NHTSA opens investigation into 130k Nissan Versas for breaking springs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary evaluation into a suspension problem that could affect an estimated 130,000 Nissan Versas from 2008-2010. According to the government agency's documentation (here as a PDF), there have been 93 complaints of the front coil springs fracturing while driving in these vehicles.

Based on reports so far, it appears to NHTSA that this problem can happen at any speed and without warning. When the spring breaks, the pieces can also puncture a tire or brake line.

A preliminary evaluation sets out to investigate "the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence" of the potential problem. According to a portion of a statement from the automaker to Autoblog, "Nissan is cooperating fully to answer the agency's questions regarding this issue in a timely manner."
Show full PR text INVESTIGATION Subject : Front Coil Spring Fracture

Date Investigation Opened: MAY 13, 2015
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE15019
Component(s): SUSPENSION
All Products Associated with this Investigation
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
NISSAN VERSA 2008-2010
Details

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 93 complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of front suspension coil spring fracture in model year (MY) 2008 through 2010 Nissan Versa passenger cars. Preliminary analysis of the complaints indicates that the coil spring failures occur without warning and can happen at any speed. One complaint (VOQ #10663102) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling at 65 mph and caused a sudden tire failure by cutting the inner sidewall 360 degrees. Another complaint ( VOQ #10680740) reported the passenger-side coil spring fractured while traveling 40 mph and result in tire puncture and brake line failure. ODI has also received EWR field report information relating to coil spring failures in the subject vehicles. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety-related consequence of the alleged defect.

The 93 VOQs associated with this investigation are: 10236143, 10443746, 10452956, 10491553, 10497737, 10500820, 10503060, 10504557, 10508072, 10511536, 10512390, 10512657, 10512975, 10514582, 10516024, 10516085, 10522261, 10522262, 10524296, 10524809, 10532856, 10533856, 10537404, 10537407, 10548678, 10556214, 10559853, 10565283, 10572591, 10578519, 10583059, 10583154, 10583496, 10583673, 10584979, 10585040, 10585327, 10585377, 10585751, 10585826, 10586397, 10586444, 10587480, 10587798, 10588347, 10588427, 10592366, 10592498, 10592780, 10593373, 10593621, 10595215, 10595426, 10595929, 10596679, 10596802, 10598877, 10605757, 10606859, 10606998, 10618059, 10628631, 10644269, 10645075, 10649515, 10653189, 10659632, 10660067, 10660915, 10662158, 10663102, 10667071, 10667845, 10669949, 10670829, 10671894, 10676522, 10680544, 10680740, 10682397, 10691419, 10691692, 10692629, 10693193, 10693347, 10694369, 10694420, 10701250, 10702765, 10705882, 10706351, 10712045, 10712922

Nissan Statement

Nissan received an Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Resume for a Preliminary Evaluation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning driver complaints of front suspension coil spring fractures on certain MY 2008-2010 Versa passenger cars.

Nissan is cooperating fully to answer the agency's questions regarding this issue in a timely manner. Nissan is committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction. Source