For the third time, Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. has recalled 2013 and 2014 model year Altimas over a defect that can cause the car’s hood to fly open while moving, posing a significant risk of accident and injury.
Nissan officials warn that paint can flake off the secondary hood latches, exposing bare metal and making it prone to rusting. That rusting can cause the secondary hood latch to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open.
In the two previous recalls, dealers addressed the issue by adjusting the latches and applying a lubricant. However, if the lubricant is applied unevenly, the problem can persist. Now, dealerships instead are replacing faulty latches altogether, free of charge.
The recall affects upward of 800,000 vehicles. To find out if your vehicle is included, visit Nissan’s website and enter your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). A VIN is a unique number that identifies your particular vehicle and is visible from outside the car, on the dash in front of the steering wheel.
We here at Jacksonville’s Harrell and Harrell urge you to take this and all automotive recalls seriously. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or loss in a car crash that you believe was caused by a safety defect, get medical treatment and call 800-250-1111 to speak with a product liability or personal injury attorney today.
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