Nissan Recalls 97,000 Altima and Sentra Vehicles

The automaker said that 97,000 of the 2006 Altima and Sentra sedans with 2.5-litre engines could consume oil faster than the conventional engines. This circumstance would potentially damage the engine, which may eventually lead to engine fires.

Nissan was earlier quoted, "If not detected or addressed properly, the condition may lead to engine damage which could, in extreme cases, result in a risk of fire.'' Nissan received 274 reports of excessive oil consumption and 24 engine fires. Most of these reports came from rental car fleets. According to Fred Standish, Nissan spokesman said that in the early part of June, the automaker has ordered dealers to stop selling said sedans after receiving reports about excessive consumption and engine fires. Standish added that Nissan is still trying to determine the root cause of the current problem.

Nissan confirmed that 85,000 of the recalled sedans were in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. These sedans are manufactured from January to May this year. According to Standish, the sedans built after May 22 "have been tested rigorously and have shown no signs of excessive oil consumption." Standish also noted that said cars are available for sale.

The automaker sent notices to owners and dealers about the problem and has recommended that owners must check their oil every 1,100 kilometers and every time they fill their gas tanks. Standish added that if the engine's oil level is kept at a proper level, it should not suffer any damage.

2006 Nissan Altima, which belong to the third generation of the car codenamed L31, is bigger to the previous Altima. In fact, it adopted the size of Nissan Maxima that arrived before it. Parts for Nissan Altima include an option of a QR25DE engine or a more powerful VQ35DE engine. In the previous year, Altima received minor redesign on the front grille and back taillights. Also, in said year, Altima SE-R, which was the first sporty model in Nissan's lineup, was born. It sports 18" Forged Aluminum wheels, upgraded brake system, suspension, performance exhaust, lower body sculpting and more. Sentra, on the other hand, is a rebadged compact car of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. Said car uses a brand new platform however; its wheelbase remained untouched.