Nissan recalls Maxima, Murano

FORD Australia last week recalled more than 20,000 E-Gas Falcons, and this week it is Nissan Australia’s turn to rectify almost as many Maxima and Murano models.

Rather than more brake problems, as was the case with Ford, Nissan’s woes relate to the engine air intake ducts of 11,743 Maxima sedans and 4972 Murano SUVs, totalling 16,715 vehicles.

The recall affects all previous-generation (J31-series) Maxima V6s produced between August 2003 and January 2008 (and sold between December 2003 and May 2009), with VINs ranging between JN1BBUJ31A0 000014 and JN1BBUJ3A0 302117.

Fewer examples of the previous (Z50-series) Murano are affected, including those manufactured between April 2005 and November 2007, with VINs ranging from JN1TANZ50A0 000026 to JN1TANZ50A0 005945.

The problem afflicts only early examples of the original Murano, which was released here in July 2005 before being replaced by the MkII Murano in January 2009, and is powered by the same ZQ35 3.5-litre V6 as the Maxima.

Left: Nissan Murano.

In its first product recall since the Tiida hatch’s rear combination lights were called in for repair in December 2008, Nissan says engine heat and vibration could cause the intake to dislodge, resulting in rough idling and stalling.

“The engine air intake duct may become disconnected due to thermal loading combined with normal engine vibration. If this happens, the engine will exhibit rough idling and in a worst case scenario, the engine may stall,” it said.

Nissan Australia will contact the owners of all affected vehicles by writing to arrange inspection and rectification.

Read more:

Ford recalls E-Gas Falcons to replace faulty brake valves

Ford to fix Territory brakes