Nissan Expands Altima Recall | Hoods Could Open
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Nissan is recalling more than 1.8 million Altima sedans to fix a faulty hood latch that has already been the reason for other recalls. If the latch fails, the vehicle’s hood may open while driving, creating a distraction or even blocking the driver’s view, which could cause a crash.
This new recall is for Altimas from the 2013 through 2018 model years. And Altimas from 2013 through 2015 that had its hood latch repaired after recalls in 2014, 2015, and 2016 will need to be brought back in for another repair. That fix is still under development, a Nissan spokesperson told CR.
Nissan told CR that it has received 16 reports about what it calls "minor" crashes or injuries involving Altimas from the 2013 through 2015 model years that weren't repaired under an earlier recall. The automaker didn't respond to CR's request for clarification on what it considers minor.
Nissan said it's not aware of any crashes or injuries involving Altimas previously repaired after earlier recalls or with vehicles from the 2016 through 2018 model years. The automaker did say it "received a small number of reports involving a customer’s hood opening unexpectedly," which prompted this latest recall.
The original problem was caused by a poorly painted hood latch that prematurely corroded to the point where it couldn't fit securely in place when the hood was closed. Earlier recall repairs involved lubricating and even replacing the latch, but they weren't successful.
If your hood opens when you're driving, "as calmly and smoothly as possible, bring the car to a full stop," says John Ibbotson, CR’s chief automotive services manager, and get out of the flow of traffic if possible. "Be careful pulling to the side, as this viewpoint may be limited as well," he adds.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 1.8 million Nissan Altima sedans sold in the U.S. and territories from the 2013 through 2018 model years.
The problem: A faulty hood latch may allow the vehicle’s hood to open while the car is on the road, which would obstruct the driver’s view and could cause a crash.
The fix: Nissan says it's still developing one.
How to contact the manufacturer: Nissan told CR it would notify owners of affected vehicles this month and give them instructions on how to care for the latch until it can be repaired. Owners will receive a second notification when a repair has been developed.
NHTSA campaign number: There isn't a NHTSA campaign number for this recall yet.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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