Nissan Versa and Versa Note being investigated for unintended acceleration

Nissan’s Versa and Versa Note made from 2012-2014 are being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over fears of unintended acceleration.

Although the problem doesn’t seem to be mechanical, some 360,000 models may be affected by a floor carpeting problem that could wedge the accelerator pedal. As of now, the NHTSA is still collecting data from Nissan.

For full details, check out the press release after the jump.

ODI RESUME
Investigation: PE 14-018
Date Opened: 06/24/2014
Investigator: Stephen Mchenry
Reviewer: Jeff Quandt
Approver: Frank Borris
Subject: Pedal Operation Interference

MANUFACTURER & PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Products: MY 2012-2014 Nissan Versa and Versa Note
Population: 360,000 (Estimated)
Problem Description: Drivers describe incidents of interference between the tunnel carpet cover trim panel and the driver’s right shoe when attempting to release the accelerator pedal, allegedly resulting in brief incidents of unwanted acceleration or delayed brake application.

     
 
 
 
 

FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY

 

ODI

Manufacturer

Total

Complaints:

4

TBD

TBD

Crashes/Fires:

0

TBD

TBD

Injury Incidents:

0

TBD

TBD

Number of Injuries:

0

TBD

TBD

Fatality Incidents:

0

TBD

TBD

Number of Fatalities:

0

TBD

TBD

 
 
 

ACTION / SUMMARY INFORMATION

Action: A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened.
Summary: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received four complaints alleging that the tunnel carpet cover trim panel on Model Year (MY) 2012 through 2014 Nissan Versa, Versa Sedan and Versa Note vehicles has trapped the edge of the driver’s shoe. The alleged condition interfered with the driver’s ability to reduce the rate of acceleration as desired and also interfered with the driver’s ability to apply the brakes when needed.

One complainant, VOQ 10597004, alleges that their foot was trapped by the trim panel such that they had to use their right hand to grab their leg and pull up to get their foot free, almost causing a crash during the event. The trim panel in question (Figure 1) is located next to the accelerator pedal and the lower corner is positioned such that it is near the right outer edge of the driver’s shoe. The complainant supplied a photograph (Figure 2) showing how the edge of the panel wedged itself in the driver’s shoe. Complainant 10573057 alleged that when attempting to remove their foot from the accelerator pedal to apply the brake, their shoe was caught by the trim panel which delayed braking ability several times. Two of the four complainants note that the vehicles were rental cars.

A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to asses the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence of the alleged defect.

The VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10597004, 10573057, 10503811, and 10498000. A fifth VOQ (10578373) is from a foreign country and is not counted in this resume.

Nissan Statement

Nissan received a request for information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning four customer complaints on MY2012-2014 Versa vehicles. We are cooperating fully with the Agency’s request.

Nissan is committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction and seeks to provide an outstanding ownership experience to Nissan Versa owners. We look forward to discussing this matter with the agency, and we will carefully review their request. As always, we will work with the regulators to fully answer their questions.

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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