Nissan Recalls 2,417 Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra Models for Wheel Hub Defect
Nissan has issued a recall for certain 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra two-wheel drive vehicles due to potentially defective front wheel hubs that could crack and fail.
Nissan is recalling 2,417 units of its 2012 Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra two-wheel drive models in the United States because the front wheel hubs may not meet design hardness specifications. The affected vehicles were manufactured between 19 June and 12 July 2012, according to a summary published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall campaign is set to begin on 8 October 2012.
Which Nissan vehicles are affected?
The recall concerns three models from Nissan’s US line-up: the Frontier pickup, Pathfinder SUV and Xterra SUV. Only two-wheel drive versions from the 2012 model year, built during a 24-day window in mid-2012, are included. Four-wheel drive variants and vehicles produced outside these dates are not part of the recall, based on the NHTSA documentation.
Details of the front wheel hub defect
Nissan stated that some front wheel hubs supplied for these vehicles may have been manufactured below the specified hardness level. Insufficient hardness can lead to accelerated wear and, over time, cracking of the hub. If a hub cracks, it could ultimately fail, increasing the risk of a wheel separating from the vehicle while driving. No related accidents or injuries have been reported, but the risk prompted Nissan to initiate the recall voluntarily.
What owners should do
Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notification letters from Nissan beginning 8 October 2012. Repairs will be carried out by Nissan dealers, who will replace both the left and right front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. Owners seeking further information can contact Nissan’s customer service or the NHTSA safety hotline. The recall reference number is available in the official NHTSA recall summary.
- Nissan customer service: 1-800-647-7261
- NHTSA safety hotline: 1-888-327-4236
Context: Recalls and safety actions
This recall joins a series of recent safety actions by manufacturers addressing component quality in the US market. While the number of vehicles affected is relatively small, the risk of wheel detachment is considered a serious safety issue. Nissan’s action follows the standard industry process of notifying owners, providing a free remedy and reporting progress to US regulators. For comparison, other manufacturers have recently announced similar recalls for critical safety components, including Suzuki and Lexus.
For more on Nissan’s recent model developments, see Nissan reveals 2013 Pathfinder interior.
