Nissan is recalling more than 809,000 small SUVs in the U.S. and Canada because a key problem can cause the ignition to shut off.
The recall covers certain Rogues from the 2014 through 2020 model years, as well as Rogue Sports from 2017 through 2022, according to the Associated Press.
Nissan says the SUVs have jackknife folding keys that may not stay fully open. If driven with the key partially folded, a driver could touch the fob, inadvertently turning off the engine. This can cause a loss of engine power and power brakes, and the airbags might not inflate in a crash.
The issue stems from the vehicle’s key fob, which opens like a jackknife for the driver to place in the car’s ignition. Nissan said the key fob’s internal pivot can weaken over time, making it possible for it to collapse while the vehicle is running. The issue is especially likely if a driver has added heavy keychains or accessories to the device.
“If the vehicle is driven with the key in the collapsed position, contact with the key fob by the driver could inadvertently turn the vehicle off while driving, increasing the risk of a crash,” Nissan said, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Stephen O’Neil, a Nissan spokesman, said the company wasn’t aware of any injuries or deaths resulting from the issue.
Car and Driver is reporting that Nissan voluntarily notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the vehicle’s key fob problem. Nissan hasn’t yet shared how it will fix the issue.
