Nissan Recalls 140,000 Murano SUVs

Nissan North America said yesterday it will recall more than 140,000 Murano sport-utility vehicles amid concerns that a broken wire in the alternator could deplete power to the engine and lead to a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its Web site that a wire could break inside the alternator and prevent the battery from charging. The charger warning and brake warning lamps would come on and the battery would start to discharge. After a short time, the engine would go into a condition that limits the vehicle's speed and stop running, creating the potential for a crash.

The recall involves more than 125,000 vehicles from the 2003-2005 model years and more than 15,000 vehicles in Canada, Nissan spokesman Dean Case said. No injuries or crashes linked to the problem have been reported, he said.

The recall is expected to begin Aug. 3. Dealers will be instructed to inspect and replace the alternator with a new version that has been upgraded to prevent the problem. Owners can contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.

posted by Consumer Help Web Editorial Team at 2:53 PM |