Nissan Pathfinder recalled for brake fire risk

Nissan has announced a recall for its Pathfinder SUV to fix a potential problem that it says could cause a fire in the car's braking system.

However, the company admits that parts to fix the problem won't be available for at least six months.

Nissan says that a faulty fluid seal inside an anti-lock brake actuator could potentially leak, spilling brake fluid onto the electrically operated actuator.

"If this occurs, an ABS warning lamp will illuminate to warn the driver.," reads a statement from Nissan. "If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, the brake fluid leak may create an electrical short in the actuator circuit, which could lead to a fire."

Almost 6000 V6 petrol-engined Pathfinders from 2017 and 2018 - known as the R52 - are affected, and the recall also includes cars that were recalled in October 2018 to fix the same fault.

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Unfortunately, Nissan admits that the parts needed to fix the problem aren't in stock.

"Replacement parts will not be available until mid-2020," the statement continues. "Once replacement parts become available, affected consumers will be contacted by Nissan Australia to arrange the replacement of the ABS actuator at no cost to consumers."

If the vehicle's ABS light on the dashboard illuminates for more than ten seconds, Nissan is advising customers to park the cars outside and call Nissan Roadside Assistance.

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V6 petrol-powered Pathfinders built between 9 February 2017 and 31 October 2019 are affected.

Nissan has been contacted for further comment.

The company has - aside from the ongoing Takata airbag saga - had an impressively low rate of recalls in 2019, with the Pathfinder recall only the second for 2019.