Nissan is recalling nearly 13,919 new and near-new Altima sedans because of faulty bolts in the steering system. The bolts could become loose and fall out which may lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a statement.
The carmaker is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Altima vehicles manufactured at the Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi, from May 10 through July 26.
"These vehicles may have been equipped with transverse link bolts and power steering rack bolts that were not torqued to proper specification," the statement said. "Based on engineering judgment, it was determined that if a loose bolt falls out completely, the driver may experience difficulty in controlling the direction of the vehicle."
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts to the proper torque specifications. In some instances the bolts might be replaced. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about Oct. 29.
One of the best-selling family sedans in the U.S., Nissan just introduced the Altima 2013 model which is a new design and has received good reviews in the automotive press.
