20,000 Nissan Altima Sedans Recalled for Faulty Suspension Bolts

Japanese manufacturer Nissan is recalling 2011-2012 Altima sedans in the United States after discovering that a suspension bolt could increase the risk of a crash and have serious consequences over the passengers' safety. In a notification posted on the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Nissan explains that the recall concerns 20,000 units manufactured in between April 25- June 10 2011.

“The transverse link bolt may not have been torqued to the proper specification. This condition could cause the bolt to become loose while the vehicle is being driven, creating a rattling noise and vibration,” it is mentioned in the advisory.

As said, such a problem would obviously increase the risk of a crash, but only in certain conditions, as the organization explained in the notification.

“If the bolt comes out completely, the driver may experience difficulty controlling the direction of the vehicle which could result in a crash,” the safety notice reads.

The recall is expected to begin this month, with all the necessary repairs to be conducted free of charge to the consumer. Dealers will replace the transverse link bolts and nuts and tighten them to the proper torque specification.

The Altima comes with a choice of two petrol powerplants: the first one is a 175 hp 2.5 liter four cylinder, while the second is a 3.5 liter V6 that delivers 270 hp.

The Altima Sedan can be yours starting from a price of $19,900 and climbs up to $24,740, while the Altima Coupe’s pricing ranges in between $22,940 and $40,100. The Altima Hybrid uses a 2.5 liter four-cylinder unit that works in conjunction with an electric motor/generator and employs an electronically controlled CVT. The 2011 Altima Hybrid has a starting price of $26,780.