Nissan Z Pedestrian Detection Wiring Issue

Nissan North America, Inc. has announced a voluntary safety recall affecting certain 2023-2024 Nissan Z vehicles due to a significant wiring problem related to the pedestrian detection system. The issue involves the connectors for the right-hand pedestrian detection sensors, which were reversed in the front bumper harness, potentially impacting the proper activation of the vehicle's safety features.

In affected vehicles, the pedestrian detection system, a crucial safety component designed to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians in a collision, relies on sensors that trigger the pop-up engine hood. This system aims to provide an additional cushion to help reduce the severity of injuries in case of a pedestrian impact. However, the reversed connectors in the front bumper harness may result in delayed or failed activation of the pop-up hood, diminishing the effectiveness of the pedestrian protection system.

A Timeline of Events

January 10, 2024: A Nissan technician discovered an incorrect Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) when disconnecting the right-hand pedestrian collision detection sensors from the front bumper harness. This discrepancy led Nissan to initiate a detailed investigation into the issue.

January 2024: During the investigation, Nissan identified a design drawing error in the terminal layout of the bumper harness. This mistake was subsequently corrected, and the updated layout was incorporated into production vehicles as of January 29, 2024.

February – September 2024: Nissan continued to investigate the potential impact of the reversed connections on the pedestrian protection system. The analysis focused on determining whether the improper wiring could compromise the activation of the pop-up hood in real-world scenarios.

October 2024: After months of analysis, Nissan concluded that the reversed wiring could indeed cause delays or even prevent the pop-up engine hood from deploying as needed during certain pedestrian collisions. This finding prompted Nissan to take immediate action.

October 17, 2024: Nissan made the decision to conduct a Voluntary Safety Recall, covering all vehicles that might be affected by this wiring issue.

Next Steps for Nissan and Affected Vehicle Owners

To resolve the problem, Nissan dealers will replace the front bumper harness in all recalled vehicles. The company plans to notify owners about the recall by mail, with notification letters expected to be sent out on December 12, 2024.

Nissan's recall number is R24B6 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-798. The safety and performance of critical vehicle features like pedestrian detection are paramount. Vehicle owners are advised to act swiftly upon receiving the recall notice to ensure their Nissan Z vehicles are repaired and functioning as intended.