Nissan targets the Altima for recall.

In most years, a recall of 220,000 midsize sedans might make major headlines. This year, however, Nissan’s latest safety news could almost be lost in the noise, the auto industry already recalling roughly 40 million vehicles for all matter of problems.

But the Japanese maker is warning that it is looking into the possibility that its problems could be more serious, leading to a possible expansion of today’s announcement.

The initial news, at least, involves 220,000 Nissan Altima sedans sold in the U.S. during the 2013 model-year because their secondary hood latches could fail. If that happens, the hoods could potentially fly open while the vehicles are in motion.

The maker blames rust and debris that can build up, causing the secondary levers to jam open. That would present a problem if the primary hood latch either is broken or itself releases while the car is being driven.

Nissan has told U.S. safety regulators it is looking into the possibility that other models might experience the same problem, something that could cause an increase in the size of the new recall. It did not disclose a timetable for its ongoing investigation.

(GM’s newest problem: recalling 524,000 vehicles, halting sales of some trucks. Click Here for more.)

The Japanese maker will begin notifying owners in the weeks ahead and will offer them free repairs while would include either replacing, cleaning or modifying the existing hood latch mechanism.

Owners can call the maker at 800-647-7261 with questions.

(EPA says U.S. fuel economy hits record – but gains are slowing. Click Here for the latest.)

Nissan is just one of many manufacturers – a virtual industry who’s-who – to announce a six- or seven-figure recall this year. In fact, 2014 already set an industry all-time record by mid-year and could reach a total of 50 million or more recalls, some analysts have speculated, if the pace continues.

Industry insiders suggest that manufacturers have been far more sensitive to reported safety problems in the wake of high-profile safety issues at Toyota and General Motors which have led not only to record fines but criminal investigations. Federal regulators have been cracking down on lax industry responses to reports of safety problems, and several proposals from Congress could raise both fines and civil and criminal penalties.

GM, in particular, has now recalled about 30 million vehicles in the U.S. alone, nearly equal to the previous total all-time industry record set in 2004. That includes the 2.6 million vehicles equipped with a faulty ignition switch system that GM had known about for at least a decade. The maker has set up a victims compensation fund – which has already acknowledged the problem was responsible for at least 24 deaths – and it is facing a mix of civil and potential criminal legal actions in connection with the problem.

(For the latest on the GM ignition switch fiasco, Click Here.)

 

Don't miss out!
Get Email Alerts
Receive the latest Automotive News in your Inbox!
Invalid email address
Give it a try. You can unsubscribe at any time.