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Nissan Altima backup hood latch may rust and stick

NHTSA campaign 20V315000 · Reported 2020-05-28 · Nissan North America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious, because a hood that flies open at speed blocks your view completely; the notice does not say to stop driving, but get it done promptly, and note that 2013-2015 Altimas are covered even if the earlier 16V-029 repair was already performed.

What's wrong, in plain English

Your hood has two latches: a main one and a backup that catches the hood if the main one lets go. On these 2013-2018 Altimas, the backup latch can rust over time and stick in the open position, so it never catches. If the main latch is released by accident and the backup is stuck, the hood can fly up while you are driving and block your view of the road. Dealers add a stronger release spring, a warning label, and care instructions.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your Altima is covered.
2. Contact your Nissan dealer or Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 to schedule the work.
3. Have the release spring, warning label, and owner's manual card installed free of charge, and follow the instructions for keeping the backup latch lubricated.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Nissan Altima

Who to contact

Nissan — official Nissan recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-867-7669

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Nissan hood latch and door striker recalls: what owners should know · all 3 Nissan recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.
Safety risk: Corrosion to the secondary latch may cause it to bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released again and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install a stronger release spring in the hood release lever, a warning label near the secondary hood latch, and an Owners Manual addendum card with instructions on how to lubricate and maintain the secondary hood latch mechanism, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: Recall 16V-029 remains open for any unremedied 2013-2015 Altimas and this recall applies to all vehicles covered by 16V-029 even if those repairs have already been performed.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.