Nissan Sentra Recalled After Faulty Driveshaft in Certain Models

Thousands of US-delivered cars are subject to recall after the Japanese automaker found issues with seating during assembly.

History Behind The Recall

After issues relating to a distance sensor warning light and transmission fluid leaks on a vehicle warranty report, the Japanese automaker discovered the issue related to the left side of the CV transmission.

The warranty report shows a missing retaining clip after technicians inspected and removed the driveshaft. Before the NHTSA report was published, a further eight reports of the same issue came to the attention of the Japanese automaker when suddenly the issue escalated. 

Nissan confirmed that the driveshaft does not fully disengage from the CVT gearbox. Thankfully no injuries or crashes are reported after discovering the driveshaft issue. 

Which models are affected?

Several 2024 Nissan Sentra models are affected. So far the main culprits of the faulty driveshaft issue relate to vehicles built between July 21, 2023, and Jan 18, 2024. This totals 9,645 units.

What Happens Next?

Nissan has instructed technicians to inspect the front left driveshaft assembly. If it is discovered that they do not seat properly, the JATCO-supplied transmission will be replaced.

This process takes approximately 30 minutes, and the replacement could take up to seven hours, subject to part availability. 

What owners need to do next

If you think you are subject to this recall announced by Nissan and drive a 2024 Sentra with a CVT gearbox, then you can use the VIN lookup tool on Nissan’s website or the NHTSA online tool.

Owners should also be aware of any leaks coming from the transmission as a symptom of an unseated driveshaft assembly. This could escalate to affected cars losing power and transmission issues related to low fluid.

If you own a 2024 Nissan Sentra, you can call Nissan at 800-867-7669 to inquire about the driveshaft recall, reference number PMA37.

The Sentra, priced from $21,180 (excluding freight) according to the build & price tool, sits between the subcompact Versa and the mid-size Altima in Nissan’s lineup. Last year, 109,195 Sentra’s were sold, while the Altima saw 128,030 units delivered. However, the Rogue crossover was Nissan’s top seller in this region, with 271,458 units sold in 2023.

How Nissan Owners Can Take Back Control

While recalls have been communicated to owners, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further action, just like this – underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

Steering Concerns Drove Nissan Sentra to a Recall

Nissan Sentra recently seems to have hit a rough patch. Drivers have been reporting steering issues in these models, and it has caused a buzz in the auto industry. Such allegations can cause serious legal consequences for Nissan. Now, the company is under pressure to handle owners and has decided to issue a recall.

Issues and Allegations 

The Nisan Sentra sedans from 2020-2022 are reported to have faulty manufacturing. The cars are made with defective parts that could cause major steering problems for drivers. The main culprit is the tie rods present in these cars. Without these rods, your car’s steering wouldn’t properly connect to the tires. They’re essentially the backbone of the whole steering setup. When the vehicle is driven roughly or hits a roadside curb, the tie rod experiences serious impact and can bend easily. If the rod suffers damage or fails, it can increase the chances of a severe car accident. This issue poses significant safety questions regarding the Nissan Sentra.

The Recall: Major Details

Nissan has reportedly received 91 complaints of faulty and broken tie rods in Sentra vehicles manufactured and sold from 2020 to 2022. Also, the records present in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration depict five car crashes due to this default. Although no reports of injuries have been received yet, this problem seems to have escalated and is causing a stir within the auto industry.

With compromised vehicle control, the lives of drivers and passengers are at a huge risk. It’s important to note that these vehicle models have already undergone a recall in 2021. However, the Nissan Motor Company failed to address the issues promptly. Consequently, the need for yet another recall has arisen at this juncture. Owners must stay alert for updates regarding this case because any changes can unfold something new for the selected vehicle models.

Affected Models 

The total number of Sentras to be recalled is over 236,000. Affected models include:

  • 2020 Nissan Sentra
  • 2021 Nissan Sentra
  • 2022 Nissan Sentra

Potential Outcomes

Reportedly, owners will need to make two visits to Nissan dealerships for tie rod issues. Initially, dealers will examine and change any damaged tie rods. Another visit will be required once updated parts become available, aiming to replace both the left and right tie rods. Nissan projects the complete solution to be rolled out by winter. All affected owners are advised to keep in touch with the manufacturer. Any updates can have a significant impact on the Nissan Motor Company and consumer safety protocols.

Wrap-Up

Ensuring manufacturer accountability is of utmost importance as it directly impacts the safety of drivers and the general public who share the roads. As the proceedings unfold, a potential decline in Nissan’s sales is anticipated. When fighting against such automotive giants, always have legal experts at your back. With years of experience, a proven record, and top-notch client care, CCA Lemon Firm is your best bet! 

