Nissan Versa Reliability Problems

1. Certain Nissan vehicles are shutting themselves off while driving

   thanks to busted ball springs in the ignition switch, with a hearty assist from heavy keychains.

   In August 2017, the ignition switch supplier (Alpha Technology Corp.) told Nissan a problem occurred during manufacturing of the ignition switch ball springs. New tests were created for the ignition switches and how they would function on rough roads during vibrations of the vehicles.

   Tests concluded that those ball springs are giving out way too early. And without springs to support the weight of heavy key chains bouncing around on bumpy roads, the ignition is slipping itself from the “on” to “accessory” position.

   To make sure drivers don’t suddenly find themselves cruising down the highway with their radios on and their engines off, Nissan is recalling over 150,000 vehicles.

   If this all sounds familiar you might be thinking of Chevrolet’s long nightmare with faulty ignition switches. In fact, maybe now is a good time to mention the Chevrolet City Express has found its way into an otherwise all Nissan lineup of recalled vehicles. Seems like more than a coincidence.

   The one key difference is that Nissan’s airbag systems have an electrical capacity reserve, which means they should still stay on even with the ignition in the “accessory” position. Chevy owners weren’t so lucky.

   keep reading article "Nissan Recalls Ignition Switches That Are Inadvertently Turning the Engine Off"

2. Anyone else remember what the world felt like before all these Takata recalls?

   I’m starting to forget considering the first one came all the way back in May of 2013. I’m pretty sure the air smelled sweeter, the birds all sang in harmony, and I didn’t cry overtime I heard a word ending in “ata.”

   Anyway, I guess these batch recalls are our new reality. Nissan announced they’re pulling back 53,000 Versa sedans and hatchbacks to replace the passenger-side airbag inflators.

   Takata has been in the news a lot lately, and none of it has been good – more confirmed casualties and stop-driving orders have prompted questions from our much-maligned Senators. Ooo, I have a question – what the heck took them so long?

   keep reading article "Versa Recalled For Another Round of Takata Fixes"

3. Heads up, Nissan owners! The sunroof in your vehicle might soon be coming down in a thousand little pieces.

   A lawsuit alleges that all of Nissan's factory-installed sunroofs (panoramic or otherwise) can explode without warning. This includes any vehicle since 2008.

   "Plaintiff Janelle Horne says she was riding with her husband and four kids in a leased Infiniti QX80 when the sunroof exploded like a shotgun, causing Mr. Horne to pull off the highway and see shards of glass everywhere.

   Yikes, that'll get your attention. Hopefully this lawsuit means Nissan will start paying attention too.

   The lawsuit only includes residents of California at this time, but similar lawsuits may be filed nationwide based on its results.

   keep reading article "Heads Up, Nissan Owners! That Sunroof Isn’t As Safe As You'd Hope"

5. Ugh, Takata – amirite?

   The automakers are sick of it. I'm sick of it. I sure as heck know you're sick of it too. But here we are – staring down another recall of 152,000 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

   By now I'm guessing you've heard about the dangers of Takata airbags, but here's a quick recap:

   1. Over time Takata airbag inflators are susceptible to moisture.
   2. When that moisture mixes with the airbag's propellant, the inflators become unstable and can explode sending shrapnel throughout the cabin.
   3. The problem is responsible for 11 deaths in the USA alone.

   Mazda has now recalled more than 1 million vehicles for this problem. Find out if yours is on the most recent list.

   keep reading article "Nissan Recalls Even More Takata Airbags"

6. Well, that didn't take long.

   The 2017 Nissan Versa has been recalled because of problems with the side-curtain airbags-and-seat-belts. Airbag supplier Autoliv was conducting routine testing in August when a side curtain airbag tore during deployment. After contacting Nissan about the malfunction, engineers determined the reinforcement stitching on the airbags may not properly secure two fabric sections of the curtain airbags.

   keep reading article "New Versas with Defective Side Curtain Airbags"

7. When airbag supplier, Autoliv, was conducting some routine side curtain airbag testing they noticed something alarming

   --- the reinforcement stitching in the airbags sent to Nissan wasn't securing the airbag properly. The improper stitching is enough to cause the airbag to tear at the sewn seam when the airbag deploys.

   Nissan checked federal regulations to see if the problem was bad enough to order a recall, and although changes were made during assembly, the automaker said a recall was necessary. The recall affects any 2017 Nissan Versa built between 08/01/2016 and 08/16/2016.

   Interestingly, the 2012 Versa is under investigation for side curtain airbags that deploy when it's not wanted. Apparently Nissan and Autoliv haven't heard of the Goldilocks Principle.

   keep reading article "2017 Versa Recalled for Defective Side Curtain Airbags"

8. 2012 Versa owners say the side airbags can deploy simply from shutting the door.

   Does that mean all Versa owners have superhero strength? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intends to find out.

   "Safety regulators say early warning data submitted by Nissan shows the same airbag problems as Versa owners have complained about, so NHTSA needs to find out what is causing the faulty airbag deployments."

   I wouldn't grab a cape just yet as it's likely an electrical issue. The investigation is ongoing.

   keep reading article "2012 Versa Airbags Deploy When Door it Shut"

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