Nissan Recalls Vehicles To Fix Faulty Hood Latches

Nissan is issuing a vehicle defect recall for 640,000 more cars to fix a growing problem with faulty latches that can allow hoods to fly open while cars are in motion.

According to a CBS news report, the recall covers Altima midsize sedans from the 2013 through 2015 mode years bringing the total number of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles recalled for the problem to nearly 1.1 million globally.

If the main latch is not fastened in these vehicles, the secondary latch may not hold the hood closed.

In October 2014 Nissan recalled 238,000 Altimas from the 2013 model year for the same problem.

Earlier in January, the company recalled 216,000 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs from 2013 and 2014, Infiniti JX35s from 2013 and QX60s from 2014 for the same problem.

So far, Nissan has not received any reports of injuries or crashes as a result of this problem. When the recall begins, dealers will modify the latch lever and clean and lubricate the secondary latch joint. The latch assembly could be replaced.

Nissan discovered the problem after receiving reports of a number of hoods coming open and damaging the cars.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite these recalls and the possibility of more recalls, Nissan has not yet identified the root cause of the problem. Nissan officials say the repairs may fix the problem, but they can’t be 100 percent certain yet.

Although the primary hood latch mechanism works properly, problems have occurred when it is released, officials said.

Vehicle owners are asked to make sure that the main hood release is latched and that it is not released when vehicles are in motion.

Dangerous Auto Defects

There is no question that these auto defects could result in car accidents and serious injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a defective auto or a faulty vehicle part, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the automaker or the parts manufacturer, depending on the nature and circumstances of the incident.

Injured victims would be well advised to contact an experienced attorney specializing in auto defects who has a successful track record of handling similar cases.

The best auto defect law firms will always offer free and comprehensive case evaluations to injured victims and their families.