Japanese automaker Nissan announced on Wednesday (15) a recall of 173,301 vehicles in the United States due to a potential issue with the fuel pump fuse. The defect may disrupt fuel supply, leading to sudden engine stalling and increasing the risk of accidents. The recall, reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involves van and taxi models produced between 2013 and 2021.
The issue stems from improper routing of the fuel tank temperature sensor harness, which damages wires and causes a short circuit in the fuse. This condition affects the fuel pump’s operation, critical for engine performance. Owners will be notified by mail starting in November for free repairs at authorized dealerships.
Affected vehicle models
The recall includes the Nissan NV200 Van, manufactured from 2013 to 2021, primarily used for urban deliveries.
It also covers the Nissan NV200 Taxi, produced from 2014 to 2017 and 2019, designed for passenger transport in US cities.
The Chevrolet City Express, built by Nissan for General Motors from 2015 to 2018, shares the same platform and defect.
These models are widely used in commercial fleets, with high daily usage in short routes.
Technical cause of the issue
Improper harness routing exposes wires to premature wear during normal operation.
This leads to a short circuit that burns the fuel pump fuse, halting fuel flow within seconds.
The NHTSA identified the issue after analyzing owner complaints about unexpected engine stalls.
Nissan’s internal tests confirmed the defect affects approximately 1% of the units produced in the period.
Owner procedures
Vehicle owners should check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA or Nissan website.
- Schedule a free inspection at an authorized dealership upon receiving notification.
- Avoid driving if symptoms like intermittent engine failure or dashboard warning lights appear.
- The repair involves rerouting the harness and replacing the fuse, taking about two hours.
Nissan estimates 90% of cases will be resolved by the end of 2025 at no cost to customers.
Nissan’s recent recall history
In July, Nissan conducted a larger recall of 443,899 vehicles due to engine bearing failures causing power loss.
That action involved models like Rogue and Altima, with free inspections and software updates.
In 2023, over one million units were recalled in the US for issues like airbags and braking systems.
These actions reflect the automaker’s commitment to swift corrections under US regulatory standards.
Recommended safety measures
Owners can monitor dashboards for warning signs, such as speedometer fluctuations or fuel odors.
Regular maintenance helps detect early wear in electrical components.
Check the VIN periodically on official portals for updates on pending recalls.
These practices reduce risks in commercial fleet vehicles, where heavy use accelerates wear.
Automotive recall context
Fuel system defects account for 15% of US recalls in 2025, per NHTSA data.
Automakers like Toyota and Hyundai also issued recent recalls for similar pump and sensor issues.
US regulations require notifications within 60 days, with quarterly repair progress reports.
This transparency ensures compliance rates above 85% among owners.
