Nissan recalls 20,000 Altima saloons in US over bolt defect
Nissan has issued a recall for 20,000 Altima saloons from the 2011 and 2012 model years in the United States due to a risk of loose suspension bolts.
Nissan is recalling 20,000 Altima saloons from the 2011 and 2012 model years in the United States after identifying a potential safety issue with improperly tightened suspension bolts. The recall was announced through the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The affected vehicles may have transverse link bolts that were not tightened to specification during assembly. According to Nissan, this defect could cause the bolts to loosen over time, resulting in vibration or a rattling noise from the front suspension. In the event that a bolt comes out completely, the driver could experience a sudden loss of vehicle control.
Overview of the Recall
- Recall affects 20,000 Nissan Altima saloons from 2011–2012 model years
- Loose transverse link bolts may cause vibration or loss of control
- No related accidents or injuries have been reported
- Dealers notified on 18 July 2011; owner notifications to begin from 1 August 2011
How the Defect Was Discovered
Nissan traced the issue to production processes after receiving reports of abnormal noise and vibration from some owners. The company determined that certain transverse link bolts on the front suspension had not been tightened to the specified torque during assembly. The defect was formally identified on 6 June 2011. Nissan then notified its dealer network on 18 July and planned to begin informing affected owners from 1 August 2011. According to the NHTSA, no accidents or injuries have been linked to the defect so far.
What Owners Should Expect
Owners of affected Altima saloons will be contacted by Nissan and invited to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection. If loose bolts are found, the dealer will tighten or replace them at no cost. Nissan has stated that the repair process is straightforward and should not require significant time off the road for most owners. The recall does not affect Altima models outside the 2011 and 2012 US saloons. Nissan has not reported any similar issues in other vehicles, but the company has conducted other recalls for unrelated defects in the same period.
Recent Recall Activity in the Automotive Industry
Nissan’s recall is part of a broader trend in the automotive industry, with several manufacturers addressing safety-related bolt and fastener issues in recent years. In 2011 and 2012, companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Honda also issued recalls for similar assembly problems involving bolts and fasteners. These issues have prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase its oversight of assembly quality, urging manufacturers to act quickly when defects are discovered. This heightened scrutiny reflects an industry-wide focus on improving vehicle safety and ensuring prompt corrective action when assembly faults are found.
Other notable recalls during the same period include Honda’s recall affecting 2.49 million cars worldwide, as well as recalls involving the Infiniti G37, Nissan 370Z, Volkswagen Jetta, BMW 328i and 335i, and the Kawasaki Ninja. The NHTSA has also investigated hundreds of thousands of Saturn Ions and Mini Cooper S models due to various safety concerns. These actions highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance in automotive manufacturing and the role of regulatory agencies in protecting drivers and passengers.
Advice for Altima Owners
Owners seeking further information about the recall can contact their local Nissan dealer or consult the NHTSA website for official recall reference details. Nissan has advised that it will continue to monitor the situation and respond to any further reports related to the affected Altima models. Owners are encouraged to respond promptly to recall notifications to ensure their vehicles are inspected and, if necessary, repaired as soon as possible.
Summary Table: Key Recall Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Models affected | Nissan Altima saloons (2011–2012, US) |
| Number of vehicles | 20,000 |
| Defect | Improperly tightened transverse link bolts |
| Potential consequences | Vibration, rattling, possible loss of control |
| Accidents/injuries reported | None |
| Dealer notification | 18 July 2011 |
| Owner notification | From 1 August 2011 |
| Remedy | Inspection and tightening/replacement of bolts at no cost |
