Nissan Incident Report

2.0 Analysis of Recurring Issues (High, Medium, and Low Widespread Levels)

This section provides a strategic overview of systemic issues identified through a high volume of customer complaints. The analysis focuses exclusively on incident categories classified with a 'High,' 'Medium,' or 'Low' widespread level, as these represent patterns of failure rather than isolated events. Such trends pose the greatest risk to brand reputation, product reliability, and occupant safety. By examining the common narratives and failure modes within these classifications, engineering and quality assurance teams can more effectively allocate resources toward diagnosing root causes and implementing robust, system-wide solutions.

2.1 WHEELS (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Wheel Integrity Failures This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem based on the volume and severity of customer reports.

The recurring narrative within these complaints points to significant structural failures of the stock wheels. Common themes include reports of rims cracking, particularly at the spokes, leading to a loss of air pressure or compromising the wheel's integrity. Customers also frequently describe excessive vibration at highway speeds and, in the most severe cases, the complete separation of a wheel from the vehicle while in motion. These incidents represent a critical safety risk.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 548011, 591635, 641955, 676979, 697282, 699325, 705182, 732982, 789878, 791601, 815425, 829784, 847675, 879466, 897312, 910533, 956038, 992128, 1021912, 1126376

2.2 EXTERIOR LIGHTING (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Headlight and Tail Light Malfunctions This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem due to consistent reports of premature failure and poor performance.

The common failure modes described by customers involve both functional and material defects. Reports frequently mention low-beam headlights burning out prematurely, sometimes every few months. A significant number of complaints describe headlight lenses becoming foggy, yellowed, or appearing "burned" from the inside, which severely diminishes light output and compromises nighttime visibility. Furthermore, some reports link lighting failures to broader electrical system malfunctions, including engine stalling and the illumination of check engine lights, suggesting a potentially deeper systemic issue.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 623993, 667532, 667863, 685671, 686886, 702633, 723944, 726957, 731433, 737644, 741512, 803465, 806938, 822030, 828811, 847700, 901181, 917727, 921655, 933497

2.3 VISIBILITY (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly Failures This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem, posing a significant and unexpected safety risk.

Analysis of the complaints reveals a consistent and alarming failure pattern: the spontaneous shattering of the sunroof glass. Customers repeatedly report that the sunroof "explodes" without any apparent impact while traveling at highway speeds. The sound is often compared to a gunshot, startling the driver and showering the cabin with glass fragments. While this is the most severe failure mode, other related complaints in this category include excessive rattling of the sunroof assembly and water leaks, which may point to underlying issues with the unit's seals or track integrity.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 572332, 662873, 800572, 936557, 979755, 1168538, 1170796, 1180644, 1244155, 1278847, 1329133, 1339550, 1344379, 1349771, 1401185, 1445575, 1513411, 1526183, 1792846, 1802793

2.4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / STEERING (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) and Related Immobilization Failures This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem, representing a critical single point of failure that immobilizes the vehicle.

Analysis reveals that a high volume of complaints, categorized by customers under both Electrical System and Steering, trace back to a single component: the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL). This cross-system impact highlights the ESCL module as a dominant and systemic point of failure. The primary failure mode involves the ESCL engaging improperly, which prevents the push-button ignition from starting the vehicle and leaves the owner stranded. Accompanying symptoms frequently include the inability of the car to recognize the key fob and a flashing yellow 'KEY' or 'Intelligent Key' warning light on the instrument panel. The issue renders the vehicle completely inoperable, necessitating a tow and costly replacement of the ESCL unit.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 727340, 948372, 958691, 958706, 959492, 961727, 962180, 962979, 966585, 967555, 967739, 969344, 972133, 978080, 997076, 1015139, 1023720, 1024296, 1033102, 1033375, 1037539, 1039169, 1044898, 1050022, 1073436, 1075136, 1077667, 1077894, 1102986, 1142229, 1147332, 1158540, 1163189, 1180062, 1185190, 1204052, 1206758, 1227263, 1241801, 1244167

2.5 POWER TRAIN (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Transmission and Drivetrain Failures This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem, with numerous complaints pointing specifically to failures in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Analysis of customer complaints reveals a pattern of transmission-related failures that pose significant safety risks. Core problems include sudden loss of acceleration power while driving, vehicle hesitation when accelerating from a stop, and complete transmission failure that results in stalling. Many reports mention these issues in the context of the CVT, describing scenarios where the vehicle becomes unresponsive to throttle input, leaving the driver unable to maintain speed in traffic. Other related reports cite issues with the timing chain, which may also contribute to power loss and engine failure.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 959303, 1036572, 1039572, 1041707, 1047206, 1098140, 1153799, 1163016, 1188191, 1192507, 1194795, 1227714, 1277773, 1293771, 1311557, 1314084, 1371642, 1373226, 1386035, 1392543

2.6 SERVICE BRAKES (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Brake System Integrity and Failure This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem due to critical safety concerns related to compromised braking performance.

