NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E095
Manufacturer Alpha Technology Corp
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected 153,462
The vehicle stall from the engine turning off could increase the risk of a crash.
Summary
Alpha Technology Corp (Alpha) is recalling certain mechanical key ignition switch systems, part number FOJ57 00000. Over time, weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the RUN position into the ACCESSORY position, turning off the engine.
Remedy
Alpha has notified the affected vehicle manufacturers. If those manufacturers determine that the switches create a safety risk in their vehicles, they will notify their owners and replace the switch, free of charge.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
November 27, 2018
Campaign # 18E-095
Dear
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Alpha Technology Corporation has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the following Alpha parts:
- Identification of equipment affected:
The defective products include manual steering column locks and ignition switches for the Nissan
vehicles subject to Safety Recall 18V-551 and certain Subaru vehicles.
Therefore, Alpha Technology is recalling these steering column locks or ignition switches, and will replace these parts without charge.
These parts were manufactured for the following Nissan and Subaru vehicles:
153,047 products incorporated as original equipment in the following vehicles manufactured by Nissan and subject to Safety Recall 18V-551 :
| Vehicle | Model Year(s) |
| Nissan NV 200 | 2017 |
| Nissan Sentra | 2017 |
| Nissan Frontier | 2017-2018 |
| Nissan NV3500 Van | 2017 |
| Nissan Taxi | 2017 |
| Nissan NV 3500 Bus | 2017 |
| Nissan Versa Note | 2017-2018 |
| Nissan Versa Sedan | 2017-2018 |
| Chevrolet City Express | 2017 |
| Nissan NV 1500 Diesel Van | 2017 |
| Nissan NV 2500 Van | 2017 |
- 395 service parts as identified in the enclosed list for Nissan vehicles including but not limited to the Nissan vehicles in the foregoing paragraph.
- 20 replacement manual steering column locks and ignition switches which were delivered to Subaru between April 10, 2017 and May 1, 2017 for Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2012 which had the subject parts used as replacement parts after April 10, 2017.
- Pescription of possible malfunction and safety evaluation:
Alpha Technology Corporation has identified that the mechanical key ignition systems may have been equipped with a ball spring which could be susceptible to long-term excessive wear and possible fatigue breakage. If the ball spring breaks, the retention force of the ignition switch is reduced. Vibration while driving may pull the ignition switch from the “ON’ position to the “ACC” position, especially if there is a heavy key ring. On Nissan vehicles with these parts as original equipment and subject to its recall, there is a risk that the engine would stop while the vehicle is running. This creates an increased risk of a crash and increased potential for injury.
- Vehicle owner precautions:
It is possible that the ignition system would lose its “click” when the spring broke, but the driver may not notice this.
- Owner remedv measures:
Alpha Technology Corporation wishes to recover as many of these parts as possible. Therefore, we respectfully request that you quarantine and return the subject part numbers according to Attachment A. Recalled ignition switches or steering column locking mechanisms in possession of your customers also should be returned to Alpha Technology Corporation. For reference, we have included a complete list of these recalled part numbers and our sales records which reflect the parts’ sales to you.
For return of unused recalled parts, please complete the attached Recall RMA (return material authorization) Request Form. A RMA and shipping instructions will be sent back to you in a timely manner. The return package should be clearly marked with the words “reference ignition switch recall”.
The return of the pad(s) will be at no cost to you. Upon return of the part(s), your account will be credited for the part(s). For replacement of recalled product, you will need to order the appropriate stock number from Alpha Technology Material Department.
Dealers who purchased these items should follow instructions issued per car manufacturer.
If the replacement part has been installed on a vehicle, Alpha Technology Corporation will pay for replacement of the defective part(s), as well as shipping charges. For reimbursement of inspection and replacement of the recalled part(s), Alpha Technology Corporation will establish procedure meeting each car manufacturer’s requirement.
Alpha Technology will reimburse 100% of the labor cost of inspection and replacement of the defective ignition switches.
- Violation of federal law to sell equipment covered by this recall:
No recalled ignition switches or steering locks containing them currently in your inventory may be sold as it is a violation of federal law to sell a recalled item of motor vehicle equipment.
Please review the above information and contact Alpha Technology Corporation at with any questions. Although this recall will be continuing, please process returns of product in your inventory by January 1 1, 2019.
- Owner complaint process:
The owner of a vehicle with a recalled ignition switch or a manual steering column lock containing a recalled ignition switch may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: I- 800-424-9153), or go to https://www.safercar.qov, if the owner believes that Alpha Technology has failed or is unable to remedy without charge the condition outlined above within a reasonable time.
Our commitment to product quality is at the forefront of all we do at Alpha Technology Corporation. Our dedication to manufacturing mastery is supported by all within the organization.
Alpha Technology Corporation apologizes for any inconvenience. We know, however, that you share our concern for vehicle safety. We appreciate your immediate response to this matter.
Sincerely,
Yuichi Sait
President
Manufacturer Notices
November 27, 2018
Recall Acknowledgement
November 2, 2018
Latest Recalls Documents
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