2009-'10 Nissan Cube Recalled Over Fuel Leakage

WASHINGTON — Nissan is recalling 46,000 2009-'10 Cubes because of fuel leakage, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, 'fuel system integrity,' " said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "When the vehicle was rotated following a rear moving barrier crash test as required, the amount of fuel leakage exceeded the allowable limits. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire."

Nissan, while conducting a recall of the Cube, said in other documentation filed with the federal government that "Nissan notes that it previously conducted internal certification testing, which did not result in any fuel leakage." That documentation was signed by John Gibbons, Nissan senior manager of technical compliance.

Nissan dealers will develop a special protector and attach it to the gasoline recirculation tube at the location of the filler neck connector. The recall is expected to begin on August 30. Owners can contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Nissan Cube, be aware that a fix is being put in place and should be ready by the end of August. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent