Posted: Oct 14 2004 at 6:57pm | IP Logged

I just got a notice in the mail today from Nissan regarding an "Important Safety Recall." Here is the extent of the letter:

Dear Nissan Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Nissan has decided that some 2004 Nissan Titan King Cab and Crew Cab vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard (FMVSS) 201-Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.

REASONS FOR RECALL

FMVSS 201 specifies certain requirements for components of the upper interior of vehicles such as roof rails and pillars to assure they afford appropriate protection in the event an occupant's head strikes the component in a crash. Nissan has determined  that an area on the rear pillar where the rear seat belt upper anchor is attached may not be sufficiently energy absorbent. This could result in an increased risk of injury if the area is struck in some types of crashes. All other requirements under FMVSS 201 and other standards are met.

WHAT NISSAN WILL DO

Your Nissan dealer will replace the outboard rear seat belt assemblies with new ones, which have a larger, more energy-absorbent upper D-ring. This will enable the vehicle to meet the FMVSS 201 standard at this location.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Contact your Nissan dealer at your earliest convenience in order to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle repaired. Please bring this notice with you when you keep your service appointment. Instructions have been sent to your Nissan dealer.

If the dealer fails, or is unable to make the necessary repairs free of charge, you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Office, Nissan North America, Inc. at P.O. Box 191, Gardena, California 90248-0191. The toll free number is 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261). You may also contact the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to lessee within ten days.

Thank you for your cooperation. We are indeed sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.