Nissan is recalling model year 2009-2010 Cube vehicles manufactured from Jan. 30, 2009, through July 30, 2010. About 46,000 Cube models are affected.

An independent crash test conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that Nissan Cube models do not comply with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard that limits the amount of fuel that can leak in a rear crash.

Leaking gasoline during an accident can cause a fire if somthing ignites it.

Nissan said in a memo to NHTSA that its internal testing had not revealed the failure, but it could find no problems with the test that the Cube failed.

The Cuberecall is expected to begin on or before Aug. 30.  Nissan dealers will install “a special protector” on the gasoline recirculation tube at the location of the filler neck connector.

The service will be performed free of charge as is required by U.S. law. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.