Detroit, 15 October 2008: Nissan Motor Co plans to recall 2,04,361 vehicles from its 2007 and 2008 model years in the United States due to possible airbag misfunction in certain models.

According to company sources, the recalls are on account of the possibility that a passenger side airbag could fail to deploy properly in case of an accident.

The voluntary recall covers 2007 and 2008 Nissan Altima, Altima Coupe, 350Z, Murano and Rogue; and Infiniti G35 Sedan, G37 Coupe and EX35 built from 12 March 2007 to 27 May 2008, the company said in a notice to the U.S National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Nissan said it began to investigate the issue in November 2007 after receiving several warranty reports of airbag warning lamps flashing. In late September, Nissan determined that a safety-related defect existed and it should conduct a recall.

In some vehicles, the passenger side airbag could fail to receive a proper signal and a supplemental airbag warning light could flash and a status light would illuminate to warn the driver that it is not working properly.

However, according to Nissan, less than 1% of the vehicles actually contain the defect. It plans to test the vehicles and replace the hardware if necessary. The recall is expected to begin by 3 November 2008.