Nissan to recall 2.5 million cars

Nissan said today it would recall 1.02 million cars in Japan and an additional 1

Nissan said today it would recall 1.02 million cars in Japan and an additional 1.53 million overseas at an estimated cost of $138million due to an engine defect.

The recall, covering 25 models, is the second-biggest ever by an auto maker in Japan, a transport ministry official said. The biggest was also by Nissan, involving about 1.05 million cars in May 1996.

The defect was found inside a sensor in the engine that could lead to a short-circuit and stop the engine from working. There have been no reports of accidents caused by the problem. The recall affects many popular cars including the Sunny, March, Cube and Primera models.

The cars, manufactured between 1998 and May 2003, will be recalled mostly in Japan, but also in the United States, Europe and other smaller markets.