A dominant theme in these complaints is the failure of rear axle seals. This failure allows gear oil to leak onto rear brake components, including pads, rotors, and emergency brake shoes. This contamination severely reduces braking effectiveness and can lead to unexpected and dangerous increases in stopping distance. Customers report discovering the issue after noticing a loss of braking power, a non-functional parking brake, or during routine maintenance. The consequences of this failure mode are severe, representing a direct and immediate safety hazard.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 918677, 926106, 931284, 937411, 939933, 944827, 956472, 981217, 1003586, 1016480, 1021870, 1024443, 1055395, 1056568, 1068648, 1100237, 1115324, 1192662, 1197522, 1208255

2.7 STRUCTURE (High Widespread Level)

Issue: Body and Frame Corrosion and Failures This issue has been classified as a High widespread problem, with numerous reports indicating premature and severe structural degradation.

The complaints are characterized by reports of excessive rust and corrosion affecting critical structural components. A primary concern is severe rust on the underbody and frame, with some customers reporting that strut towers have rusted through completely, leading to a loss of steering control. Other related failures include paint peeling down to the primer, luggage racks detaching from the roof at speed, and broken cab truck body mounts. These issues suggest a systemic vulnerability to corrosion that can compromise the vehicle's structural integrity and overall safety.

Representative Customer Complaints:

Associated Identifying IDs: 544977, 573721, 605305, 672047, 852343, 874561, 879341, 881442, 899355, 901549, 906177, 918160, 937299, 946303, 950822, 968292, 974946, 976869, 982673, 985524

2.8 Other Medium and Low Widespread Issues

The following table summarizes additional systemic issues classified as 'Medium' or 'Low' based on complaint frequency. While not as prevalent as the 'High' level incidents, these trends still represent potential systemic weaknesses that warrant further investigation.

Vehicle System Reported Issue Summary Widespread Level

Medium Level Issues

AIR BAGS Reports of airbags failing to deploy in significant collisions or the warning light illuminating without cause. Medium

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Complaints of spontaneous system shutdowns, "EV OFF" errors, and infotainment screens going black while driving. Medium

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Reports include check engine light illumination, knocking/ticking noises on startup, and cracked exhaust manifolds. Medium

EQUIPMENT Issues related to malfunctioning CD players and radios, which work intermittently or fail completely. Medium

EXTERIOR LIGHTING Headlight assemblies are reported to become cloudy, yellowed, or have internal components break loose. Medium

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Customers report strong gasoline odors in the cabin and visible fuel leaks from the fuel pressure sensor area. Medium

LANE DEPARTURE Blind spot detection systems reportedly fail, with warning lights illuminating and systems becoming inoperative. Medium

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Complaints of door latches failing, preventing doors from being opened from the inside or outside. Medium

POWER TRAIN Manual transmissions are reported to make grinding noises, pop out of gear, or suffer from premature clutch failure. Medium

SEAT BELTS Reports include seat belt retractors locking up and warning chimes failing to sound when unbuckled. Medium

STEERING Complaints of power steering intermittently failing, requiring significant effort to turn the wheel. Medium

TIRES Premature and uneven tire wear is frequently reported, often accompanied by issues with faulty tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). Medium

UNKNOWN OR OTHER A miscellaneous category including clutch failures, unresolved tire wear, and CVT transmission issues. Medium

Low Level Issues

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Wiring issues are reported, leading to instrument panel malfunctions and intermittent power window failures. Low

EQUIPMENT Reports of radio and CD players working intermittently or failing completely. Low

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Complaints of fuel tank leaks and strong gasoline odors originating from under the vehicle. Low

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Rear hatch and trunk lids are reported to fail, either not opening or popping open randomly while driving. Low

SEATS Power seat adjustment mechanisms are reported to break, causing the driver's seat to shift or tilt unexpectedly. Low

SERVICE BRAKES Complaints of intermittent brake failure, spongy brake pedals, and ABS/brake warning lights illuminating. Low

STEERING Steering column lock failures reported, preventing the vehicle from starting. Low

STRUCTURE Issues include excessive paint chipping and failure of rear hatch struts. Low

SUSPENSION Reports of broken or failed sway bars and stabilizer bars, causing unusual noises and affecting handling. Low

TIRES Complaints of tire sidewall blisters and rapid tread wear on original and replacement tires. Low

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM Traction control warning lights are reported to illuminate, sometimes accompanied by jerking or loss of acceleration. Low

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Digital speedometers are reported to spontaneously switch from MPH to KPH, causing driver confusion. Low

VISIBILITY Issues include window motors failing, windshield wipers becoming inoperable, and defrost systems failing to clear windows. Low

WHEELS Reports of alloy wheels bending easily or developing blisters and rust prematurely. Low

This concludes the analysis of established recurring issues. The report will now address emerging trends that require ongoing monitoring.