Give us a call at 833-Lemon Firm and discuss your lemon law rights with one of our expert case analysts today.

Yet Another Class Action Case Against Nissan For The CVT Transmission Defect

Nissan is facing a lawsuit by a class of consumers who allege that the company sold vehicles with faulty continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). According to the legal action, Nissan allegedly misrepresented and concealed the defect, which has caused extensive transmission problems and reduced vehicle performance. In this article, we’ll look at the details of this case and what it could mean for Nissan’s future. Read on to find out more!

What is a CVT Transmission?

A CVT (continuously variable transmission) is an automotive transmission that uses a belt system and pulley to provide an infinite number of gear ratios. This design is like the traditional automatic transmission but without fixed gear ratios. However, the CVT transmission can continuously adjust the gear ratio to provide the optimal rate for the current driving conditions. These transmissions are becoming popular in newer vehicles, although they are less common than traditional automatic transmissions. Many automakers use CVT transmissions in their latest models, and the technology is continually improving. They offer several benefits over automatic transmissions, including better fuel economy, smoother acceleration, and more.

What Happens When CVT Transmission Fails?

Nissan vehicles with CVT transmissions can fail without warning. You may only observe that something is wrong once it is too late. It can happen if you are driving on an icy road or going down a steep hill and suddenly are unable to press the accelerator pedal. It can be dangerous, so make sure your Nissan is in good condition before you drive.

If the transmission fails while the Nissan is idling (when there is no movement), it will cause the RPMs to drop significantly below normal levels. Eventually, they will start moving again, but at slower-than-normal speeds. Thus, if you are experiencing this problem, take your Nissan to a mechanic. CVT transmission failure can be dangerous and expensive to repair, so be aware of the problem and take action if necessary.

Nissan CVT Warranty Extension

Nissan is extending the original warranty terms to 24 months or 24,000 miles for the transmission assembly (including the valve body and torque converter) and automatic transmission control unit (ATCU) for vehicles in the class vehicles category. If this flaw affects your Nissan vehicle, you may be eligible for coverage under the extended warranty. Contact an authorized Nissan dealer to schedule an inspection and repair. Nissan will reimburse car owners for repairs if they occur within the mileage and time limits of the warranty extension.

Plaintiff Claims against Nissan

The defendant company sued Nissan on behalf of many Nissan owners. According to the complaint, Nissan allegedly violated both the express and implied warranties of merchantability. Nissan sold a defective transmission that does not meet applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. The plaintiff also alleges that Nissan has violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act. Numerous plaintiffs who own Nissan vehicles have filed this lawsuit, claiming that the CVTs are to blame for the problems they experienced. The faulty models include:

  • Nissan Altima (2017-2018)
  • Nissan Sentra (2018-2019)
  • Nissan Versa Note (2018-2019)
  • Nissan Versa (2018-2019)

Nissan’s Response to the Lawsuit

Nissan proclaims that the plaintiffs have failed to state a claim upon which we can grant relief. Nissan also contends it cannot be held liable under consumer protection laws. Moreover, no technical defect with its CVT transmissions was noticed when these Nissan models were sold to consumers in North America. Nissan categorically denies any assertions that it failed to disclose a safety defect with its CVT transmission system. Further, Nissan denies failing to disclose material information about the CVT transmission system or any other part of its automobiles after receiving notice of a potential safety issue.

However, this case is still pending in the United States District Court. The complainants might receive reimbursement for their losses if their action is successful. It could include compensation for repair costs, the diminished value of their vehicles, and other financial losses. Yet, the company believes that the lawsuit is without merit. Nissan is committed to maintaining integrity in all its business dealings and takes any allegations of improper or wrongful conduct seriously. Also, the company will continue to defend itself against these allegations. 

Nissan CVT Lawsuit Settlements

Recently, complainants hit Nissan with cases regarding defective CVT Transmissions. The lawsuit alleged that CVTs cause jerking that lead to transmission failure. Nissan settled this class action lawsuit regarding several 2013-2017 models. NNA admitted no wrongdoing, and the Court ruled in favor of the proposed agreement on March 10, 2020. In another proposed class action settlement, Nissan has agreed to extend the warranty on the CVT for some 2014-2018 models. The agreement became effective on May 23, 2022.

What to Do If You Have a Nissan with CVT Issue?

