The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall alert for more than 33,800 Nissan Sentra cars. Certain sedans from Nissan's 2010 and 2011 model years may have faulty battery terminals that may cause an unexpected engine stall while the cars are in motion. The flaw may also prevent an engine restart, increasing the risk of a crash.

According to NHTSA, the issue affects 2010-2011 Nissan Sentra vehicles equipped with MR20 engines and made in May 2010 as well as from July to October 2010. During the manufacturing process, a zinc coating was applied to the battery terminal posts too thickly. The extra coating can result in a voltage drop that may increasing difficulty in starting the car or perhaps even damage the car's engine control module.

Nissan will notify affected owners to bring their recalled Sentras in to local dealerships where mechanics will replace the faulty battery terminals free of charge.

The company plans on contacting customers of the recall by Jan. 23, 2012. But consumers can call Nissan (toll-free: 800-647-7261) or visit the NHTSA website, www.SaferCar.gov for more information regarding this Nissan Sentra recall.

Recall: 2010-2011 Nissan Sentra - Battery Cables Campaign ID#: 11V579000 [NHTSA]