Nissan Recalls Pathfinders Over Faulty Hood Latches

More than 300,000 Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicles have a defect requiring them to be recalled. The only problem is that the automaker does not yet know how to repair the cars.

“A remedy plan for all affected vehicles is currently under development,” Nissan recently told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a defect notice.

Nissan is recalling some 322,000 Pathfinder SUVs because of defective hood latches. The latches could open unexpectedly, obstructing drivers’ views and creating a safety hazard, according to Nissan.

“On certain Pathfinder vehicles, dust and dirt contamination may accumulate on and around the bell crank lever pivot joint,” Nissan said in the defect report filed with NHTSA. “Over time, the build-up of contamination combined with a lack of proper inspection and maintenance of the bell crank assembly can create mechanical binding that could cause the lever to remain in the open position after it has been disengaged.”

“If this condition occurs, the hood may open without warning and obstruct the driver’s forward view, increasing the risk of a crash,” Nissan added.

The recall covers certain Pathfinder SUVs from the 2013 through 2016 model years. 

The company said it would begin notifying owners of recalled cars by the end of June. It will ask some owners to bring their cars to a local dealer for inspection and hood latch replacements. But Nissan also said it needs to inspect the defective latches when they are swapped out in order to determine the appropriate fix.

Other Nissan Safety Issues

Unfortunately, this is not the only safety concern for Nissan drivers.

The company said in February that it was calling back some 700,000 Rogue sport utility vehicles. Those SUVs are at risk of dashboard fires, Nissan told NHTSA at the time.

Last year, Nissan recalled more than 138,000 cars over a tie rod defect that the company said could cause vehicles to unexpectedly lose control of steering. The move came just months after Nissan announced that it was calling back some 800,000 Sentras over a brake light problem that also posed a safety risk.

Legal Rights for California Car Owners

California car owners have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces those companies to buy back (or replace, in some situations) vehicles that they cannot or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car expenses and other costs.

Speak with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney today.