2012-'14 Nissan Frontier Recalled for Fire Risk

Just the Facts:

• Nissan North America is recalling 13,535 2012-'14 Nissan Frontier pickup trucks because of a fire risk.
• A circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly.
• Nissan told federal safety regulators it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall.

WASHINGTON — Nissan North America is recalling 13,535 2012-'14 Nissan Frontier pickup trucks because of a fire risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"In the affected vehicles, a circuit breaker may have been installed incorrectly, causing the main wire harness connected to the circuit breaker to face outward, potentially contacting a metal bolt located on the A-pillar," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "The bolt may wear through the wire harness covering, resulting in an electrical short which could cause a fire."

Nissan told NHTSA that if the short circuit occurs, the power seat and sunroof functions may become inoperable. In some cases, if the vehicle is turned off, the battery may discharge.

Nissan told federal safety regulators it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall.

The affected trucks were built from November 28, 2012 through December 17, 2013.

No other Nissan or Infiniti vehicles are affected because the circuit breaker orientation is unique to the Frontier.

The recall stems from a report in Mexico during which a customer observed smoke in the cabin near the driver's-side kick panel. Upon inspection, the Nissan technician confirmed that the kick panel contained thermal damage and that the circuit breaker and wiring harness had also been damaged.

Nissan put a plant hold on all Frontier vehicles that received the affected circuit breaker on December 19, 2013, according to documents the company filed with NHTSA.

Nissan dealers will inspect the circuit breaker orientation. If the orientation is incorrect, the truck will be repaired.

The recall is expected to begin in early March. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Edmunds says: This recall begins shortly, but if you own one of the affected Frontiers and notice a problem, get the truck into your dealership immediately.