— Nissan Rogue owners should watch their heads when opening the rear lift gates because it's possible the supports used to hold the gates up will fail.
The automaker is recalling more than 108,000 model year 2014-2016 Rogues with bad "stays" used for the rear lift gates.
Nissan says the anti-corrosion treatment used on the outer tube on the rear lift gate "stay" was altered from specification by the supplier.
The rear lift gate stay provides power assist to the rear lift gate and operates under high pressure gas. If the anti-corrosion coating is insufficient, the outer tube of the rear lift gate stay may corrode over time due to salt and water penetration, causing a sudden release of pressure. The rear lift gate suddenly falling down can cause severe injuries to anyone near the gate.
The automaker learned of the lift gate problems after several reports from overseas concerning rear lift gate stays breaking on older Nissan vehicles that aren't sold in the U.S.
An investigation determined the same faulty "stay" component was installed on the Rogue SUVs in U.S.
Nissan conducted a parts collection program and reviewed available data to determine whether there were any incidents in the U.S. Based on available evidence, no owners have complained about any accidents or injuries caused by the lift gates.
The recalled 2014-2016 Nissan Rogues were built July 31, 2013, to January 16, 2016.
Nissan doesn't know when the lift gate recall will begin, but owner notification letters will be mailed within 60 days. A second letter will be mailed once the automaker has all the needed parts. Plans are to replace both rear door stays with new stays.
Owners of the recalled Nissan Rogue SUVs may call Nissan customer service at 800-647-7261.