Nissan Recalls 143,000 Frontier, Xterra Trucks

WASHINGTON November 27, 2002; Dan Hart writing for Bloomberg News reported that Nissan Motor Co. recalled at least 143,000 of its 2001 and 2002 Frontier pickup trucks and Xterra sport-utility vehicles, because of faulty wheel bearings, engine controllers and fuel valves on some models sold in the U.S.

Japan's third-largest automaker will begin notifying owners about the three recalls on Jan. 15, Nissan wrote to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in a letter provided by the agency to Bloomberg News. The agency disclosed the recalls today on its Web site.

Nissan is recalling 2002 model Frontiers and Xterras after determining that the engine control system choked off power under full acceleration in low temperatures, because a faulty program tripped an engine safety mechanism after too much air entered the engine. This recall covers about 5,000 vehicles, said Nissan, which has U.S. operations based in Gardena, California.

The company is recalling about 143,000 2001 Frontiers and Xterras with four-wheel drive because water can enter the rear axle through a poorly sealed anti-lock brake sensor, causing a wheel bearing to rust and potentially break.

In the third recall, Nissan is asking owners to bring in about 40,000 2001 Frontiers and Xterras built from October 2000 and January 2001 because a fuel-tank valve lets gasoline spill during filling in high temperatures or when winter-grade fuel is used. Nissan officials didn't immediately return voice mails seeking comment.