Nissan Caught in Garmin Nuvi Fire Recall

Leaf uses 24 kWh Lithium-Ion batteries, with controls that should prevent overheating.

Nissan has told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is recalling vehicles that were equipped with a Garmin Nuvi model 750, 760, and 765 navigation systems. The batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat and catch on fire.

This, the latest example of how fragile and vulnerable some lithium ion batteries are, comes as Nissan and General Motors – among other makers – plan to start sale of thousands of vehicles with huge lithium ion battery packs on board. Makers say that extensive safety controls and chemistry changes are in place so that, for example, Leafs do not become burning leafs.

Garmin is recalling approximately 1.25 million Nuvi navigation devices globally – about 796,000 units were sold in the United States. Nuvi model numbers 200W, 250W, 260W, 7xx and 7xxT (the xx is a two-digit number) may be affected.  To determine if a unit is affected, customers can visit www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

If customers are unable to access the website, they may contact Garmin through one of the numbers below:

• In the United States and Canada, call (866) 957-1981
• In North America and South America outside the U.S. or Canada call +913 397-8200
• In Europe, Middle East, and Africa, call +44 870 850 1242
• In Asia, call 886/2.2642.9199
• In Australia, call 1800 113 738; and in New Zealand call 0800 427 652

Garmin says owners should not attempt to remove or service the battery on their own.

Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during September 2010. Owners may contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. 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: 10V401000.

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