Turn Off the Bright Lights: Nissan Recalls 267,000 Pathfinders for Faulty Brakelights

Failing brakelights are an obvious safety hazard for any motorist, but it can be just as dangerous to drive around with your brakelights perpetually illuminated. That’s the issue being addressed by a new recall from Nissan to more than 267,000 owners of model-year 2013-15 Pathfinder SUVs.

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Nissan says that over time, the location of the brakelight switch may cause the switch relay to stick in its on position and the lights to stay illuminated even when the driver doesn’t hit the brake pedal. Additionally, it may interfere with another component that could allow the driver to shift out of Park without depressing the brakes. The consequence isn’t just that your lights are stuck on or you’re more susceptible to a rollaway: With the brake override activated, a driver won’t be able to accelerate normally, further increasing the risk of a crash.

To resolve the issue, dealers will inspect and, as necessary, either reinstall the brakelight switch or swap positions with the switch for the automatic speed-control device; the repair depends on the Pathfinder’s model year. In addition, dealers will replace the brakelight relay with a new one. All repairs are free, and Nissan will begin notifying owners March 1. Owners with questions can call the automaker at 800-867-7669 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236. They also can visit NHTSA’s website to check their vehicle identification number and learn more.

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