Versa Brake Problems

On August 31, 2006, Nissan North America, Inc. and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled 13,184 model 2007 Versa vehicles due to break problems. Per the NHTSA, Nissan began notifying affected registered vehicle owners in November 2006.

Safety Defect

According to the NHTSA, certain Versa SUVs subject to the recall do not comply with federal motor vehicles safety standards. In these vehicles, the brake fluid reservoir cap is missing part of the required brake fluid warning. This manufacturing defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135 on "Passenger Car Brake Systems."

Potential Danger

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135 specifies requirements for vehicles equipped with hydraulic and electric service brakes and parking brake systems to ensure safe braking performance under normal conditions and emergency conditions. Not meeting these standards can mean putting the driver, passengers and others in danger should an accident or crash occur due to improperly functioning brakes.

Remedy

According to the NHTSA, Nissan began mailing new brake fluid reservoir caps along with installation instructions to registered vehicle owners on November 10, 2006. Alternatively, vehicle owners who do not wish to replace their own cap were instructed that they may bring their vehicles to the dealer for free replacement. Concerned Versa owners may contact the NHTSA or Nissan to inquire whether their vehicles may have been affected.