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NHTSA investigating Nissan Altima for brake fluid leaks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into select Nissan Altima sedans over concerns that a master cylinder leak could be causing brake failure issues.

This recall affects around 440,000 Nissan Altima sedans from 2007 and 2008, with the NHTSA announcing the investigation after receiving 20 complaints from owners about this master cylinder leak. In 18 of these occurrences, the only problem reported was that the brake warning light lit up, notifying the owner that he brake fluid levels were dropping to a dangerously low level. However, in the other two occurrences, the drivers reported that there was a noticeable decline in brake pedal effectiveness.

Should the 2007 and 2008 Nissan Altima sedans be found to have a part or manufacturer’s flaw that would cause this leak top spring up in more and more vehicles, Nissan may be forced to recall these 440,000 sedans. Even in the event that there is no noticeable change in brake pedal effectiveness, too many drivers have a tendency to ignore warning lights and when problems like this are left to fester – these people increase their chances of experiencing the loss in braking abilities. Of course, this problem increases the chances of an accident but it should also be noted that brake fluid is incredibly corrosive and flammable. While the reports of this brake fluid leak haven’t mentioned fire, depending on the location of the brake fluid leak, there could be a chance of fire and corrosion damage to the vehicle.

These investigations occasionally drag on for months and even years, so it could be a while before we know whether the 2007 and 2008 Nissan Altima sedans will be recalled to address this brake fluid issue. TorqueNews will continue following this topic, bringing you more news as it becomes available!

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Comments

Marcie (not verified)    November 16, 2011 - 10:57PM

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On Friday 11-11-2011 heard back from Nissan after talking to them on Tuesday 11-8-2011 and opened a case. I was told that they do not have any record or complaints about master cylinder issue. Also they do not have any information stating the NHTSA is investigating. Because my car was out of warranty as of December 2010, I was offered a one time common courtesy refund of 50%. I asked if there was anyone else I could speak to? I was told yes there are other people I could talk to but basically the offer would not change. I was then informed to fax a copy of invoice, with paid receipt and my case number and Nissan would issue me a check within 2 weeks. I did also inquire if I cashed the check does that mean if recall would mine be void because I cashed the check. He stated no. I mentioned the fact that other people online were getting full refunds and was told all cases handled on individual basis.

In process of contacting the district representative of Nissan for my area and see if I can get anywhere else with him/her. This is a defect and needs to be addressed before there are lives lost!!! I will keep you informed.

Anonymous (not verified)    December 13, 2011 - 4:36PM

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As with most of the incidents I've read, my little "brake" light started coming on at various times -- not while using the brakes but after their release. Just visited my Nissan dealership and the fellow behind the service desk was quick with an answer to my brake light issue. "You need to replace the master cylinder", he said, on a 2008 vehicle whose warranty just ran out. I was shocked to discover that this is a problem not only for me but countless others -- those who have posted a note and those who didn't even think to check for possible recalls. I'm sure that this issue is more wide spread than the NHTSA realizes. Bad parts are just that and Nissan should admit their error and begin a recall to repair the affected vehicles. I'm hoping that this happens before there are fatalities! It's time to buy AMERICAN!

Laura (not verified)    January 25, 2012 - 3:03PM

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I own a 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5L with 54,000 miles. My VDC/Slip lights have been coming on intermittantly for 2 weeks. Took the car to the dealer and was told it's the Master Cylinder. Did some research and found this forum. Thank you everyone for the helpful comments! Yesterday I contacted the corporate office in TN and today I got a response back. The regional representative told me that they have contacted my dealer and will pay for the repair to my car. Wow, I wasn't expecting such fast response but I am so happy that I don't have to come out of pocket with my own money and then wait for reimbursement. Thank you Nissan Regional Rep Carl for all your help! Just wanted to let everyone know that Nissan seems to be willing to make this right.

2007 Nissan Al… (not verified)    February 7, 2012 - 7:20PM

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2007 Nissan Altima - My dashboard brake warning light sporadically flashed on and off beginning a couple of weeks ago. I took the car to a nearby Nissan Dealership for a brake inspection. The Service Department Representative, prior to inspection, shared that the warning light might indicate that the master cylinder might be leaking and the brakes might be good. The Service Mechanic observed that brake fluid levels were low and due to the master cylinder leaking into the booster. The brake pads were good. The mechanic added brake fluid. The dashboard brake warning light stopped flashing. I was quite surprised that the Service Department Manager had a good idea that there was a master cylinder leak. I asked him about it. He said that brake master cylinder leaks were a common problem for the 2007 Nissan Altima. I am taking the car to a different facility for another brake inspection and repair, if necessary.

Chris (not verified)    February 20, 2012 - 5:38PM

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I commented a few post back up. I'm just letting anybody know who might stop by that Nissan agreed to pay half the cost. If I argued I feel I could have gotten the entire amount reimbursed. I'm was just ready to get this issue behind me.

Best of Luck to anybody having this issue.

Anonymous (not verified)    April 26, 2012 - 4:20PM

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I brought my 2008 Altima 2.5S to the dealership yesterday for an oil change. They informed me that there is a recall for the master cylinder. They said that a test was performed on it and that it failed the test so they would replace it free of charge. The part had to be ordered and I am waiting for it come in. My brakes feel fine and the brake warning light has never come on.

Anonymous (not verified)    April 26, 2012 - 4:26PM

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I brought my 2008 Altima 2.5S to the dealership yesterday for an oil change. They informed me that there is a recall for the master cylinder. They said that a test was performed on it and that it failed the test so they would replace it free of charge. The part had to be ordered and I am waiting for it come in. My brakes feel fine and the brake warning light has never come on.