NHTSA Complaint #11515321 — 2019 NISSAN PATHFINDER

Nissan uses bi-metal lug nuts, as does a number of other manufacturers, including Jeep. For Nissan, these are a steel lug nut covered with a shiny metal, likely chrome. Over time, there apparently has been corrosion, either galvanic or because the thermal cycling the wheel experiences allow moisture to get between the two metals and rust occurs. The end result is the lug nut swells and the manufacturer provided lug wrench no longer fits, preventing the owner from changing a flat tire. While not a major saftety issue, it does increase the risk of an owner being injured as they attempt to force the lug wrench onto the lug nut. The owner is also at a slightly elevated risk as they repeatedly attempt to remove the tire on the side of the road, increasing the time exposed to traffic. Even roadside assistance likely does not have the specialty tool (21.5mm or 22.5mm socket) needed to remove the tire. These bimetal lug nuts should be banned.