2012 Nissan Versa recalled due to dangerous shifter defect

Nissan issued a recall today on 36,608 2012 Versa sedans built between June 9, 2011 and January 13, 2012, due to a gearshift defect. The safety recall only relates to Versas with the Xtronic CVT automatic transmission and does not affect five-speed manual transmission models.

Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) features an infinitely variable gear ratio between its lowest and highest gears. A CVT transmission flows smoothly between gears, while a more traditional automatic transmission performs large jumps from one gear to another. The Xtronic CVT is available on numerous Nissan models including the Altima, Maxima, Murano, Sentra and Versa.

According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Versa may be shift out of the park position without first depressing the brake pedal. If this occurs, the likelihood of a collision with another vehicle and/or pedestrians is increased. The defect is reportedly the result of interference between the shifter rod and shift knob.

In a statement to the federal government, Nissan says that they discovered the issue last November during dealer vehicle inspections. The shifters in question were built in Mexico by GHSP Mexico. GHSP, a global supplier of mechanical parts, has been producing shifters in their Mexican branch since August 2011. Aside from Nissan, GHSP Mexico also supplies parts to GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Fiat and Audi. Although GHSP manufactures shifters for other Nissan models, Nissan has stated that the Versa is the only affected vehicle.

The news comes less than a month after Nissan’s announcement that they plan to build a new $2 billion plant in Mexico to manufacture exclusively small cars. Although not confirmed, likely small car candidates would include the Versa and Sentra. The new plant will be located near the GHSP Mexico factory and is set to begin production in late 2013.

Nissan will notify 2012 Versa owners and Nissan dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob or shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on February 20, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. Owners may also contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.

Introduced in North America in 2006, the Nissan Versa is a sub-compact car available in sedan and hatchback. With a base MSRP of under $11,000, the Versa is the most affordable and best-selling car in its class. In 2011, Nissan sold a record 99,730 Versas, outselling competitors like the Chevy Sonic, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit.

Photo: Nissan