Nissan Recalls Cars In Japan, Mideast

Nissan Motor Co. said Tuesday it will recall 12,917 cars sold in Japan and the Middle East because of faulty antilock brakes.

No accidents linked to the defect have been reported.

The recall applies to four models the Presage minivan, Stagea wagon, Skyline sports coupe and Cima luxury sedan manufactured from August 1998 to March 1999, said Nissan spokesman Kiyoshi Ariga.

Of them, 205 Cima models were exported to the Middle East, Ariga said. The company will notify all owners by mail to have the defective part replaced.

Normal antilock mechanisms prevent brakes from locking up on slippery pavement, slowing the braking process while helping the driver to keep the car from sliding or spinning out of control.

The defect causes the antilock system to operate during normal braking, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, Ariga said.

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