The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that both Nissan and Ford have recalled three of their most popular brands. Nissan has recalled 2002-2004 Frontier vehicles manufactured between July 9, 2001 and October 20, 2004. Nissan has also recalled 2002-2004 Xterra vehicles manufactured between July 9, 2001 and January 6, 2005. According to the NHTSA website, 500,562 vehicles are involved in this recall. The purpose of the recall is to address a problem with corrosion which can attack the lower steering column joint. Over time, the joint can crack and eventually break. The failure of the steering column shaft can result in the loss of steering control and crash. Nissan dealers will replace the steering column shaft with a shaft of a different design. For additional information, Nissan can be contacted by calling 1-800-647-7261.
The Ford Motor Company has announced the recall of its 1998-2003 Windstar vehicles manufactured between September 1, 1997 and February 28, 2003. The vehicles involved were also registered or orginally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. After several years of operation, corrosion can weaken the rear axle and cause it to crack. Continued use of the vehicle can cause the axle to fail. A fractured axle can cause the driver to lose control and crash. As parts become available, dealers will install rear axle reinforcement brackets free of charge. For further information, owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. The number of vehicles involved in this recall is unknown.