Nissan Recalling 46,000 Cubes After Fuel Spill in NHTSA Crash Tests


The Nissan Cube seems to be facing a similar problem with the Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan that was recalled last month because of excess fuel leakage during government rear-impact crash tests.

In documents filed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website, the safety agency noted: "When the vehicle was rotated following a rear moving barrier crash test as required, the amount of fuel leakage exceeded the allowable limits."

The Japanese automaker said its own tests had not result in any fuel leakage, but it will issue a voluntary recall of 46,000 U.S. market Cube vehicles built from January 30, 2009 through July 30, 2010.

Nissan says its earlier tests did not show any fuel leakage, but it will issue a voluntary recall of 5,400 vehicles in Canada and 45,700 in the U.S.

"Dealers will develop a special protector and attach it to the gasoline recirculation tube at the location of the filler neck connector. This service will be performed free of charge," Nissan said in a statement to the NHTSA's website.

The safety recall is expected to begin on or before August 30, 2010. Owners of the recalled Cube models may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 for more information.