If you have a Nissan with a CVT transmission defect, there are several things you can do to protect your car. First, contact a qualified Nissan repair shop specializing in CVTs and CVT repairs. They will inspect your transmission for any problems and recommend what action you should take. Also, you can take your car in for an inspection by an experienced mechanic. The independent mechanic can evaluate the problem honestly and help you analyze whether it is worth pursuing further legal action against Nissan or any other party involved in the incident. However, if you want to opt-out of the Settlement, you must do so by February 13, 2023. Note that by opting out, you will not be eligible for any benefits under the Settlement, but you will keep your right to register a claim against Nissan. In case you don’t opt out, you forfeit the chance to get a refund and are stuck with the car.

Bottom Line

The CVT transmission defect of Nissan has caused many drivers to experience problems and may have even led to accidents. The class action lawsuit against Nissan is a big step towards ensuring that they address this problem and that those affected receive just compensation for the issues they have faced. It will be interesting to see how this case plays out and whether it encourages other automakers to take similar steps when dealing with potential defects.

If you have purchased a hybrid or electric vehicle and experienced the abovementioned issue, call us at 833. Our experienced attorneys at the Lemon Firm will evaluate your case and take legal action to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Nissan Titan Class Action: Defective Fuel Tank and Diesel Engines Issues

If you are looking to buy a new vehicle but are on a tight budget, a certified pre-owned (CPO) car can be a good idea. It could save you some money and will afford you the luxury of having the extension of the manufacturer’s warranty.

Some automakers introduced the CPO program in the early 1990s. Many vehicles were returning to dealerships in excellent condition, so manufacturers decided to resell the cars with detailed inspections, reconditioning, extended warranties, extra perks, and added peace of mind instead for perspective buyers.

What Is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle?

Unlike a used vehicle, a certified pre-owned car undergoes a mandatory inspection and should be refurbished to factory standards by technicians. Different dealerships have different conditions for their quality inspection but generally make sure that the car is in top-notch condition before putting it on sale. They also give you an extension of the manufacturer warranty coverage and piece of mind of the car’s new-like condition.

How Much Does a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle Cost?

CPO vehicles generally cost more than used vehicles as they undergo a thorough inspection and refurbishing process. They also come with a manufacturer-backed warranty that may include extra perks like free maintenance, free roadside assistance, and a complimentary loaner vehicle.

Right now, we are seeing a hike in used car pricing compared to last year and it’s hard to get an affordable used car of any kind. So do good research before investing in a vehicle.

Is There Value in A Certified Pre-owned Vehicle? 

The present car market is growing like the housing market. We are already seeing 10% higher pricing than last year. Looking at the raw figures, people are investing more in used cars than new ones. 

The used car market is huge and CPO cars are a small part of it. For now, the used-vehicle market has a 48-day supply and average prices are nearly $20,000 less than a new car. Certified pre-owned cars have mileage limits and look attractive with good enough shape and extended warranty. These cars are usually late models off-lease cars with less than 40,000 miles. Let’s see some CPO practices these days:

Older, High-Mileage Vehicles

We are seeing older and high mileage cars being labeled as certified pre-owned cars these days. In the coming months, Nissan will certify non-Nissan vehicles with a six-year/60000-mile warranty than the seven-year/100,000-mile warranty that Nissan vehicles get. General Motors is launching Car Bravo, a new consumer CPO service to certify any brand’s vehicle. 

Ford is selling all brand vehicles under its Blue Advantage program for up to 120,000 miles and offers a 14-day/1000-mile return policy. Honda is certifying 10-year-old cars with no mileage limits under its Honda True Used program. More manufacturers will soon start selling old, high mileage vehicles to cash in on the present demand.

Fewer Quality Checks, Potentially Higher Risk

Certified Pre-owned vehicles are supposed to undergo a thorough quality inspection where the dealership will check off nearly 200 items on the paper. The automaker sets the audit rules and practices, but CPO vehicles don’t get inspected by factory employees. 

Depending on dealership diligence, a CPO vehicle still could have underlying issues that were present at the time of trade in so it still may be worth your while to bring to a mechanic to diagnosis prior to purchase. Manufacturers are introducing high-mileage CPO programs in multiple tiers of CPO cars with separate names—and they each have wildly varying certification requirements. Not all CPO’s are created equal.

For example, Honda now has three CPO labels (Honda True Used, Honda True Certified, Honda True Certified+) all with different warranty coverages and age limitations. Ford has a 139-point inspection on Blue Certified vehicles vs the 172 points on Gold Certified vehicles.

So not all are right for every buyer, and you may be better off with a brand new car than a used car. It’s the most discouraging buyer’s market in decades so if you’re going for a certified pre-owned car, make sure to check everything thoroughly.

