NHTSA Campaign 21V020000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Issued by Nissan North America, Inc. · Reported Jan 20, 2021 · 264,431 vehicles affected
What's wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles. The location of the brake light switch may cause the brake light switch relay to repeatedly open and close. Overtime, this can cause the relay to stick in the "ON" position, with the brake lights remaining illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. Additionally, this may interfere with the brake-shift interlock, allowing the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "Park" position, without depressing the brake pedal.
Consequence
Continual illumination of the brake lights can prevent other drivers from realizing the vehicle is actually slowing down, increasing the risk of a crash. With the brake override activated, the driver will not be able to accelerate normally, increasing the risk of a crash. The driver can shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either re-install the brake light switch or swap positions with the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) switch; depending on the model year vehicle. In addition, the brake light relay will be replaced with a new one. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall PC786. Note: this recall supersedes 16V-380.
Vehicles affected by this recall
| Make | Model | Year | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN | PATHFINDER | 2013 | 264,431 |
| NISSAN | PATHFINDER | 2014 | 264,431 |
| NISSAN | PATHFINDER | 2015 | 264,431 |
Source: NHTSA Campaign 21V020000 on nhtsa.gov. To check the current repair status for a specific vehicle, use our free VIN decoder.