2010-'11 Nissan Sentra Recalled for Stalling Risk

Just the Facts:

• Nissan is recalling 33,803 2010-'11 Nissan Sentras because of a battery terminal problem that could lead to the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• The recall is expected to begin on January 23.
• No other Nissan vehicles are affected by this issue because they use a different battery terminal, said the automaker.

WASHINGTON — Nissan is recalling 33,803 2010-'11 Nissan Sentras because of a battery terminal problem that could lead to the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"The zinc coating applied to the terminal stud bolt was thicker than specification," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "This can result in a voltage drop that may cause difficulty starting the vehicle and could cause damage to the engine control module.

"This issue can cause the engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion and it may not be possible to restart the engine after it stopped, increasing the risk of a crash."

The recall involves Sentras with MR20 engines built from May 11, 2010 to May 22, 2010 and July 8, 2010 to October 25, 2010. In November 2010, Nissan recalled 13,737 2010-'11 Sentras to fix a crimping problem on the positive battery terminal cable that could result in a voltage drop. It said that those vehicles are not included in the recall. No other Nissan vehicles are affected by this issue because they use a different battery terminal, said the automaker.

Nissan said it is "aware of incidents of where this (engine control module) damage caused the engine to stop running while the vehicle was in motion."

The recall is expected to begin on January 23.

Nissan dealers will replace the positive battery terminal and cover. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned 2010-'11 Nissan Sentra, be aware that a recall is in the works.