Have A Lemon Vehicle? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

Nissan Defective CVT Transmission Class Action Lawsuit Reached $277.7M Settlement

A Nissan defective CVT transmission lawsuit settlement has been reached between the automaker and vehicle owners, and the automaker will pay $277.7 million to resolve the defective transmissions claims.

The Nissan class action settlement includes the following vehicle models:

  •     2014 to 2018 Nissan Rogue
  •     2015 to 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
  •     2015 to 2018 Infiniti QX60

The Nissan CVT class action lawsuit was consolidated from five lawsuits: Stringer v. Nissan, Newton v. Nissan, Landa v. Nissan, Lane v. Nissan, and Eliason v. Nissan.

According to the Nissan class action lawsuit, vehicles were equipped with defective transmissions and CVTs used in Nissan Rogues and other vehicles allegedly caused poor transmission performance, shuddering and shaking, and even complete transmission failure.

The plaintiffs who sued claim Nissan knew about the CVT problem for years due to numerous complaints to the company and to the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA). Instead of taking action, Nissan allegedly failed to warn customers or fix the problem.

Nissan owners claim transmission repairs can cost thousands of dollars, and owners and lessees were allegedly forced to pay “exorbitant” costs to repair the CVTs even when the vehicles are covered by warranties.

As part of the settlement agreement, Nissan denies all claims related to the transmissions and denies all allegations of wrongdoing, but has agreed to pay $277.7 million to resolve the claims.

Nissan CVT Lawsuit Settlement

Although Nissan and the plaintiffs agreed to settle the class action lawsuit, a federal judge must still sign off on the terms. However, the proposed CVT lawsuit settlement includes the following.

Nissan CVT Warranty Extension

All settlement Class Members are eligible for a new vehicle limited warranty extension for the transmission assembly (including the valve body and torque converter) and transmission control unit under the Nissan transmission class action settlement deal.

This benefit extends the warranty on Class vehicles by 24 months or 24,000 miles — whichever comes first. For Nissan vehicles, the new vehicle limited warranty covers 84 months or 84,000 miles and for Infinity vehicles, the new vehicle limited warranty covers 96 months or 96,000 miles.

Nissan CVT Reimbursement

Nissan will provide cash reimbursement for owners or lessees who have had to pay for transmission assembly or control unit repairs out of pocket after their warranty expires.  If the replacement or repair was performed by a Nissan dealer, the full amount paid will be reimbursed. If the repair or replacement was performed by a non-Nissan dealer, Nissan will reimburse up to $5,000.

However, in both cases, the CVT replacement or repair must have occurred on or within the mileage and time limits of the Nissan warranty extension.

Nissan Vouchers

The Nissan CVT lawsuit settlement also may provide a $1,000 voucher toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle but the voucher must be used within nine months of the effective date of the CVT lawsuit settlement.

According to the settlement, a customer must choose to receive the voucher or reimbursement, but not both, and must provide any requested documentation to prove they paid for Nissan CVT repairs or replacements.

How Much More Time?

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Feb. 22, 2022. Although the settlement deal was awarded preliminary approval on Oct. 13, 2021, the final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for March 21, 2022.

Final Thoughts

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. At the Lemon Firm, our experienced California Consumer Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle that did not perform as intended and we can do the same for you. Our experienced attorneys can be reached by calling (833) Lemon-Firm.

Nissan Altima Hood Latch Class Action

By Andrea Plata

A class action lawsuit has been brought against Nissan for faulty hood latches on their vehicles. Consumers are claiming that the company’s recall has not fixed the problem.

What Is an Automobile Class Action Lawsuit?

A class action lawsuit is a lawsuit brought by a group of plaintiffs who have suffered similar damages or injuries. Automobile class action lawsuits are typically brought when a group of plaintiffs is claiming that a specific auto part has either design or manufacturing defects. The term defect is used to describe a condition of a consumer product that does not meet a consumer’s reasonable expectation.

Nissan Hood Latch Recalls

There have been four recalls for hood latch defects on Nissan vehicles. The allegations in the lawsuit explain that the Nissan hood design has an exterior and interior latch system but due to certain defects the vehicle’s hood will come unlatched while driving. The allegations state that this issue is present no matter how fast the driver is going and that the hood will come unlatched at any speed. Nissan Ultima owners began complaining about these issues in 2013 and Nissan was investigating the alleged defect as early as 2014.

