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NHTSA Looking into Suspension Issue Affecting 374,000 2013 Nissan Altimas

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Daniel Rufiange
Problems have been reported in areas where salt is used on roads in winter

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the American equivalent of Transport Canada, is looking to a reported problem with the 2013 model-year Nissan Altima. There have been multiple reports of parts of the rear suspension system coming off the car due to the effects of corrosion.

The agency has received four detailed formal complaints about a rear control arm that separates from the chassis. One of the owners, a resident of Seneca Falls, NY, reported that the failure caused them to lose control of the car, resulting in an accident. The three other incidents were also reported to have happened while the vehicle was in motion.

The rear lower control arm serves to enable a vertical motion of a car tire when it hits obstacle or potholes on the road.

All of the complaints originate from regions where salt is used on roads in wintertime.

Nissan has not yet issued any recall over the issue. NHTSE investigators will look at the four complaints and determine if a recall is warranted.

If you own a 2013 Nissan Altima, you can always contact your dealership or service centre to have the rear suspension system examined.

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Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists