Nissan Australia has announced a safety recall of 28,162 examples of its new X-TRAIL to replace potentially rusty gas struts that may prevent the rear tailgate from opening.
The recall involves all versions of the current-model (T32) mid-size SUV built between January 2014 and January 2016, except for those fitted with a powered tailgate.
During the same period, Nissan sold 30,535 X-TRAILs, meaning that almost all versions of the latest model, which was launched here in April 2014, are affected.
"Nissan has identified that the paint coating applied during the supplier's manufacturing process of the Back Door Gas Stay does not comply with the design requirement for anti-corrosion," said the company in a statement.
"In extremely rare circumstances, the outer tube of the Gas Stay may corrode and crack resulting in the loss of the pressurised gas inside the Gas Stay.
"In this condition the Gas Stay would be unable to support the opening of the Back Door. There are no reported instances of this issue on Nissan vehicles in Australia."
Nissan says that due to limited parts availability, Australian owners of vehicles within the affected VIN range will be advised in fourth quarter of this year contact their Nissan dealer to arrange the replacement of both tailgate struts when parts are available.
The rectification will be at no cost to owners, who in the meantime can contact Nissan on 1800 035 035 for further information.