Nissan recalls nearly 300,000 vehicles for brake interference issue

Nissan is recalling 298,747 Versa sedans and Versa Note hatchbacks to address an interior trim panel that may hinder drivers’ ability to apply the brakes.

The vehicles in question span model years 2013 through 2015. The safety concern centers around the trim panel on the driver’s side of the center console. Under what Nissan described as “certain rare circumstances,” it’s possible for the driver’s foot to catch on this trim panel when transitioning from the accelerator to the brake pedal, resulting in delayed braking.

This recall represents closure for a NHTSA investigation which began earlier this year. From Nissan’s description of the recall process, there have been only nine complaints from owners, and no incidents or warranty claims associated with the described defect.

In March of this year, Nissan began producing a shorter trim panel that prevents interference. Owners of Versa and Versa Note vehicles sold with the older, longer panel will be notified of the issue and Nissan will modify (read: cut) their existing trim panels to prevent any potential issues.