DAMAGED by the loss of Carlos Ghosn as its chairman and the residual backlash by investors, Nissan this week took another hit with about 150,000 vehicles recalled for allegedly inadequate testing of new-vehicle braking systems.

The resultant recall of the vehicles – Note, Leaf, March and Cube – made from November 2017 and October 2018 follows a larger recall last year involving more than one million vehicles, also caused by poor final testing of new vehicles. No vehicle is believed to have been sold in Australia.

Nissan also had a 250,000-vehicle recall in North America in September for possible fire risks; leaking brake systems in 550 cars in Australia in October; and ongoing Takata airbag replacements.

It also admitted in July 2018 that data on exhaust emissions and fuel economy had been “deliberately altered”.

The latest recall came after Japan’s transport ministry officials conducted on-site investigations at Nissan’s major assembly plants in Japan.

Officials reported that several employees admitted carrying out inadequate tests on vehicle braking systems, speedometers and other parts before shipment to local dealers.

It is believed 10 models are affected, including the Note light car, Leaf electric vehicle, and the March and Cube small cars produced between November 2017 and October 2018.

Nissan management was reportedly under severe pressure from Mr Ghosn for failing to meet quality standards prior to his sacking.

By Neil Dowling