NHTSA Complaint #11433501 — 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA

While driving on the highway with my family (at the speed limit) we heard a noise and I lost control of the steering. There was no pre-warning. It felt like I was hydro-planing. We were in the center lane. Luckily, no cars were next to me. Definitely would have caused a collision. I assumed we had a flat tire. I was able to ease the car to the shoulder. All tires were OK. Car was towed to our regular mechanic. They determined a rear control arm had broken. It had rusted through. The other rear, and both front arms were in bad shape as well. They called local Nissan dealership to get the replacement part. They were then informed there was a manufacturer replacement warranty on the rear arms. (Why Not the Front?) Car was towed to dealer and they replaced both rear arms. I had never heard of this problem before. I had received no notice from Nissan of America. I had received notice of the hood latch recall, so I know they had my contact info. The car had been at two different dealerships in the past. Neither had ever warned me of the possible danger. We had to pay $47.48 for a replacement Rear Sway Bar Link that they had to cut to get to the control arm. Now we need to pay for an identical replacement on the front arms, which is not covered by Nissan. Nissan took no responsibility for what could have been a deadly accident. They offered no formal apology or compensation. They could not explain why this isnt a full recall. They could not explain why the dealers had not informed my of the issue prior.