Japanese car giant Nissan has recalled 51,000 Qashqais from around the globe, to investigate a possible major issue with their steering wheels.
The recall affects the Nissan Qashqai crossover, the Qashqai+2 and the NV200 van, including models sold in Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Pacific regions. The vehicles affected are those built between 27 February and 16 May 2012.
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It has been confirmed that 7,000 Qashqai cars in the UK are amongst those being recalled for the steering wheel fault.
The decision to recall was prompted by a report in Finland at the end of last month, which found that the steering wheel inside a Qashqai+2 had fallen off while it was being driven.
Reports quote the Nissan Nordic Europe's communication manager, Taina Erkkila, explain that the fault has occurred due to alterations made in the production process of a subcontractor's factory.
It's believed that if the steering wheel in these affected cars has a heavy load, it can come loose and start turning in place, taking away all manoeuvrability.
Erkkila also added that of all cars that have been recalled, about 600 could need a new steering wheel.
Nissan dealerships across the UK are contacting owners of the affected vehicles. It has been confirmed by the manufacturer that owners of the recalled Nissans will not be charged for any repair work.
The Nissan Qashqai and Qashqai+2 crossover vehicles are both currently assembled at the company's Sunderland plant. The plant is the biggest car manufacturing plant in the UK today, with a current annual capacity of 480,485 cars.