Certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima Hood Latch Repair

Nissan is committed to the safety and security of our customers and their passengers.  Nissan has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles to address a hood latch release issue. Under this recall, dealers will provide an additional remedy to previously recalled model year 2013-2015 Nissan Altima vehicles in the US and Canada, and includes model year 2016-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles.

Reason for Recall
If the impacted Altima vehicle is driven with the primary hood latch disengaged and the hood latch partially opened, the secondary hood latch on the vehicle may become contaminated with dirt or corrosion, preventing it from engaging properly. If the primary hood latch is later inadvertently released (such as when refueling the vehicle) and the secondary hood latch is stuck open, the hood may open without warning while driving and could obscure the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of a crash.

What Nissan Will Do
Owners of affected vehicles received an interim notification in July 2020, with reminders for proper hood latch inspection and maintenance as outlined in the owner’s manual and a reminder to ensure the hood is fully closed before driving their vehicle.

Parts are now available to repair impacted vehicles. Nissan dealers will inspect the latch for proper operation, and clean and lube as needed, or replace the secondary latch if it is not fully functional, at no cost to the owner.  In addition, dealers will now install a spring and affix a label to any vehicles affected by this voluntary safety recall campaign. Please contact your local Nissan dealer in order to arrange an appointment for repair.

Impacted owners will also receive an owner’s manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism per the owner’s manual general maintenance requirements. The card also includes a reminder to fully close and engage the primary hood latch each time before driving.

Owners will receive a final notification letter instructing them to bring their vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealer to have the final remedy work completed at no cost to the owner beginning late June 2021.

What Owners Should Do
Review the addendum card thoroughly and add it to the owner’s manual of the affected vehicle. Please contact your local Nissan dealer in order to arrange an appointment to have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, you may contact the National Consumer Affairs Department, Nissan North America, Inc. PO box 685003, Franklin, TN 37068-5003. The toll free number is 1-800-867-7669.

Photo courtesy of Nissan’s website.