Nissan has announced plans to recall about 700,000 Rogue compact SUVs in the U.S. from model years 2014 through 2016 because a faulty electrical connector under the dashboard can trigger a vehicle fire.
Not all 2014-2016 Rogues are affected. Nissan built the Rogue at three different factories during that period. The problem can develop in Rogues built in two of the three and on a limited set of dates.
Power Seats, Windows May Fail First
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nissan explains, “if water and salt collect in the driver’s side footwell, it may wick up the dash side harness tape and enter the connector. If this occurs, the dash side harness connector may corrode.”
Drivers might notice the power windows or seat adjustment failing or the all-wheel-drive warning light in the driver’s instrument cluster illuminating as the problem develops. Left unaddressed, the damaged harness can heat up and trigger a vehicle fire.
Nissan Working on a Solution
Nissan told government regulators it is still developing a solution for the problem. However, the company notes that Rogues built after 2016 are not affected by the recall “because a change was made … at each of the plants to remove the harness tape” during the production run. So the fix may be something Nissan already knows how to do.
The company says it “expects the repair to be available in spring 2022.” Owners who have already paid to rectify the problem may be eligible for reimbursement.
Recall repairs are always free.
Automakers recall many cars to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. While automakers try to reach every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
