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Affected Vehicles and Recall Scope
Nissan has significantly expanded its safety recall to include approximately 625,000 model-year 2013-2015 Altima sedans manufactured between March 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014. This represents a substantial increase from earlier recall announcements.
According to official NHTSA filings, Nissan continues to investigate the full scope of affected vehicles. The company stated: We are working diligently to finalize the complete vehicle population and will update affected owners as soon as possible.
The Safety Risk: Hood Failure While Driving
The recall addresses a potentially dangerous defect in the secondary hood latch mechanism:
- Faulty latch retention: The secondary latch may remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed
- Dual failure scenario: If the primary latch releases and the secondary latch isn't engaged, the hood could suddenly open
- Driving hazard: An open hood at highway speeds significantly impairs visibility and increases crash risk
Current Status of the Recall
As of the latest update, Nissan has not yet finalized its repair solution for the affected vehicles. The automaker is required to submit a complete remedy plan to NHTSA, which will then be communicated to owners.
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What Altima Owners Should Do Now
- Check your VIN: Visit Nissan's recall lookup tool to confirm if your vehicle is affected
- Visual inspection: Carefully check hood operation before each drive until repairs are made
- Contact Nissan: Call Nissan's recall hotline at 800-647-7261 for the latest information
- Report safety concerns: Contact NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov
Recall Timeline and Next Steps
While Nissan has not yet announced specific repair dates, industry experts suggest the following timeline based on similar recalls:
- Phase 1: Identification of all affected vehicles (completed)
- Phase 2: Engineering solution development (in progress)
- Phase 3: Parts production and distribution (pending)
- Phase 4: Owner notifications and repairs (expected within 6 months)
Understanding the Hood Latch Mechanism
Modern vehicles like the Nissan Altima feature a dual-hood latch system for safety:
- Primary latch: The main release operated from the driver's compartment
- Secondary latch: A backup safety mechanism that should automatically engage
- Failure points: In affected Altimas, corrosion or mechanical binding may prevent proper secondary latch engagement
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Potential Warning Signs
Owners should watch for these symptoms that may indicate latch problems:
- Difficulty closing the hood completely
- Unusual noises from the front end while driving
- Hood vibration at highway speeds
- Warning lights related to front-end components
Legal and Safety Implications
This recall carries significant legal and safety considerations:
- NHTSA oversight: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is monitoring Nissan's response
- State laws: Some states prohibit operating vehicles with known safety defects
- Insurance considerations: Failure to address recalls could affect claims in some cases
Comparative Industry Data
Hood-related recalls are relatively common in the automotive industry:
- 2019-2020: 12 major hood latch recalls across manufacturers
- Average affected vehicles per recall: 387,000 units
- Typical repair time: 1-2 hours at dealerships
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Owner Experiences and Reports
Analysis of NHTSA complaint data reveals several concerning reports from Altima owners:
My hood flew open at 65 mph on the highway - I barely avoided crashing
- 2014 Altima owner, TexasThe dealership told me they couldn't replicate the issue, but it happens weekly
- 2013 Altima owner, FloridaAfter heavy rain, my hood latch stopped working completely
- 2015 Altima owner, Ohio
Expert Recommendations
Automotive safety specialists advise:
- Temporary measures: Consider using a supplemental hood safety strap until repairs are available
- Documentation: Keep records of all recall-related communications
- Alternative transport: For those uncomfortable driving their Altima, inquire about loaner vehicles
Looking Ahead: Nissan's Response
Industry analysts expect Nissan to:
- Announce a repair program within the next 90 days
- Prioritize vehicles from high-humidity regions where corrosion is more likely
- Extend warranty coverage for related components
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Stay Informed About This Recall
MotorVero will continue monitoring this developing situation. Bookmark this page or subscribe to our recall alerts for updates on:
- Official repair procedures
- Notification timelines
- Extended warranty information
- Owner compensation programs
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