June 21, 2006
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling 85,000 of the 2006 model year Nisan Altimas because the cars burn too much oil and that may cause a engine fire.
"Certain of the passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines may experience excessive oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings," according to NHTSA.
The federal safety regulators warn that if engine oil is not maintained at least at minimum levels engine damage is likely and an engine fire is possible.
Nissan has not provided details of how the company plans to repair the Altimas that are part of the recall but the automaker has notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining proper oil levels.
Altima owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or NHTSA at 1-800-424-9153.