Infiniti recalls Q50 and Q70 Hybrid models

Tue, 04 Nov 2014

Infiniti is issuing three separate recalls for its Q50 Hybrid and Q70 Hybrid and M35 Hybrid covering roughly 13,794 vehicles in North America.

The larger campaign listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration covers 5,831 examples of its 2014 Q50 Hybrid (shown above) and 2014 Q70 Hybrid in North America, with 5,412 of those in the US and its territories. According to NHTSA, "due to a software error, the electric motor may stop working while the vehicle is being driven using the electric motor only," creating a "stall-like condition." To fix the fault, the company is reprogramming the motor inverter software, and owners should be contacted in mid-November.

The second recall covers just 890 2014 Q50 Hybrid and 2014 Q70 Hybrid models in North America, with 817 of those residing in the US. It's possible that their transmission housings were damaged during manufacturing, and on affected models, the housing could have a crack that might fracture while driving. Dealers will inspect the transmission and faulty examples will be replaced.

Finally, while not currently listed by NHTSA's database, Infiniti's documents for dealers also mention a third campaign to reprogram the throttle position sensor on the 2011-2013 M35 Hybrid (inset), 2014 Q50 Hybrid and 2014-2015 Q70 Hybrid. This recall affects 7,073 vehicles in North America, with 6,562 of those in the US. A programming error can cause the "electronic throttle chamber" to open without the driver changing the throttle position, which could cause gradual unintended acceleration. However, the automaker says that this condition can be overcome by braking. The fix is software update.

Scroll down to read NHTSA's announcements for the electric motor and transmission recalls, and Infiniti's official statement. Information about the throttle position sensor campaign can be found in this PDF document.

RECALL Subject : Transmission Housing may Fracture

Report Receipt Date: SEP 22, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V582000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 817
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)
INFINITI Q50 HYBRID 2014
INFINITI Q70 HYBRID 2014

Details
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 hybrid vehicles manufactured October 16, 2013, to January 27, 2014, and Infiniti Q70 hybrid vehicles manufactured November 7, 2013, to December 10, 2013. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with transmissions whose housings were damaged during their manufacturing.

CONSEQUENCE:
The damaged housings could crack and fracture, creating road debris and disabling the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission assembly and replace it if cracks are found, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1- 800-647-7261.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

RECALL Subject : Electric Drive Motor may Stop Working

Report Receipt Date: SEP 22, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V581000
Component(s): HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,412
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)
INFINITI Q50 HYBRID 2014
INFINITI Q70 HYBRID 2014

Details
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Infiniti Q50 hybrid vehicles manufactured December 10, 2012, to June 25, 2014, and Infiniti Q70 hybrid vehicles manufactured November 7, 2013, to May 7, 2014. Due to a software error, the electric motor may stop working while the vehicle is being driven using the electric motor only.

CONSEQUENCE:
The stall-like condition that occurs when the electric motor stops working may increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the motor inverter software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-November 2014. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Infiniti Statement

Infiniti is conducting a Safety Recall campaign to proactively address several potential drivability issues affecting certain specific Infiniti Q50 Hybrid, Infiniti M and Infiniti Q70 Hybrid vehicles. These actions are being undertaken proactively and there have been no reported incidents related to these issues in the U.S.

Infiniti plans to notify potentially affected clients, asking them to bring their vehicles to an authorized retailer to perform the remedy. In the meantime, the safety and satisfaction of our customers is a high priority, and we regret any inconvenience this service campaign brings to our owners.

By Chris Bruce