Nissan, the renowned automobile manufacturer, has recently launched a recall affecting 758 units of its popular electric vehicle, the Leaf, in the United States. This action has been prompted by a potential problem that could lead to premature failure of the brake lines, posing safety risks for the owners. As a result, Nissan will be requesting affected customers to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships for free repairs.
The issue initially came to light on January 13, 2023, when a diligent Nissan technician identified damage in the right-hand brake tube assembly during the assembly process. This discovery prompted immediate action, with the technician promptly reporting the matter to management, thus initiating a comprehensive investigation.
Over the course of the following month, Nissan meticulously examined 975 brake assemblies sourced from their supplier, Sanoh America, Inc. Shockingly, it was revealed that 25 of these assemblies had incurred damage to the actuator bend specifically on the right-hand brake tubes. Furthermore, upon further scrutiny, Nissan also uncovered instances where completed vehicles within their possession exhibited similar brake tube damage, leading them to be placed under a quality hold.
In response to these findings, Sanoh America conducted an in-depth investigation to determine the root cause of the issue. Their investigation revealed that incorrect tooling had been employed during a brief period, leading to misalignment of the brake tubes during the pipe bending process. This erroneous clamping of the pipes resulted in scratching and deformation in some cases, ultimately leading to the observed damage.
Meanwhile, Nissan conducted its own investigation into the potential consequences of the brake tube damage. The most severe outcome discovered was the premature rusting of the affected brake tubes, which could eventually lead to the development of holes and subsequent brake fluid leakage.
Leaking brake fluid poses a significant safety concern as it compromises the braking performance, thereby increasing the risk of accidents. In the case of electric vehicles such as the Leaf, which also utilize regenerative braking, the diminished performance may not be immediately apparent, potentially masking the early symptoms of this defect. However, Nissan has taken precautionary measures to warn owners by incorporating a warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard, alerting them to the issue.
Fortunately, as of now, Nissan has not received any reports of warranty claims, accidents, or injuries resulting from this specific fault. The automaker is proactively addressing the matter through the recall of 758 model year 2023 Leafs in the United States, aiming to rectify the problem before any potential incidents occur.
Nissan intends to commence communication with affected owners on July 7, notifying them of the recall and requesting their cooperation in returning their vehicles to authorized dealerships. Expert technicians will then meticulously inspect the right-hand brake tube for any signs of damage and promptly replace it if necessary. By taking these proactive measures, Nissan aims to prioritize the safety and satisfaction of its customers.
