Get a $75 Service Credit from ’09 Nissan GT-R Class Action Settlement

Nissan has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it manufactured defective 2009 GT-R vehicles. If you’re a U.S. resident and purchased a 2009 Nissan GT-R automobile from a Nissan dealership or a previous 2009 GT-R owner, you could receive a $75 service coupon and other benefits under the class action settlement.

According to the class action settlement notice, Nissan manufactured and distributed 2009 GT-R vehicles that were allegedly defective, misrepresented the performance capabilities of these vehicles, and, without disclosure, refused to honor customer warranties for damage that occurred as a result of the defect. The alleged defect is the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which, when put into “OFF” mode, helps drivers free their vehicles from mud or snow by abruptly “launching” the GT-R from a standing start. The class action lawsuit claims this launch sequence is stressful to the transmission and may result in transmission damage or failure. Even though the Owner’s Manual encourages owners to use VDC OFF, it does not tell them that it could damage their transmission and that any damage caused is not covered under warranty.

Nissan will not pay for previously-obtained transmission repairs, but you can receive the following benefits from the class action settlement:

(1) If you have a transmission in operable condition, you can present your vehicle at a GT-R Certified Nissan Dealership and, after receiving a free Transmission Control Module programming upgrade, retain your warranty coverage for transmission damage based on VDC OFF usage prior to the date of the class action settlement notice.

(2) Submit a claim form by December 31, 2010 and receive a $75 coupon for service at a GT-R Certified Nissan Dealership.