Ignition Key Defect Sparks Nissan Recall

By Amy Teeple

Published on October 19, 2006

Included in the recall are 70,000 Murano SUVs and 10,000 Maxima sedans manufactured between August 2004 and July 2006 and purchased in North America. The recall also includes about 52,000 Murano and X-Trail SUVs made during the same period that were sold in Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore.

According to a Nissan official, the defect is not related to the circuit chip that allows intelligent keys to start vehicles without actually being in the ignition. The problem lies with an improperly attached lock device in some of the ignition keys that may prevent the recalled models from starting properly or turning off correctly.

In some reports, the vehicle’s engine had started when the steering wheel was moved, even though the ignition was turned off. No injuries related to the defect have been reported.

Owners of the vehicles listed in the recall should receive a notification letter from Nissan. Consumers are also encouraged to check with their Nissan dealer to see if their vehicle is affected by the defective ignition key.

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