Concern over Nissan trucks

Nissan has been urged to recall a 4x4 pick-up truck after a campaign run by a Sunderland dad.

Richy Holmes set up the online group after his Navara snapped with his pregnant wife and daughter inside as it was towing a caravan.

The 50-year-old mechanic told a national newspaper: “I was only going a few miles an hour. I dread to think what could’ve happened if I’d been going faster. It’s an absolute disgrace that these vehicles are still on the roads.”

Owners of Navaras have reported finding rust, which can crack the chassis.

More than 15,000 people have joined the Facebook group for motorists concerned about models registered between 2005 and 2011.

Nissan said it was aware of the issue in a “relatively small number” of previous generation D40 Navaras and has put measures in place to “quickly resolve the concerns of any customers”.

Depending on the age of the vehicle, some have been given a free inspection and the Japanese manufacturer has bought back a number of affected trucks.

But calls are growing for a full safety recall to be announced.

In response to the rust issue, a spokesman for the car maker said: “As long as these vehicles are properly maintained, serviced and MoT’d they are safe to drive, and we are dealing with each customer on a case by case basis.

“As is standard industry practice, we only recall a vehicle when there’s a safety issue.”

Any concerned customers are advised to telephone Nissan on 0330 123 1231. The Navara is not built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.