Nissan issues recall for 170,665 model year 2013 to 2014 Pathfinder and model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles because a secondary latch on the cars’ hood could fail, sending the cover flying up impairing the driver’s view of the road, according to a notice [PDF] from NHTSA.
Officials with Nissan say the recall was initiated after the company became aware of problems in rental vehicles when drivers unintentionally dislodged the secondary hood latch. The secondary latch is designed to catch the hood from flying up if the primary hood latch is disengaged.
In several instances, the dislodged secondary latch resulted in the hood flying up, causing damage to the vehicles. However, Nissan says there have been no reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue.
To remedy the issue, dealers will modify the angle of the hood release mechanism to provide additional length to the release cable.
In addition to the vehicles recalled in the U.S., Nissan says 15,972 Pathfinders and JX35 SUVs will be recalled in Canada.
Makes/Models/Model Years:
INFINITI/JX35/2013
INFINITI/QX60/2014
INFINITI/QX60 HYBRID/2014
NISSAN/PATHFINDER/2013-2014
NISSAN/PATHFINDER HYBRID/2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V-033
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 170,665
Problem Description: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles manufactured June 20, 2012, to November 18, 2013, 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles manufactured November 29, 2011, to June 14, 2013, and 2014 QX60 vehicles manufactured May 16, 2013, to November 18, 2013, and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles manufactured July 18, 2013, to November 18, 2013. In the affected vehicles the hood release cable assembly may have been installed incorrectly preventing the latching claw from fully engaging. The secondary latch may remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
Consequence: If the primary hood latch is released and the secondary latch fails during operation of the vehicle, it could cause the hood to open during vehicle operation impairing the drivers vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the angle of the hood release mechanism to provide additional length to the release cable, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at
1-800-647-7261.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.