Nissan to recall Altimas for third time to fix hood latches

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

DETROIT (AP) — Nissan is recalling thousands of Altima midsize cars for a third time to fix a latch problem that could let the hood fly open while the cars are moving.

The latest recall covers 846,000 cars from 2013 to 2015.

Nissan says in documents filed with the U.S. government that paint can flake off the latch, exposing bare metal. Over time, the latches can rust and cause the secondary hood latch to remain open. If the main latch isn't closed and the car is driven, the secondary latch may not hold the hood.

The automaker says that in two previous recalls, dealers adjusted latches and applied lubricant. But if the lubricant wasn't put on evenly, the problem could persist.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/593016be1fd2430eab11b6cf73bd25f9/nissan-recall-altimas-third-time-fix-hood-latches

[valerief]

1. That happened to me once, but not in a Nissan and not because the hood was defective.

Somehow while driving in traffic, I'd managed to press the button that unlocked the hood and it flew up. I slowed down and came to a stop. I was lucky the car in front of me hadn't stopped. Scary stuff. I can imagine something like that happening on a highway.

I no longer fumble for buttons while I'm driving.

[ileus]

2. Normally they'd just extend the warranty to coverup a parts failure.

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