The Toyota effect? A recall is announced without a customer plan in place.
Nissan is recalling more than 134,000 model year 2005 through 2007 Infiniti G35 sedans and Infiniti G35 coupes for the potential failure of the passenger side airbag.
It is just the latest example of ongoing electronic problems in automobiles.
A wire connector for the belt tension sensor (BTS) and the occupant detection sensor (ODS) control unit under the front passenger seat can move, which can cause wear and oxidization of the terminals. As a result, the electrical signal may be impeded.
If the signal interruption is detected, the passenger air bag will not deploy. If this occurred, the (red) supplemental air bag warning light would flash and the (amber) front passenger air bag status light would illuminate to alert the driver that the passenger air bag is not operating.
In the event of an accident, the airbag will not deploy, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan has not provided NHTSA with a plan or notification schedule. After the NHTSA fine of $16.4 million to Toyota for failure to inform the agency in a timely manner, it is likely that more recalls such as this one will be announced before the maker has a customer plan in place.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA Campaign ID number: 10V175