Nissan Fire Lawsuit Investigation: Was Your Car Subject to the ABS Actuator Recall?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed in light of multiple recalls issued by Nissan over the past several years regarding a problem with the anti-lock brake (ABS) actuator pump that could present a fire risk.

They have reason to believe that, despite three recalls, the remedies offered by Nissan may not be offering a true fix and that drivers should be compensated for additional losses such as rental car costs and reduced vehicle value.

They’re now looking into whether a class action lawsuit could be filed alleging that a defect is to blame and that Nissan knew about the issue but failed to take proper and timely steps to resolve it.

Nissan ABS Actuator Recall

To date, three recalls have been issued over the Nissan ABS actuator issue. These recalls encompass the following vehicles (with certain production dates), and all note that the ABS actuator pump seal may leak brake fluid, which could lead to an electrical short in the actuator circuit and potentially cause a fire. 

All three recalls note that the ABS warning lamp will illuminate to warn the driver of a problem.

Nissan Fire Risk, ABS Actuator Issue: Consumer Complaints

The following is a sampling of complaints [sic throughout, emphasis ours] submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the Nissan ABS actuator issue. Drivers have complained of vehicle fires, illuminated ABS lights, having to wait for repair parts and that, at the time of their report, their VIN was not included in the recall despite experiencing the outlined issue. 

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and all the warning indicators illuminated. On the outside of the vehicle, there was a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to Price LeBlanc Nissan…where it was diagnosed that the ABS motor failed and needed to be replaced…The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v636000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer informed the contact that the serial number was not included in the range of the recall and did not offer further assistance.”
— NHTSA ID 11079097, 2016 Nissan Murano driver, Louisiana

“The anti-lock brake pump leaked brake fluid onto a circuit board, causing an electrical fire which caused my car to catch on fire. This resulted in the vehicle being totaled out . The vehicle was stationary for about 12 hours in front of home. While on fire the vehicle started itself up without anyone being in the vehicle.”
— NHTSA ID 11142696, 2016 Nissan Maxima driver, Richmond, Virginia

Anti lock brake pump can leak break fluid onto circuit board causing an electrical short and cause a fire risk. Nissan recommends parking vehicles (in my case a murano platinum 2017) outside. If drivers see anti-lock brake warning for more than 10 sec after engine start, do not drive vehicle. Problem- my car vin did not come up on the recall so i never received the warning. I experienced an electrical fire under hood (passenger side) when car was off and parked inside my garage. We happen to be home and smell smoke. Called nissan corporate to urge the recall be issued again”
— NHTSA ID 11193179, 2017 Nissan Murano driver, Massachusetts

The contact's son owned a 2018 Nissan Maxima. The contact stated while the driver was driving 5 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the driver opened the hood, and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The fire was extinguished by the fire department…The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included.”
— NHTSA ID 11586726, 2018 Nissan Maxima driver, Arizona

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v807000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the parts for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair…VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
—NHTSA ID 11311117, 2017 Nissan Pathfinder driver, North Carolina

Vehicle had Nissan anti-lock brake (abs) actuator safety recall repaired on 3/12/21. Ten minutes after leaving dealership ABS warning lights started coming on again and continue to come on, not every trip, but several times per week. Obviously, the repair has not addressed this safety issue completely. Vehicle has about 47,000 miles on it.”
—NHTSA ID 11404295, 2018 Nissan Pathfinder driver, Texas

ABS light goes on once or twice a week and stays on until car is turned off. My car isn't listed under recall with my VIN number. It is within the make, model, and year same ad the other cars that are recalled for ABS light.”
— NHTSA ID 11355371, 2017 Infiniti QX60 driver, Arizona

The contact owns a 2018 Infiniti QX60. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v807000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that Murfreesboro Volkswagen…exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
— NHTSA ID 11297919, 2018 Infiniti QX60 driver, Tennessee

A Maryland family of five also reached out to Fox News after their 2015 Nissan Murano caught fire in their driveway, leaving behind only “charred remains and glass strewn about from the explosion.”

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

If filed and successful, a class action lawsuit could help drivers find a permanent fix for the issue and recover money for loss of vehicle value, rental car costs and more.

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