Nissan recalls Miicras after steering problems

Nissan has recalled nearly 134.000 Micras because of a manufacturing problem which could see the steering wheel come off.

The recall is part of a global recall of 841,000 Micras and follows complaints in Japan.

"Over time, the nut that holds on the steering wheel can become loose,” a spokesman said.

“This would soon become apparent to the driver and there is no risk of a sudden failure, but if left unchecked this could eventually lead to the steering column being damaged. The check will take less than 15 minutes at a dealer.”

The recall, involving Micras made between December 2002 and May 2006, comes as one British motorist reported the steering wheel coming off in her hands as she was driving at 30 mph.

Elizabeth Abdullah, 56, who is disabled, lost control of her 2005 Micra in Nottingham.

“I thought I was going to die, but just hit the brakes,” she said, adding that she managed to avoid schoolchildren who were on the pavement.

A Nissan spokesman declined to comment on the case, because it was in the hands of solicitors.

According to the company the latest recall is voluntary and is the third to involve the Micra’s steering problem, with the others having taken place in 2003 and 2006.

TeleGraph