Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity

[Haltech]

Filed under: Budget, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Nissan

2009 Nissan Cube - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last month, the Lexus HS250h was the subject of a serious recall involving fuel leakage resulting from rear-end collisions. Now, Nissan faces a similar predicament involving 2009 and 2010 model year Cube hatchbacks, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a full recall, covering 46,000 Cubes built between January 30, 2009 and July 30, 2010.

Much like the HS hybrid, NHSTA cites that the amount of fuel leakage following a rear-moving barrier crash "exceeds the allowable limits," and that this could result in a fire. While a fuel leak is bad news, it's important to note that this NHTSA test isn't simply a case of a simple crash test and resultant fuel leak - the government agency's methodology includes striking the vehicle from the rear with a deformable barrier at 50 mph with a 70 percent overlap. Post-impact, the vehicle is then spun on its longitudinal axis degree-by-degree for a total of 90 degrees, somewhere along which a fuel leak was detected. While any fuel spillage is a bad thing, we suspect you can put any images of the massively overblown Ford Pinto debacle out of your head right now.

In any case, the full recall is expected to start on or before August 30. To fix the problem, dealers will install a special protector to the gasoline recirculation tube where it meets with the filler neck connector. Naturally, the service will be performed free of charge at any authorized Nissan dealer. The full details are available in NHTSA's press release after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan Cube (U.S.-spec)



Photos by Alex Núñez / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity

Nissan recalls 46,000 2009-10 Cube models over fuel system integrity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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