Interesting:
http://theage.drive.com.au/nissan-recalls-40000-vehicles-20130429-2ioo4.htmlNavara utes recalled over cracks in chassis rails.
Nissan Australia is recalling about 40,000 Navara utes over a defect that can cause the chassis rails to bend or crack.
The problem affects Navara D40s manufactured in Spain between July 2005 and January 2010 and fitted with Nissan Australia genuine accessory towbars.
Nissan Australia spokesman Chris Jordan said that while 40,400 vehicles had been identified as part of the recall, only 9800 of those had been fitted with the factory towbars and were susceptible to chassis rail damage.
“Nissan has identified that attachment points on the Nissan Australia genuine accessory towbars as applicable to Nissan Navara D40 (Spain) ST-X variants and applicable to D40 (Spain) RX variants) can cause excessive stress upon the chassis frame rails over time,” he said.
Advertisement “As a result, cracks can occur at the ends of the chassis rails. In extreme cases, sections of the chassis rails around the towbar may bend when a heavy tow load is applied.”
Jordan said that affected customers would be contacted and advised of the problem. A redesigned Nissan replacement towbar with additional mounting points will then be fitted free of charge, as well as welded repairs to any chassis cracks.
However, Navara owners who have fitted aftermarket tow bars to their vehicles will be required to outlay $1000 for the revised factory version.
“Affected customer vehicles fitted with one of the two affected Nissan genuine towbars will have it replaced with a new genuine towbar of revised design (free of charge) and rectification work completed, if required (also free of charge),” Jordan said.
“Affected customer vehicles fitted with a non-genuine towbar will be inspected at no charge to the customer but any repair or replacement to a new revised-design genuine Nissan towbar will be at cost to the customer.”
The Navara D40 has been a strong seller for Nissan since its launch in 2005. The ute gained a strong foothold in the competitive dual cab segment partly because of its 3-tonne towing capacity, which made it an instant hit with tradies and families.
Customers who wish to contact the Nissan Customer Assistance Centre can do so by phoning 1800 035 035.
