Nissan Issues Major Safety Recall Over Hidden Door Flaw

Nissan North America, Inc. has announced a significant recall of thousands of newer model vehicles due to a hidden manufacturing defect that could pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers across the United States and other markets. This recall affects certain 2025 and 2026 model year vehicles after safety regulators and the company discovered that a critical component related to the door retention mechanism may fail under normal driving conditions.

What Prompted the Recall?

The recall was triggered after Nissan discovered that a specific part of the door assembly known as the door striker might have been improperly welded at certain manufacturing facilities. The door striker plays a crucial role in holding car doors securely closed when the vehicle is in motion. A flaw in this part could allow the door to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is driving, which can significantly increase the risk of injury or a crash.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the flaw may not always come with clear warning signs. In some cases, drivers might hear a rattling noise if the striker begins to crack on one side, but if both sides fail, the defect could occur without any noticeable warning before a failure.

Scope of the Recall: Affected Models and Numbers

Nissan’s recall covers approximately 26,432 vehicles from recent model years that were produced in specific windows in 2025. The affected models include:

• 2026 Nissan Kicks – Produced between August 23, 2025 and September 26, 2025; about 3,434 units affected.
• 2025 Nissan Altima – Produced between August 4, 2025 and September 8, 2025; about 7,627 units affected.
• 2025–2026 Nissan Frontier – Produced between August 4, 2025 and September 8, 2025; about 8,383 units affected.
• 2025 Nissan Sentra – Produced between August 21, 2025 and September 6, 2025; about 6,988 units affected.

Nissan has emphasized that the recall applies only to vehicles equipped with the suspect door striker component manufactured during these production periods. The company also notes that “no other Nissan or Infiniti vehicles are affected” by this specific issue.

Understanding the Defect: How It Happens and What It Means

The defect centers on the welding quality of the door striker, which is meant to secure each vehicle’s doors against accidental opening. In the affected vehicles, the striker may have been improperly welded during assembly, leading to a weakened structure that, over time, could crack and break.

The door striker connects the body of the vehicle to the door latch. If this component fails while driving, the door may open unexpectedly. Such an event can create serious safety risks, especially at highway speeds or when the vehicle is turning or braking. Parents, young drivers, and commuters who rely on these vehicles daily may be at particular risk if the issue is not addressed promptly.

One complicating factor is that early signs of trouble may not always be obvious. In some instances, Nissan warns that a driver may hear a rattling or unusual noise near the door striker if one side is beginning to crack. However, if both sides fail at once, the part may break suddenly without any advance warning.

Recall Process and What Nissan Owners Should Do

Nissan has begun notifying owners of the affected vehicles, and dealerships have been instructed to inspect the door striker assemblies free of charge. If a defect is found, Nissan will replace the striker to ensure that the door functions properly and reliably. Owners are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an authorized Nissan dealer as soon as possible.

Consumers who are unsure whether their vehicle is included in the recall can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on Nissan’s official recall website or contact Nissan customer service for more information. Prompt action is important because the defect could lead to an increased risk of injury if the door were to open while the vehicle is in motion.

Industry Context: Nissan’s Recent Recall Activity

This recent recall comes on the heels of other safety-related actions by Nissan. Just two months prior, the automaker issued a separate recall affecting over 41,000 vehicles due to defective windshields that could impair driver visibility. That recall underscored how even seemingly minor manufacturing issues can have significant safety implications for drivers and passengers.

Additionally, the broader automotive industry has seen other recalls impacting Nissan and other manufacturers for various quality and safety concerns. For example, a major recall from 2025 involved hundreds of thousands of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles due to potential engine failure risk linked to manufacturing defects in certain engine components. While these past recalls address different systems, the trend highlights ongoing challenges automakers face with increasingly complex vehicle designs.

Why Vehicle Recalls Matter

Vehicle recalls represent an important mechanism for ensuring automotive safety and consumer protection. When a defect is discovered, regulators like the NHTSA work with manufacturers to identify affected vehicles and require fixes that prevent harm. For drivers, recalls provide an essential way to address safety problems before they lead to accidents or injuries.

For Nissan owners, the recall underscores the importance of staying current with safety notices and acting quickly to resolve issues. While the defect affects a relatively small percentage of vehicles overall, any flaw that can lead to door openings while driving warrants serious attention.

What Experts Recommend for Nissan Owners

Automotive safety experts advise that all vehicle owners take recalls seriously and act immediately if their vehicle is listed. Here are a few practical tips:

• Check your VIN: Use your vehicle identification number on official recall websites to confirm whether your car is affected.
• Schedule service promptly: Contact an authorized Nissan dealer to have the vehicle inspected and repaired at no cost.
• Monitor for unusual symptoms: Pay attention to noises, loose-fitting doors, or other signs that something may be amiss.
• Stay informed: Watch for official communication from Nissan or safety regulators about further recalls or safety notices.

Taking these steps can help prevent avoidable accidents and ensure that your vehicle continues to operate safely for you and your passengers.

Looking Ahead: Nissan’s Commitment to Safety

In announcing the recall, Nissan has reiterated its commitment to vehicle safety and quality. The company has stated that it will take all necessary steps to correct the problem in affected vehicles and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. With ongoing advances in automotive technology and manufacturing techniques, proactive recall management remains a cornerstone of consumer safety and trust in the automotive industry.

Owners with questions about the recall or the repair process can reach out directly to Nissan’s customer support or consult the NHTSA website for additional details on safety notices and related recalls.

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