Nissan recalling 26,000+ 2009-2010 Altima and Maxima sedans over faulty struts

Certain 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima and Maxima models may be fitted with out-of-spec suspension components that may contribute to an accident. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall campaign (ID #09V358000) to correct the problem in up to 26,398 vehicles. The identified issue is isolated to the upper front strut insulators in both models – the inferior insulators may crack, allowing the struts to move out of position. Understandably, the problem could affect vehicle stability and potentially lead to a crash.

According to NHTSA, Nissan dealerships will be replacing both left and right side strut insulators at no charge to the customer. While the recall campaign doesn't officially begin until October 5, consumers may contact Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261), or the NHTSA's Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) for further information. Further details are available in the press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]







PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

NISSAN / ALTIMA 2009-2010

NISSAN / MAXIMA 2009-2010

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: SEP 10, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V358000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26398

Summary:

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.

Consequence:

IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).

Notes:

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .