CNN reported that Nissan has announced it will issue a recall of over 700,000 of its Rogue and Rogue Sport compact SUVs later this month due to an issue with the vehicles’ keys that can cause the cars to turn off while being driven.
Which models are being recalled?
The year, make, and model of vehicles that may be subject to the recall include:
- 2016 Nissan Rogue S
- 2017 Nissan Rogue S
- 2018 Nissan Rogue S
- 2019 Nissan Rogue S
- 2020 Nissan Rogue S
- 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport S
- 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport S
- 2019 Nissan Rogue Sport S
- 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport S
- 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport S
- 2022 Nissan Rogue Sport S
Why are these models being recalled?
The keys for the models listed above are “jackknife-style”, meaning the metal blade of the key flips out by pressing a button on the plastic key fob. Some of these keys have proven faulty due to the deterioration of an internal joint over time, causing the metal blade to fold back into the plastic fob while in use. The implications of this issue are dire – if this problem occurs while the key is in the ignition and the car is moving, a mere touch or bump of the key could result in the car turning off completely.
What is Nissan doing to address this issue?
Unfortunately, Nissan has not yet worked out a solution to this problem. Once the automaker does come up with a fix, it has promised to provide the technology to Nissan dealers for free.
What should I do if I drive one of these models?
If your key fails to stay in the “open” position and closes itself on its own, contact your local authorized Nissan dealer to get a diagnosis.
If your key seems to be working properly, Nissan is urging drivers of the Rogue S and Rogue Sport S models to remove any keychains or other attachments from the key fob so as not to put extra stress on the device. The automaker also advises drivers of these models to insert the key in the vehicle’s ignition in such a way that allows the key to fold upward only, instead of down.
If you have any further questions about the recall, you can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888.327.4236.
Has anyone been hurt as a result of this product failure?
So far, Nissan maintains that it is not aware of any injuries or deaths that have occurred as a result of this issue. However, that does not guarantee that none will occur.
I don’t drive a Nissan Rogue S or Rogues Sport S – why should I care about this?
Though the recall will apply to a specific set of Nissan drivers, the risks associated with the faulty key mechanism affect everyone on—or even near—any roads upon which the Rogue and Rogue Sport models are driven. Other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and road workers still have to share the road with Nissan drivers who, until the recall is formally issued later this month, may not even be aware that this issue exists. Though “defensive driving” and general alertness are always recommended precautions to take when conducting oneself in or near traffic, such alertness and defensiveness do not necessarily protect a safety-minded individual from the chaos that could ensue when, say, the Nissan Rogue S driving 60 MPH on the highway ahead of them spirals out of control after the vehicle’s key literally ejected itself from the ignition.
For many, Nissan’s faulty key issue is an unwelcome addition to the list of dangers already widely associated with driving, biking, walking, or working on busy roads. “This recall isn’t a standalone thing,” said Jonathan Yousling, a GLP Attorneys Shareholder and personal injury lawyer, “It’s the latest in a series of concerning recalls we’re seeing in the auto industry. With Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ technology literally killing its passengers and endangering other motorists, and now Nissan’s keys falling out of the ignition of their own accord, it’s disconcerting. Auto makers should do a better job of testing their products before selling them to the masses.” Recent data bears this out, finding that an automobile collision occurs approximately every 10 seconds somewhere in the United States – and the frequency of these incidents continues to increase.
What should I do if I am injured in a collision resulting from something like this?
If you are injured in a collision due to a faulty mechanism in your own vehicle, or if you are injured in a collision resulting from a product failure in someone else’s vehicle, it is essential that measures be taken immediately to preserve evidence, investigate any facts in question, and enable physicians or other experts to thoroughly evaluate any injuries promptly. Personal injury cases resulting from automobile collisions can be complex, and it is important that injured persons understand the variety of different liability and insurance coverage issues that may apply to their cases.
If you think that someone—or something—was at fault in causing a collision that you, a family member, or a friend was involved in, you should have the facts of your claim reviewed by a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. To get in touch with one of GLP Attorneys’ highly experienced personal injury lawyers, please call 206.448.1992 or email our attorneys at attorneys@glpattorneys.com.
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