NHTSA investigating 200,000 Sentra, Versa models over brakes

Tue, 27 May 2014

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a second investigation into Nissan in May. The first covered inaccurate fuel gauges in the 2007 Quest minivan. The latest affects the Sentra and Versa from the 2013 and 2014 model years and the 2014 Versa Note, because of complaints of long brake pedal travel. If NHTSA finds a problem, it could affect an estimated 200,000 vehicles.

At the moment, this is still only a preliminary evaluation "to asses the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect," according to the report, but it could lead to the full recall. NHTSA is still trying to find whether or not there are accidents, injuries or fatalities related to the problem. At this time, much of the data in the document is still marked Confidential or TBD. Nissan told Reuters in a statement that the company is working with the agency on the investigation and supplying the regulator with further information.

According to NHTSA, its Office of Defects Investigation has received eight complaints about long pedal travel in these models. They allege that the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor when pressed in some cases and doesn't sufficiently slow the vehicle. Autoblog has contacted Nissan for its reaction to the investigation. We will update this story when we receive a reply. Until then, scroll down to read the current investigation report.

ODI RESUME

Investigation: PE 14-014
Date Opened: 05/20/2014
Investigator: Kerrin Bressant
Reviewer: Jeff Quandt
Approver: Greg Magno
Subject: Excessive brake pedal travel

MANUFACTURER & PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Products: 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra and Versa
Population: 200,000 (Estimated)
Problem Description: Complaints allege incidents of excessive brake pedal travel.






FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY
	ODI	Manufacturer	Total
Complaints:	8	0	8
Crashes/Fires:	0	0	TBD
Injury Incidents:	0	0	TBD
Fatality Incidents:	0	0	TBD
Other*:	0	Confidential	Confidential

*Description of Other: Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field report data.

ACTION / SUMMARY INFORMATION
Action: A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened.

Summary:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 8 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of excessive brake pedal travel in model year (MY) 2013 through 2014 Nissan Sentra and Versa passenger cars. In addition, ODI has identified Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field report data related to excessive brake pedal travel in the subject vehicles. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to asses the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation are: 10584374, 10578529, 10550403, 10546265, 10531596, 10515614, 10514831 and 10487647.

INVESTIGATION Subject : Excessive brake pedal travel
Date Investigation Opened: MAY 20, 2014
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE14014
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
All Products Associated with this Investigation:

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)
NISSAN SENTRA 2013-2014
NISSAN VERSA 2013-2014
NISSAN VERSA NOTE 2014

Details
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
SUMMARY:The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 8 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of excessive brake pedal travel in model year (MY) 2013 through 2014 Nissan Sentra and Versa passenger cars. In addition, ODI has identified Early Warning Reporting (EWR) field report data related to excessive brake pedal travel in the subject vehicles. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to asses the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation are: 10584374, 10578529, 10550403, 10546265, 10531596, 10515614, 10514831 and 10487647.

By Chris Bruce