Nissan Recall 2012: 39,000 Versa compact cars being recalled for transmission shifting issues

Nissan Recall 2012

Nissan is recalling some 39,000 2012 Nissan Versa vehicles in North America for transmission shifting issues.

The recall affects certain model of year 2012 Nissan Versa cars equipped with an automatic transmission and manufactured from June 9, 2011, through January 13, 2012.

A total of 36,600 of the said model were distributed in the United States and 2,400 in Canada.

The cars are being recalled for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114,”Theft Protection.”

"Due to interference between the shifter rod and the shift knob, the vehicles may be shifted out of the park position without depressing the brake pedal," a recall announcement on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website reads. "The operator can inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian."

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob or the shifter assembly as needed, free of charge. The Safety Recall is expected to begin on February 20, 2012. Owners may contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.

Owners may also contact the NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov/ .