Nissan vehicle defects leave drivers in danger

Vehicle recalls are nothing new. It could be that manufacturers would rather quickly recall a model than to risk facing lawsuits when someone gets injured. On the other hand, recalls are expensive, and some carmakers wait until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration orders them. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is waiting for the NHTSA to probe reports of serious vehicle defects in its Rogue vehicles.

The same issue that led to a class action lawsuit against Nissan in California is the subject of the NHTSA probe. Some Nissan vehicles, including the Rogue, seem to engage their automatic emergency braking systems without cause or warning. The braking systems are a relatively new safety feature that assists the driver by anticipating obstructions in the driver's path. However, some vehicles are braking when no obstruction exists, often bringing the vehicle to a stop in the middle of moving traffic.

While no one has reported suffering injuries from such an incident, the defect is serious and dangerous. A recall would mean Nissan dealerships would have to offer free repairs on any vehicle that meets the standards in the NHTSA findings. The pending lawsuit in California includes vehicle models from 2015, and the NHTSA investigation involves nearly 700,000 vehicles.

Purchasing a new vehicle with advanced safety features like automatic braking is an expensive venture. Vehicle defects in a new car can be frustrating, especially if the manufacturer or dealer refuses to honor a car owner's rights under the lemon law. Seeking the assistance of a skilled attorney may result in a more positive outcome.