Nissan, Chrysler, Hyundai recall vehicles

July 3, 2002 REUTERS reported that U.S. auto safety officials said yesterday that Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. would recall 161,000 cars to fix an electrical part that could start a fire.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a diode used in alternators on 1997 Nissan Maxima, Infiniti I30 and Q45 sedans could have been damaged during production. If the diode fails, it could create a short circuit and possibly a fire.

NHTSA also said DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler arm would recall 97,000 1997 Dodge Ram diesel pickups to fix a throttle part that can corrode and stick, increasing the risk of a crash.

Chrysler will also recall 77,000 2001 Chrysler PT Cruisers to fix a child seat anchor that doesn't conform to NHTSA standards.

Hyundai Motor Co. will recall 34,000 Accent hatchbacks to reinforce the passenger's roof pillar, which failed to meet NHTSA's standards for crashworthiness.