In a recent development, Nissan has issued a recall for approximately 180,176 of its Frontier and Titan pickups due to the risk of rolling away while in Park. The issue affects models from 2020 to 2022 that are equipped with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. The parking pawl may fail to engage, causing the vehicle to move even when the shifter is in Park. As a precautionary measure, Nissan is advising owners to engage the parking brake while their vehicle is stationary until the problem can be resolved. Although the automaker estimates that only 0.03 percent of the recalled vehicles are expected to have this issue, it is taking steps to notify owners and provide updates on the NHTSA recalls website.

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Recall Details

Affected Vehicles

Nissan has issued a recall on 180,176 of its Frontier and Titan pickups from the 2020–2022 model years. The recall specifically affects 123,987 Frontier pickups and 56,189 Titan pickups.

Cause of Recall

The recall was initiated due to a dimensional variation during the manufacturing process. This variation has resulted in a failure of the parking pawl to engage as intended in the vehicles’ nine-speed automatic transmissions.

Injury Reports

Nissan has received four reports of minor injuries related to the parking pawl failure in the affected vehicles. While the injuries were minor, they serve as an important reminder of the potential risks associated with this issue.

Notification and Fix

Nissan will begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on July 20. However, the company’s plan to fix the issue is still in progress. In the meantime, Nissan advises owners to engage the parking brake when their vehicle is stationary to prevent any potential rolling away. Owners can also check the NHTSA recalls website for updates on the recall and to determine if their vehicle is included.

Background: 2020–2022 Nissan Frontier and Titan

The Nissan Frontier and Titan pickups from the 2020–2022 model years are popular choices for truck enthusiasts. These vehicles combine rugged capability with modern features to meet the demands of both work and play. However, even reliable vehicles can sometimes experience issues that require a recall.

Background: Jatco Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission

Introduced in 2020, the Jatco nine-speed automatic transmission was a significant update for the Frontier and Titan pickups. Designed to enhance performance, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience, this transmission offered a smooth and efficient shifting process. However, the recent recall has highlighted a specific issue related to the parking pawl engagement.

Recall Description: Risk of Rolling Away and Parking Pawl Failure

The recall involves a specific risk of the vehicles rolling away, even when the transmission is in Park. This issue is attributed to a failure of the parking pawl to engage properly. The parking pawl is a component within the transmission that locks the wheels when the vehicle is in Park, preventing any unintended movement. In the affected vehicles, dimensional variation during the manufacturing process has resulted in an engagement issue with the parking pawl.

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The Affected Vehicles: 2020–2022 Nissan Frontier and Titan Pickups

The recall specifically affects the 2020–2022 Nissan Frontier and Titan pickups equipped with the Jatco nine-speed automatic transmission. These vehicles are widely popular among truck enthusiasts for their durability, capability, and versatility. It is important for owners of these vehicles to be aware of the recall and take the necessary precautions to prevent any potential rolling away incidents.

Blaming Dimensional Variation for Parking Pawl Failure

The dimensional variation during the manufacturing process has been identified as the root cause of the parking pawl failure. Variations in the components involved in the production of the parking pawl have led to an issue with proper engagement. This engagement issue can result in the vehicle moving, even when the transmission is in the Park position.

To address this issue, Nissan is working on a plan to fix the parking pawl failure in the affected vehicles. However, the specific details of the fix are not yet available. Nissan advises owners to engage the parking brake when their vehicle is stationary as an interim measure to prevent any potential rolling away incidents.

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Four Reports of Minor Injuries

As mentioned earlier, Nissan has received four reports of minor injuries related to the parking pawl failure in the affected vehicles. While these injuries were not severe, they highlight the importance of addressing the issue promptly. Nissan is taking these reports seriously and is committed to resolving the issue to ensure the safety of its customers.

Start of Owner Notification and Fix in Progress

Nissan will begin notifying owners of the affected Frontier and Titan pickups on July 20. The company understands the urgency of resolving the parking pawl failure issue and is actively working on a fix. Owners should expect further communication from Nissan regarding the specifics of the repair procedure and any necessary appointments.

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Checking NHTSA Recalls Website

In addition to the owner notifications, Nissan encourages every owner of a 2020–2022 Frontier or Titan pickup to check the NHTSA recalls website for updates on the recall. The website provides the most up-to-date information about the recall status, including whether a specific vehicle is included in the recall or not. It is crucial for owners to stay informed and take appropriate action to address the parking pawl failure in their vehicles.

In conclusion, Nissan has issued a recall for the 2020–2022 Frontier and Titan pickups due to a risk of rolling away caused by parking pawl failure. The recall affects a significant number of vehicles, and Nissan is taking swift action to address the issue. Owners should engage the parking brake when their vehicle is stationary and stay informed through the NHTSA recalls website for updates on the recall and the fix. While the recall is an inconvenience, it serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety on the road. With Nissan’s commitment to resolving the issue, owners can have confidence in a prompt and effective resolution.