Nissan Recalls 1.2M Cars Over Missed Final Inspections

Nissan will recall around 1.2 million vehicles in Japan with production dates between October 2014 and September 2017. The 24 affected model lines didn't receive the necessary safety inspections that adhered to Japanese-market rules, according to The Japan Times.

Nissan President Hiroto Saikawa estimated that the recall could cost 25 billion yen ($222 million at current exchange rates) to fix. The company now needs to re-inspect the affected model lines, which include the Leaf, Note, Serena minivan, and Skyline. New vehicles with production dates before September 19 also need new evaluations before dealers can deliver them to customers.

"We must take the registration framework and procedures seriously, regardless of how busy we may be or how short-staffed we may be," Saikawa told journalists, according to Reuters. "We apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers."

Nissan has already hired an independent investigator to figure out how the improper inspections were able to go on for so long without anyone noticing. The initial findings should take around a month to put together.

Nissan North American spokesperson confirms to Motor1 that this recall only affects vehicles in the Japanese market.

The entire Nissan-Renault Alliance, including Mitsubishi, is starting a strategy to expand its electric vehicle lineup. By 2022, the firm automotive group wants to launch 12 EVs that would share several platforms, depending on the needs of the model. This tech would also include "a new family" of electric motors and cutting-edge batteries offering 300 miles or more (483 kilometers). There will possibly be a preview of these new powertrains at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show in October because Nissan will reveal a high-performance, Nismo-tuned concept of the latest Leaf.