Episode 14

Owners of some Nissan Navaras have discovered corrosion on their chassis, with a number even snapping without warning. It is thought the problem could affect models made between 2005-2008.

Malcolm Jones, a sheepdog trainer from Pontardawe, was driving his top of the range 2007 Nissan Navara D40 with his wife when he heard a loud bang. He says “I thought I’d hit something. It was very frightening.” And when Malcolm saw the damage, he was shocked to find the chassis had snapped.

His daughter, Michelle discovered a Facebook campaign with many other Navara owners reporting the same problem. Nissan later collected and bought back the car but Michelle believes her parents had a lucky escape: “it could have killed them. They were going sixty on the motorway literally half an hour previous to it snapping!”

Long-distance lorry driver, Gerwyn Davies has a 55 plate Navara. After finding some corrosion on his chassis during an MOT, Nissan agreed to inspect the vehicle and passed it as safe. But independent vehicle examiner Gareth Rees inserted a camera probe inside the chassis revealing “aggressive corrosion”, and says it’s only “a matter of time before...it becomes un-roadworthy and possibly dangerous.” He believes that there has got to be “a more, in-depth examination and investigation” by Nissan “to identify and resolve this issue.” After the inspection Gerwyn says “I just don’t feel safe in it anymore.”

Nissan insist there is not a 'safety issue', because corrosion is a gradual process and routine maintenance should detect any significant problems. They admit they are aware of a 'relatively small' number of older 'D40' Navaras experiencing chassis corrosion. They're offering free, independent inspections 'where appropriate' and if issues are found, Nissan will 'do the right thing' - which could include repairing or replacing the vehicle.

As for Gerwyn Davies, Nissan say their thorough inspection did not find excessive corrosion - but in light of the concerns raised by expert, Gareth Rees, they're happy to look at the case again!

Nissan say any concerned customers should contact 0330 123 1231.

In the last three years dog thefts have risen by almost a quarter and South Wales is one of the UK’s hotspots for dog-napping.

The most valuable targets for thieves are small, valuable pedigree breeds like French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas along with working dogs in rural areas.

South Wales and Gwent Police recorded more than 320 dog thefts in the last 5 years, but only 14 people were charged.

In October 2016, two year old Toy Poodle Bichon Frise cross, Sherbert – who was worth around £500 - was stolen from Tricia Scott’s Newport home, leaving the family devastated.

Tricia has had help trying to find Sherbert from a local campaigner Jayne Hayes who set up a volunteer organisation called Dog Lost (http://www.doglost.co.uk/) more than ten years ago after also having her family pet stolen. Jayne has managed to reunite 85% of owners who contact her with their dogs as she says they believe nothing disappears into thin air.

Dog charities are urging owners to review their garden security, never to leave dogs tied up outside shops and to be wary of posting pictures widely on social media, as this can alert potential thieves.

Remember if your dog is taken you should contact the police, the dog warden and any local dog rescue centres and veterinary surgeries to see if anyone has brought them in.

For more information on what to do and how to get your dog micro chipped (which is now compulsory by law) go to DogsTrust.org.uk