How to Deal with a Nissan’s Defective Hood-Release Latch

Nissan’s are well-known to be very reliable Japanese cars. However, there have been problems with the hood release latch in certain models of Nissans. In fact some models of certain years have had problems bad enough that Nissan issued a worldwide recall on these vehicles.

To know more about which models and of which years, you can check the NHTSA website or ask us for a detailed response. We can help you to understand what this problem is, why it is necessary to get it fixed immediately, and of course we can tell you whether your car is in the recalled group.

It is About Safety

Even if your Nissan is not one of the models that were recalled, you might still encounter problems with the hood latch. This is not uncommon. Time and wear can also cause this issue. Pay attention to the signs and bring your car to a certified mechanic to address the issue. The defective hood-latch problem is not just about inconvenience. It is a matter of safety, which is why so many models were recalled.

What is a Hood-Latch?

A hood latch is a device under the hood of your car, truck, van, or SUV that holds the hood down. It keeps the hood in place after you have closed it so that it doesn’t flip open. There is a latch and a release cable. The latch is connected to the handle, which is usually inside your car. When you pull the handle, the latch is released and you can open the hood of your vehicle.

Signs of Hood-Latch Problems

Dashboard Warning: Modern cars are usually equipped with these sensors. If your MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) on your dashboard turns on, indicating the hood latch is not secure, even after you have closed it, then chances are there’s a malfunction. A prompt replacement is strongly advised.
Hood Doesn’t Open or Close Properly: If you notice you’re having trouble with the simple task of opening or closing your hood, or you notice the hood doesn’t close securely, you might want to have your Nissan’s hood latch checked.
Rattling Noises: If the hood latch is loose or simply worn out, you may hear clanking and clattering sounds as the hood keeps wiggling while you’re driving.
Hood Pops Open While Driving: This is not only unnerving but also a huge safety hazard, because if the hood pops up while driving, your visibility is entirely obstructed.
Visible Issues: If you can see wear and tear or misalignment, don’t wait around for the situation to get worse. Have it checked out by a professional.
Failing Safety Inspections: If your Nissan fails its safety inspection because of a faulty hood latch, you know you need to have the problem corrected.

What Causes Hood-Latch Damage?

Manufacturing defects are unfortunate and can only be fixed professionally by replacing the malfunctioning component.
Damage because of corrosion due to weather (heat, cold, humidity), and environment (road salt, ocean air, etc.)
Normal wear and tear will erode parts like springs and levers.
Accidents can cause the hood to get misaligned.
Poor Maintenance, like debris, can get stuck and cause difficulty in the hood latch mechanism.

What to Do if the Hood Flips Open While Driving?

The greatest danger with a defective hood latch is that the hood could flip open while driving, especially at high speed on a freeway. This can be disastrous. Here are a few tips on how to deal with that:

Stay Calm—Do Not Panic!
Turn on your hazard lights and start lowering speed.
Try your best to maintain visibility through the space between the windshield and the hood.
Signal your direction and safely start pulling over to the shoulder.
When you are safely stopped, call for help.

It is best not to continue driving with a malfunctioning hood latch as it can be very dangerous. Instead of getting back on the road, call us for a tow. Stay safe!

Come On By Franklin Automotive Today

If you encounter any of the problems Nissan Hood-Latch mentioned above, make an appointment with us today. At Franklin Automotive, we are trained to deal with these types of issues. Our mechanics are ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. That means you will get the crème de la crème of service and mechanics. Book an appointment. Call us. Stop by. We are here to help! We are located in Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Trussville, and Birmingham in Alabama.