- Background of the Investigation
- Nature of the Problem
- Test Results and Evaluations
- Nissan’s Proactive Measures
- U.S. Authorities’ Decision
- What This Means for Consumers
Japanese automaker Nissan has narrowly avoided a major crisis after U.S. authorities decided to close a long-running investigation into potential defects in the suspension system of its vehicles. The investigation could have forced Nissan to recall more than two million vehicles in North America, but the decision to end the probe comes as a relief amid growing financial pressures on the company
Background of the Investigation
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating about six years ago following reports of failures in the rear lower control arms of Nissan Altima models from 2013 to 2018 and Nissan Maxima models from 2016 to 2018. These failures affected the suspension’s integrity, potentially compromising vehicle handling and safety.
Nature of the Problem
The issue stems from Nissan’s use of stamped steel rear lower control arms prone to developing cracks due to repeated stress during normal driving. The problem worsens in states that use road salt to melt snow and ice, as the salt accelerates corrosion and crack formation.
To date, NHTSA has received 322 consumer complaints about these failures, while Nissan itself has recorded over 1,000 complaints, including reports of increased steering difficulty or loss of vehicle control in some cases.
Test Results and Evaluations
Despite the problem, tests conducted by Nissan and NHTSA showed that drivers typically receive early warnings before a complete failure of the control arm, such as unusual noises or vibrations. Additionally, the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) significantly helps prevent loss of control even if a failure occurs.
Reports indicated that incidents where drivers lost control were rare and mostly resulted in minor accidents, such as slight collisions with a vehicle’s trailer hitch.
Nissan’s Proactive Measures
Nissan took a proactive stance by repairing 47,000 Altima vehicles through a service campaign and extended the standard warranty from three years to 12 years with unlimited mileage, demonstrating the company’s commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively.
Moreover, Nissan redesigned the rear control arm in 2018 to be more durable and corrosion-resistant, which has noticeably reduced the number of reported failures.
U.S. Authorities’ Decision
Based on the decline in complaints, Nissan’s repairs, and warranty extension, NHTSA decided to close the investigation without mandating a formal recall of the more than two million vehicles potentially affected. This decision saved Nissan from the enormous costs associated with a large-scale recall.
What This Means for Consumers
If you own a Nissan Altima (2013-2018) or Maxima (2016-2018) and have not yet had the rear control arm replaced, it is important to monitor your vehicle’s condition and ensure proper maintenance. Although Nissan assures early warnings before any failure, driving a vehicle with a known suspension defect carries some risk.
Nissan’s success in avoiding a massive recall highlights effective cooperation between the automaker and regulatory authorities and underscores the importance of regular maintenance and driver vigilance. Nissan’s commitment to repairing affected vehicles and updating designs reflects its dedication to customer safety and brand reputation.
In a highly competitive market, especially in the midsize sedan segment, the Altima and Maxima remain popular choices, and this decision reinforces consumer confidence in Nissan’s ability to handle technical issues responsibly and efficiently.
