Japanese carmaker Nissan on Tuesday recalled more than 134,000 US cars sold under its luxury brand Infiniti amid fears that the vehicles' airbags may not deploy in a crash.
The company said it was recalling Infiniti G35 model sedans and coupes because of a wiring flaw that could cause the airbag to shut off.
"This issue came to our attention through an internal investigation. We are not aware of any incidents or injuries," Colin Price, a company spokesman told AFP.
The problem affects US-sold G35 sedans made from 2005 to 2006 and coupes from 2005 to 2007.
The cars are also sold in Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, South Korea, Taiwan and the Middle East.
"On a small percentage of the potentially affected vehicles, a harness connector issue could cause the passenger airbag to shut off," the company said in a statement.
"Infiniti will inspect and repair the passenger air bag harness to address this issue."
But Nissan USA hinted that more recalls could be on the way: "Infiniti will also address this issue in each individual market where these vehicles have been distributed."
It is just the latest in a string of recalls to hit the US auto market.
Nissan's fellow Japanese firm Toyota has been hardest hit. Toyota has been forced to recall around 10 million vehicles worldwide.
"Infiniti is committed to a high level of safety, customer service and satisfaction and is working with its dealers to promptly address this issue," the company said in a statement.
The firm said it had notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a US government watchdog.
In a letter to the NHTSA on April 20 Nissan said 134,215 vehicles were affected.
Nissan said a wire harness connecting a belt tension and passenger detection sensors could be disrupted by movement caused by vehicle vibration or passengers getting in and out of the car.
The first reports of the defect came in April to May 2009, but was not able to duplicate the defect using warranty returned parts.
After a series of tests the company decided on the recall on April 14.
Tuesday's announcement comes as automakers were starting to come back to their feet after a bruising recession.
On Monday Nissan reported its sales in April were up 35 percent versus the same month a year before. Infiniti sales were up 46 percent.
"Customers are coming back into the market, and our combination of quality, safety, value and performance are drawing them into Nissan and Infiniti showrooms," said Nissan executive Brian Carolin announcing the results.
In the US market automakers -- Ford, General Motors and Chrysler -- also reported positive year-on-year sales figures on Monday, building an a gradual upward turn for the industry after a difficult 12 months.
Toyota USA, also reported improved sales across its divisions.
Copyright 2010  AFP Global Edition
