Nissan recalls 650,000 cars

WASHINGTON -- Nissan North America Inc. is recalling more than 650,000 cars because their engines may suddenly stop running.

Affected models are 2002 and 2005-06 Altimas and Sentras with 2.5-liter engines.

The crankshaft position sensor can overheat and briefly stop sending signals. If the interruption is too brief for the engine control module to diagnose the problem, the engine stops, increasing the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

Dealers will reprogram the engine control module to correct the problem, NHTSA said. Owner notification is to begin about Dec. 10.