Nissan Altima are typically quite reliable cars. However, they did have their fair share of problems throughout the years. In this article, we wrote extensively about all the common problems you´ll run into with a Nissan Altima. Today, we´ll look specifically at the hood and trunk latch problems. Here is a quick summary:
Nissan Altima had ongoing problems with the hood latch for the 2013 – 2018 model years, requiring six separate recalls. Replacing the hood lock assembly and hood lock spring and cleaning and lubricating the secondary hood lock was the final solution.
However, that certainly doesn´t tell us everything about the latch problems on a Nissan Altima. Below, we´ll give you a detailed look at the potential issues, what caused them and how you can fix them. Read on!
1. Six Hood Latch Recalls
First Recall
The problem with the hood latch first started with two recalls for the 2013 – 2015 Nissan Altima. Nissan issued recall number one in 2015 to ensure the secondary hood latch was adequately cleaned and lubricated. This was only done if the secondary hood latch couldn´t move freely.
The reason why this was important is that the hood latch wouldn´t always latch properly. This means the hood could fly open while driving, causing the driver to lose visibility entirely and resulting in hazardous situations.
In this case, the solution was to apply rust repellant and, if this didn´t work, to replace the secondary hood latch completely.
Second Recall
Apparently, the first recall didn´t fix the issue because, in 2016, Nissan issued a second recall for the hood latch that also involved the 2013 – 2015 model years. This time around, Nissan seemed to have discovered the hood latch assembly was fundamentally flawed, so they ordered dealers to replace the complete assembly.
Third Recall
The party continued when Nissan extended the recall significantly a couple of years later, in May 2020. In total, Nissan recalled 1.8 million Altima made between 2013 – 2018. According to Nissan, this issue was unique to these model years of the Altima due to the following:
A combination of the model front-end design, anti-corrosion limitations, and location of the hood latch release in close proximity to the fuel door release.
Source
Nissan stated that build-up caused by driving with the primary hood latch disengaged allows corrosive contaminants to contact the hood latch assembly. Combined with a lack of maintenance and inspection of the secondary hood latch, this could create mechanical binding that resulted in the secondary hood latch remaining open after disengaging.
Fourth And Fifth Recall
Nothing much changed when Nissan issued the fourth recall for this problem. However, they did add the following passage to their recall notice:
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released (ex. while refueling) or the hood is
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not closed properly, the secondary hood latch may not hold the hood closed while the vehicle is in
motion.
At the time of the fourth recall (June 2020), a remedy wasn´t found for this problem yet. However, a remedy was found when the fifth recall was released (June 2021).
Nissan stated that dealers would inspect the latch and clean and lube as needed. If this didn´t fix the latch binding problem, they would replace the secondary latch completely free of charge for the owner. Furthermore, dealers installed a new hood release lever spring and placed an under-hood latch-maintenance warning label.
Sixth Recall
The sixth recall (yes, there was a sixth recall) was issued in July 2021. Again, this was a recall for the 2013 – 2018, just like the previous ones. This time dealers were ordered ¨replace the hood lock assembly and hood lock spring and clean and lubricate the secondary hood lock¨.
After this, Nissan didn´t recall this issue anymore. Supposedly bringing an end to the year-long string of recalls that all involved the relatively simple problem of the hood latches not working correctly.
2. The Theft Alarm Sounds When The Trunk Is Opened
2013 – 2016 Altima also had an interesting problem with the theft alarm. This alarm would go off (including horn sounds and flashing lights) whenever one of the following occurred:
- Using the lock, unlock, or trunk open function on the Intelligent Key
- Pushing a handle request switch (door or trunk)
- Opening a door or the trunk with the vehicle unlocked
Eventually, the problem was quite easily fixed by replacing the body control module, which dealers had to do free of charge.
Did you know that Nissan Altima have also had problems with its radio and starting? Click on the links to read detailed articles about these problems.
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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