Nissan has been forced to recall a string of its R52 Pathfinder vehicles.

Certain Pathfinders built between May 2013 and November 2013 and sold in Australia have a potentially dangerous defect.

Authorities say that if the ‘primary bonnet latch’ of affected cars is not engaged, the secondary bonnet latch may not hold the bonnet closed.

This means that the bonnet may fly open while driving, obscuring the driver’s vision and placing them in obvious danger.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says about 4,200 potentially defective vehicles were sold at Nissan dealerships across Australia.

The problem exists in Pathfinders in the VIN range: 5N1AR2M****600008 to 5N1AR2M****650382.

“Owners of vehicles within the affected VIN range will soon be advised to contact their Nissan Dealer to arrange for the secondary bonnet latch to be remedied to ensure proper secondary latch engagement and operation,” ACCC’s statement reads.

“The rectification will be at no cost to owners.

“Until such time as their vehicle is presented to a dealership for rectification, Nissan R52 Pathfinder owners should ensure that their bonnet is completely closed and latched before driving.”

The same Pathfinder issue has also prompted the recall of vehicles in the US, which is combined there with a separated issue forcing the retraction of 552,135 Nissan Rogues from model years 2008 and 2013.