Nissan Recalls Sentra, Juke for Engine Stalling

DETROIT (AP) - Nissan Motor Co. is recalling nearly 34,000 Sentra compact cars because of a battery cable problem that could cause the engines to stall.

Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that a zinc coating on the cable bolts could be too thick. That can cause a voltage drop that can damage the engine control computer. The documents say the cars can stall while moving and it may not be possible to restart them, increasing the risk of a crash.

The filings appeared on the NHTSA website over the weekend.

The problem affects 2010 and 2011 Sentras equipped with MR-20 engines that were built from May 11, 2010 to May 22, 2010, and from July 8, 2010 to Oct. 25, 2010, according to the NHTSA documents.

Nissan says it will replace the positive battery cables and covers free of charge starting on or before Jan. 23, 2012.

Nissan also is recalling more than 28,000 Juke small crossover SUVs from the 2011 model year. A turbocharger boost sensor bracket can break free from an air inlet tube because of a defective weld, according to NHTSA. If that happens, the vehicles can stall while the engines are idling, raising the risk of a crash, the agency said.

The Jukes were built from April 9, 2010 through May 12, 2011. The company will check the brackets and replace them free of charge if necessary, according to the documents. The recall is expected to start around Jan. 9, 2012.

Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman said that no crashes or injuries have happened because of either problem.

Owners with questions can call Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Online: www.nissanusa.com/apps/contactus/recall