized Nissan dealer.
If you have a question about an auto recall matter on a Nissan or any other car, or if you think you may be driving a “lemon” because your relatively new car is constantly in the shop for the same problem, The Law Offices of Timothy Abeel & Associates can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.