Nissan Versa Investigation Expanded by NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expanded its investigation into the Nissan Versa and Versa Note models.

“In certain rare instances, due to the shape of the center console and a combination of driver foot position and shoe type, a driver’s shoe may contact the edge of the panel and give the driver the impression of slightly delayed transition from throttle to the brake pedal,” Nissan North America said in a statement. “Nissan believes that the drivers are able to make a smooth and unimpeded transition to the brake pedal and there is no safety risk.”

The investigation was initially opened in June, 2014, after complaints that a trim panel was interfering with the driver’s ability to brake, causing unintended acceleration. Last month, NHTSA upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis of the 2013 and 2014 model years and has now expanded that investigation to include the 2015 model year. The agency has received a total of 24 complaints related to the issue and is aware of one crash. Currently, Nissan is cooperating with the investigation and will trim the panels free of charge.

SEE ALSO: Nissan Versa Under NHTSA Investigation

NHTSA has added the 2015 Nissan Versa and Versa Note to the investigation because they have the same panel design as the 2013-2014 models. In addition, the 2012 models have been removed from the investigation since they have a different design.

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