Recall 18V551 covers 153,047 2017-2018 Nissan vehicles with ignition switches that can leave run position and stall. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 153,047 2017-2018 Versa Note, Frontier, Sentra, NV200, NV3500, and City Express vehicles under recall 18V551 because road jolts or a heavy key ring can turn the mechanical ignition switch from run to accessory and shut off the engine. A stall can increase crash risk; Nissan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ignition switch on the 2017-2018 Nissan vehicles in this recall is the mechanical key switch behind the steering column. It holds the key in the run position after startup, which keeps engine power and the vehicle's electrical systems operating while you drive.
In the recalled switch, a small ball spring inside the ignition assembly can wear down or break after an estimated 6 years of normal use. Added weight on the key ring, rough roads, or another jolt can then let the key move from run to accessory. When that happens, the engine turns off instead of staying powered.
This recall applies to vehicles with a physical key ignition system, not vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Key system. There is no warning sign before failure. The engine can shut off without a dashboard message or a change in how the key feels before the switch moves out of run.
Who's affected?
The scope crosses passenger cars, vans, and one pickup line across the 2017-2018 model years, all tied to the ignition electrical system.
| 2017 Nissan Versa Note | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan NV3500 | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan NV200 Taxi | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan NV2500 | electrical system |
| 2018 Nissan Versa | electrical system |
| 2017 Chevrolet City Express | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan Versa | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan Frontier | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan Sentra | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan NV1500 | electrical system |
| 2017 Nissan NV200 | electrical system |
| 2018 Nissan Versa Note | electrical system |
| 2018 Nissan Frontier | electrical system |
| Units affected | 153,047 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected stall can leave you without engine power in traffic and increase the risk of a crash. If the engine stalls, steer to a safe place, turn on hazards, and call the dealer before driving again. Schedule the ignition-switch inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Nissan Versa Note, NV3500, NV200 Taxi, NV2500, Versa, City Express, Frontier, Sentra, NV1500, or NV200 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free ignition-switch inspection and replacement that fixes switch movement that can shut off the engine.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V551 when you call.
- Keep heavy key rings off the ignition key until the repair is complete.
- Drive cautiously until the repair, and pull over safely if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician inspects the production information on the ignition switch and replaces the switch if the inspection shows it is covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Repairs already paid for are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicles remain under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 21, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 5, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 5, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 1, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 19, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V551?
Recall 18V551 covers 153,047 2017-2018 Nissan vehicles with a mechanical key ignition system. Key-ring weight and a jarring road event can move the ignition switch from run to accessory, turning off the engine. A stall increases crash risk. Nissan dealers inspect the switch and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Nissan Versa Note, NV3500, NV200 Taxi, NV2500, Versa, City Express, Frontier, Sentra, NV1500, or NV200 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V551. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the ignition switch inspection. Reference recall number 18V551 when you call. The dealer replaces the switch as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V551, Nissan dealers inspect the production information on the ignition switch and replace the switch as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V551?
The risk is an engine stall while driving. If the ignition switch moves from run to accessory, the engine can turn off, and a stall increases the risk of a crash. Use the VIN check first, then schedule the free dealer inspection if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Nissan's owner notice, check your VIN to see whether your vehicle is included in recall 18V551, then call a franchised Nissan dealer for the free inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V551000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-867-7669 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V551 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V551000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →