Nissan recalling nearly 363,000 first-gen Murano crossovers

Nissan has announced that they are recalling some 360,000 first generation Murano CUVs because of an engine stall risk. Apparently, the material they used for their air intake ducts is prematurely aging and shrinking, causing a separation risk in the system. That separation can cause an engine stall, "increasing the risk of a crash." The affected models are the 2003 through 2007 Nissan Muranos.

Anyone with one of those models should contact their Nissan service rep to arrange a free inspection and/or repair. Customers can also call Nissan directly at 1-800-647-7261. The parts for the recall should be available in great enough quantity by July 6, when the recall officially begins. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's full press release is after the jump.

This is just the latest in a string of recalls for the popular first-gen Nissan Murano, following seat belt, fuel tank, and electrical problems. Hat tip to Art!

Source: NHTSA


Press Release:

Report Date : May 21, 2009 at 02:09 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 09V169000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
NISSAN / MURANO 2003-2007

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAY 14, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V169000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 362891

Summary:
NISSAN IS RECALLING 362,891 MY 2003-2007 MURANO VEHICLES. THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS, WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERMEDIATE RESONATOR IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE, MAY SEPARATE FROM THE RESONATOR WITH ENGINE MOVEMENT. THIS SEPARATION OCCURS DUE TO THE PREMATURE AGING OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS WHICH CAUSES EXCESSIVE SHRINKING.

Consequence:
ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE/REPAIR THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .