Nissan Recalls 2009-2010 Altima, Maxima

Japanese manufacturer Nissan is recalling 2009-2010 Altima and Maxima in the United States after discovering that a suspension glitch 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, Nissan explains that the recall concerns 26,398 units manufactured in 2009 and 2010.

"Nissan is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Altima and Maxima passenger cars," it is mentioned in the advisory. "The upper front strut insulators may have been manufactured of specification resulting in a potential for the strut insulator to crack."

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 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," NHTSA explained.

Just as expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge through Nissan's authorized US dealership network. Recalls are expected to begin in early October, Nissan announced. "The company will notify owners and dealers will replace both left and right side front strut insulators free of charge," it said.

The 2010 Maxima is offered in two versions, 3.5 S and 3.5 SV, both models being powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine releasing 290 horsepower and mated to an Xtronic CVT with paddle shifters. Pricing starts at $30,460 for the Maxima 3.5 S and $33,180 for the Maxima 3.5 SV, with the car already available in Nissan stores.