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Nissan recalling Maximas, Muranos due to brake fluid leak risk

Nissan is recalling about 134,000 vehicles, including almost 11,000 in Canada, due to a potential brake fluid leak problem that could cause a fire.

Close to 11,000 vehicles in Canada are part of the recall

A 2016 Nissan Maxima SR is seen at the New York International Auto Show. Nissan says it is recalling some Maximas and Muranos due to the risk that a brake fluid leak could possibly lead to a fire. (Mark Lennihan/Associated Press)

Nissan is recalling about 134,000 vehicles due a potential brake fluid leak problem that could cause a fire.

Approximately 10,819 vehicles in Canada are subject to this recall, including:

  • The 2016 Nissan Maxima.     
  • The 2017 Nissan Maxima.      
  • The 2015 Nissan Murano.        
  • the 2016 Nissan Murano.       

Regulators in Canada and the United States say the affected vehicles have Anti-Lock Brake actuator pumps that may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal electrical circuit board.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said a brake fluid leak onto the circuit board will result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Nissan said no one has been injured, although there have been some incidents reported of "thermal damage."

NHTSA said that when brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp may remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after the engine is started. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and not drive it.

Transport Canada said dealers will inspect the ABS actuator and will replace it if necessary.

Nissan said it learned of the problem after getting a report of a fire in a 2016 Maxima on June 7. The company investigated and found several more fires. It decided to recall the cars on Aug. 24, according to documents. 

About 120,000 of the vehicles are registered in the United States.

With files from Reuters and The Associated Press