Nissan, Infiniti Recalling 168,000 SUVs Over Incorrect Weight Rating
The recall concerns an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on the certification label.
In case you weren’t aware of it or otherwise hadn’t really looked at it all that closely, the label affixed on the driver-side door jamb is full of useful information. You can see your vehicle’s optimum tire pressure, VIN, manufacture date, and even weight ratings. This last item is at the center of the latest recall concerning certain Nissan and Infiniti SUVs.
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Nissan North America is recalling a total of 168,149 vehicles—2020–2026 Nissan Armadas, 2011–2013 Infiniti QX56s, and 2014–2027 Infiniti QX80s—equipped with 22-inch wheels because the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on their certification labels is incorrect. The current label states that the load capacity is higher than it actually is, which could potentially lead to customers overloading their vehicles and increasing their crash risk.
So, how did this happen? As Nissan was developing a new model last year, it found a disagreement between what was specified in FMVSS 110 (“Tire Selection and Rims”) and the resulting testing procedure mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
After an internal investigation, Nissan found that its GAWR amount was calculated based solely on the vehicle’s maximum tire pressure rather than the maximum tire pressure and the OEM-recommended pressure identified on the label. This was due to “ambiguity in the [original FMVSS regulatory statement],” according to the recall document.
Nissan then had some more internal discussions and by early this year, updated the stated figure at the production level and started putting the corrected label on its vehicles moving forward. The automaker said it’s not aware of any crashes, injuries, or warranty claims that stem from this issue. As such, owners will receive the fixed label in the mail, along with instructions on how to attach it. Or they can head to their dealers as well.
It’s not clear from the recall documents how much the incorrect load capacities were off by. But we’re happy to hear nothing bad has happened to anyone because of it. If you happen to be an owner of one of these SUVs, maybe check with your dealer first before loading in your entire home gym.
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I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.
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