The United State safety regulators are conducting a preliminary investigation into complaints of faulty brakes in the 2009 Nissan Murano line.
The inquiry covers 110,000 Murano crossovers, the Associated Press reported.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published documents Friday citing 58 complaints.
The next phase would be an engineering analysis, which would take place if the preliminary evaluation suggests a vehicle may have a harmful defect. Based on the outcome of that analysis, a vehicle may be recalled or the inquiry may be closed without further action.
Steve Yaeger, a Nissan North America representative, confirmed the investigation is underway.
“Nissan is reviewing its data and, as always, will be working cooperatively with the regulators to answer their questions,” he said.
Some reports on the 2009 Murano allege the brake pedal loses pressure, becoming “spongy” on low-friction surfaces, making it difficult for drivers to stop.
One driver reported a bump in the road rendered the brake inoperable, though the pedal was depressed to the floorboard. Another reported their vehicle continued into an intersection.
A driver from West Park, Fla., reported a crash resulting from faulty brakes. After switching to the right lane, the vehicle was hit on the right passenger side. The driver and front passenger sustained back injuries, and a passenger in the back suffered a head injury.
A few months later, the driver described another crash in the same vehicle. In both cases, the airbags failed.
Drivers also reported that if the antilock brake hydraulic control unit was replaced, that ostensibly rectified the issue. Those who file complaints to NHTSA are not identified in the agency’s database.