Reports allege that Nissan placed the blame on the latch defect on the drivers, service technicians, and various suppliers and issued recalls in the following years,

Nissan Altima 2014 Hood Latch Recall

The company issued a recall in 2014 for the model year 2013 Nissan Altima stating that debris between the hood and inner panel could cause the interior latch to remain open. The recall required dealerships to inspect, clean, and lubricate the interior latch. If an inspection found that the interior latch did not move freely and was defective, the dealerships were instructed to bend the latch with a crowbar to remedy the issue.

Nissan Altima 2015 Hood Latch Recall

In 2015, the company issued yet another recall for model year 2013-2015 cars, but this time claiming that the anti-corrosion hood latch protection applied by a supplier was faulty and was the reason for the defective hood latch. Nissan explained that flaking paint was to blame as it left the bare metal exposed and increased the risk of corrosion.

The fix for the 2015 recall involved dealers applying a rust treatment if a car was found to have a faulty hood latch.

Nissan Altima 2016 Hood Latch Recall

The next year in 2016, a subsequent recall was issued for the model year 2013-2015 cars. Again, the company cited a delinquent supplier for the car’s hood latch issue. Dealers were told to replace the hood latch assembly on cars with faulty hood latches.

Nissan Altima 2020 Hood Latch Recall

Last year Nissan issued their fourth recall for the model year 2013-2018 Altima cars. Nissan reported that they were aware of at least 16 minor crashes and injuries that were caused by faulty hood latches. When announcing the 2020 recall, Nissan stated that their remedy plan for the issue was “under development”.

Class Action Claims

The class action suit brought against Nissan claims that the company has been aware of the defect since 2013 and although they cite various reasons for the faulty hood latch, they have been unable to offer consumers an adequate remedy. The consumer’s complaint alleges that the company could have employed a new hood latch design in their vehicles over the past eight years but has neglected to change the design and has done so at the expense of its customer’s safety.

Consumers are alleging that Nissan’s design of their hood latch system is not up to industry standards as it is not strong enough to perform under real-world conditions, claiming that the hood latch fails at even minor speeds. The lawsuit also claims that the hood latches inside the vehicle are located too close to the fuel door latches and this causes drivers to accidentally unlatch the hoods instead of the fuel doors, creating a dangerous and unsafe condition for drivers.

The Nissan Altima hood latch class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division: Miller, et al., v. Nissan North America, Inc.

Nissan Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Warranties

By: Nicole Halavi

In October 2020, a class-action lawsuit brought against Nissan alleged the automaker failed to properly identify car parts according to California’s emission control system warranty requirements. Specifically, Nissan failed to classify parts as emissions warranty parts and high-cost emissions warranty parts. In California, those parts are covered under the emissions warranty for 7 years and 70,000 miles.

The class of plaintiffs includes all drivers in California who, within the last 4 years, have been owners or lessees of the Nissan MY 2011-MY 2017 Juke models and who have paid for repairs and parts for the fuel pump that should have been covered under the automaker’s high-priced warranty parts emissions warranty.

As is often the case, the plaintiffs claimed Nissan refused to pay out for warranty repairs, so instead the automaker limited the parts to be covered under the emissions warranty. Nissan allegedly also limited the high-cost emissions warranty parts that should be covered for 7 years and 70,000 miles, including the Juke fuel pumps.

What are Nissan’s “warranted parts” and “high-priced warranted parts”?

The California Code of Regulations (CCR) defines how the automaker should identify which car parts should be covered as emission parts, and which should be covered as high-priced emission parts.

A “warranted part” is defined as, “any part installed on a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine by the vehicle or engine manufacturer, or installed in a warranty repair, which affects any regulated emission from a motor vehicle or engine which is subject to California emission standards.” CCR §2035

Therefore, any car part that affects the car’s emissions or causes the on-board diagnostic malfunction indicator light to illuminate should be considered a “warranted part.” This part should have a 3-year, 50,000-mile warranty.

On the other hand, a “high-priced warranted part” should have a 7-year, 70,000-mile warranty because of the labor cost of diagnosing and replacing the defective part.

Unfortunately, Nissan has allegedly omitted from its warranty booklets all the parts that should be identified as emissions related “warranted parts” and “high-priced warranted parts.” As a result, affected customers are told by dealerships that fuel pumps are not covered under the emissions warranties when they in face should be. The cost of repairing or replacing these parts then fall on the customers.

What Can I Do if My Nissan is Experiencing Emissions Problems?

If you are driving a Nissan model that is exhibiting any of the above-mentioned issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and prevent any further complications. The attorneys at CCA are very knowledgeable about the various emissions warranties discussed above and will work with you to fight back against the automaker.

Please do not hesitate to call CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. We’ll get you the compensation you deserve – and at no cost to you!