Nissan, Jeep, Ford, Mazda, Infiniti, Citroen models recalled

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recall notices, with models from Nissan, Jeep, Ford, Mazda, Infiniti and Citroen affected.

Nissan Australia has called back 28,481 examples of its second-generation Qashqai compact SUV over a potential rear-right wheelarch protector issue.

Due to insufficient rigidity, this part's lower edge could become deformed under certain conditions. Specifically, when travelling at high speeds with a significant load, the protector may make contact with the brake hose.

Repeated contact over time could wear through the outer protective cover of the brake hose, damaging the inner reinforcing braiding and, in extreme cases, wearing a hole in the hose itself. 

If this occurs, brake fluid would leak from one of the two hydraulic circuits, causing increased brake pedal travel and the 'brake malfunction' warning light to illuminate.

This component may have been incorrectly installed during a previous safety recall.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has recalled 26,985 examples of its 2011-2014 fourth-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee large SUV over a possible brake booster water shield fault.

This component may have been incorrectly installed during a previous safety recall, leading it to becoming less effective in diverting water away from the brake booster assembly, which could result in corrosion and subsequent water intrusion of the brake booster.

In a cold climate, such an occurrence may lead to freezing and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and occupant injury.

Ford Australia has called back 5655 examples of its Ranger utility, while Mazda Australia has recalled 2904 examples of its BT-50 utility, with the mechanical twins impacted by the same potential manual gearshift retaining clip issue. 

This part may not be securely fastened, which could lead to the gearshift cables making contact with the rear driveshaft that, if repetitive, can damage both components.

As a result, changing gears could become more difficult, or drive may be lost altogether, increasing the risk of an accident. However, there have been no reported cases of this in Australia, according to Ford.

Affected Rangers were built between June 5, 2015 and February 12, 2016, while its BT-50 counterparts were on sale from July 14, 2015 to February 2, 2016.

Infiniti Australia has called back 532 combined examples of its first-gen Q30 small car and QX30 compact SUV, with both models affected by a fault with their steering column.

If this hazard alert is ignored by the driver for extended periods, electrostatic charge may build up on the steering wheel.

This part has no electrical connection to the ground other than a spiral cable, which, if damaged, would illuminate the 'airbag' warning light.

If this hazard alert is ignored by the driver for extended periods, electrostatic charge may build up on the steering wheel.

Importantly, this could be discharged through the electrical circuit of the driver airbag in limited circumstances, which could be sufficient enough to trigger the driver airbag to unexpectedly deploy.

Citroen Australia has recalled 279 examples of its C4 Cactus compact SUV sold between November 2, 2015 and April 29, 2017 over a possible striker wire support issue.

Located on the bonnet lining, this component may not be sufficiently secure, potentially allowing the bonnet to open when the vehicle is in motion.

Such an event would obstruct the driver's vision and increase the risk of an accident for occupants and other road users.

Owners of any aforementioned vehicles will be contacted by the respective manufacturer and instructed to book a service appointment with their preferred dealership, where a free-of-charge inspection and repair or replacement will be completed.

Anyone looking for more information on these recalls – including a full list of affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) – can search the ACCC's Product Safety Australia website.

Has your vehicle been impacted by this latest round of safety recall notices? Tell us in the comments below.