3.0 Summary of Isolated and Emerging Issues

While the primary focus of this report is on established, recurring problems, it is also critical to monitor emerging trends and log isolated incidents for future analysis. Issues classified as 'Emerging' represent potential early-stage systemic problems that, while not yet meeting the threshold for a widespread classification, are increasing in reporting frequency. Tracking these trends allows for proactive investigation before they escalate. The following table details these emerging issues.

Vehicle System Issue Description Number of Complaints

CHILD SEAT Complaints of difficulty unlatching car seat harnesses and general compatibility issues. 4

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE Reports of cruise control failing to disengage, leading to potential accidents. 3

LANE DEPARTURE (Note: Reported in source under SEAT BELTS) Lane departure warning failing to sound before vehicle drifted into a guardrail. 1

PARKING BRAKE Report of vehicle rolling down an incline while in park. 1

SERVICE BRAKES Report of a sudden stop incident in traffic where the cause is unspecified. 1

SERVICE BRAKES Reports of ABS warning light illumination, abnormal noises, and ABS system failing to prevent wheel lock-up. 4

SERVICE BRAKES Reports of ABS warning light illumination and spontaneous, unintended brake engagement. 2

SERVICE BRAKES (Note: Reported in source under EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS) Report of brake failure while driving at highway speed. 1

STEERING Report of the electric power steering system seizing, causing the vehicle to slide. 1

STEERING Reports of power steering becoming stiff or failing completely during low-speed or quick maneuvers. 4

STRUCTURE Sudden unintended acceleration causing collisions; faulty door mechanisms preventing opening. 4

STRUCTURE Report of GPS system routing a tall van onto parkways with low clearance. 1

STRUCTURE Report of brake failure during a sudden stop. 1

STRUCTURE Report of the front interior ceiling light panel falling down while driving. 1

STRUCTURE Complaints of trunk lid support failures causing the lid to fall unexpectedly. 4

SUSPENSION Reports of lower control arm failures, some related to a prior recall notice. 4

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Reports of unintended acceleration, accelerator pedal issues, lack of power, and unintended VDC/traction control disengagement. 4

VISIBILITY Reports of power window failures and vehicle pulling to one side. 3

WHEELS Report of a loud popping noise followed by a loss of steering control. 1

In addition to these trends, a large volume of incidents have been categorized as 'Unique'. These individual complaints have been logged for case-by-case review but do not currently indicate a systemic trend. Therefore, they are not detailed in this summary report but will be retained for future pattern analysis.

4.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

This report has synthesized a significant volume of customer complaints to identify systemic, recurring issues across multiple Nissan vehicle systems. The analysis reveals critical areas of concern, particularly those classified with 'High' widespread levels, which present immediate risks to safety and product reliability. Systems with the most severe and frequent complaints include Wheels, Exterior Lighting, Visibility (Sunroofs), Power Train, Service Brakes, and Structure. Critically, the analysis also identified a single component—the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL)—as the root cause for a high volume of failures reported under both the Electrical System and Steering categories. Issues such as cracking wheel rims, spontaneously shattering sunroofs, immobilizing ESCL failures, and brake contamination from axle seal leaks demand immediate attention.

Based on these findings, the following actions are recommended:

1. Immediate Prioritization of High-Risk Systems: An immediate and in-depth engineering review must be launched for all systems flagged with High widespread issues. Specific focus should be placed on the root causes of wheel integrity failures and premature exterior lighting degradation. A dedicated review of the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) is critical, as this component is the clear link between widespread Electrical and Steering system failures. A parallel investigation into the prevalent failure modes of the Power Train's CVT is also essential.

2. Root Cause Analysis for Broader Trends: A comprehensive root cause analysis should be initiated for the issues identified at the 'Medium' and 'Low' widespread levels. This investigation should focus on identifying shared components, materials, or manufacturing processes across different models and model years that may be contributing to failures in systems like Air Bags, Electrical components, and Tires.

3. Proactive Monitoring of Emerging Issues: All issues currently classified as 'Emerging' must be subjected to continued and rigorous monitoring. A clear threshold for reclassification should be established based on reporting frequency and severity, ensuring that potential widespread problems are identified and addressed proactively before they escalate.