It appears that Nissan is again facing serious implications over their faulty safety features, as certain 2017 and newer Nissan model vehicles equipped special Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems (AEB/FCW) are reported to be malfunctioning.
The AEB/FCW system is designed to automatically engage the brakes and stop the car in case of a driver’s failure to use the brakes. This system is a safety feature designed to detect obstacles and automatically apply the brakes in case of an imminent collision, preventing a crash from occurring.
However, it seems that this radar system was no exception when it came to experiencing defects, therefore undermining its reliability and ability to work properly.
Which Models are Affected by the Defective Brake System?
According to reports, the following 2017-current Nissan models equipped with AEB/FCW models are facing the current issues:
Nissan Altima
Nissan Armada
Nissan Kicks
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Rogue
Nisan Rogue Sport
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Kicks and Versa models are reported to be experiencing the defective radar system.
What is Wrong with AEB/FCW Radar System?
The AEB/FCW systems work in conjunction to prevent collisions. Cars equipped with such systems have a series of sensors, radar, and cameras, which support the FCW system that issues visual and audible alerts if there is an obstacle ahead. If a collision is imminent, the AEB system will engage and activate the brakes automatically.
Allegedly, a flawed radar module has been reported to force the system frequently to activate itself and suddenly stop the vehicles for no reason. The radar modules are apparently creating false-positives and stopping the cars at random and unnecessary times. Drivers are caught off-guard by the sudden and automatic actions of the defective system that have caused approximately 14 crashes and 5 injuries that are known to date.
In addition, the flaws in the system are reported to have caused frequent deactivation, with a warning message flashing on the dashboard which reads: “front radar unavailable due to obstruction.” As a result, the radar system stops working resulting in the unavailability of both AEB and cruise control.
So far, more than 1,500 complaints have been filed regarding the AEB malfunctions.
Common Nissan Consumer Experiences & Lawsuits
Given the gravity of the situation, several emergency braking class action lawsuits have been filed regarding the faulty system in defective Nissan models, including:
Brashaw v Nissan North America, Inc.
David Turner v Nissan North America, Inc.
According to the lawsuits, Nissan allegedly issued technical service bulletins to its dealerships, thereby acknowledging the existence of problems with the automatic emergency braking systems.
In addition, many consumers have complained over their issues with the braking system which they have experienced with their Nissan vehicles.
How to Deal with a Faulty Nissan AEB/FCW System?
If you purchased the vehicle in California, it is strongly recommended to opt out of the class action lawsuits that cover your specific vehicle, thereby granting you the chance to pursue a California lemon law claim.
Opting out will help you retain your right to sue individually. While the goal is to seek justice, individuals waive their right to sue both during and after the settlement.
In addition, due to the number of members in a class action lawsuit, individuals may receive an insignificant cut of the final settlement.
Quill & Arrow LLP’s Lemon Law Attorneys in California Can Help with Your Nissan Lemon!
If your Nissan vehicle has been presented to a Nissan authorized repair facility on one or more occasions during the warranty period, you may have rights under the California lemon law. The Nissan lemon law attorneys at Quill & Arrow Law have expert experience understanding the different defects and symptoms associated with Nissan vehicles. Whether it’s a hole in your floorboard or transmission that keeps needing work, our Nissan law attorneys collaborate to understand the history of these inherent problems to demonstrate Nissan’s inability to properly address and confirm your vehicle to its factory warranty.