NHTSA Complaint #11717034 — 2024 NISSAN ALTIMA

On [XXX] I purchased a brand-new 2024 Nissan Altima SR from Vaden Nissan located at 10421 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, Phone 912-920-5600; with approximately 25 miles on the odometer. On the day of purchase, the vehicle emitted a noticeable mold odor inside the cabin. The vehicle was returned to the dealership on March 11, 2024, due to the mold odor. It was again returned on March 13, 2024, after water was discovered inside the trunk area of the vehicle. At the time of sale and shortly thereafter, water was present inside the trunk area, and the vehicle continued to exhibit water intrusion. The water intrusion appears to be associated with defective weatherstripping or sealing, which allowed moisture to enter the vehicle. On March 19, 2024, the dealership returned the vehicle to me with visible mold present inside the vehicle. The mold condition was observable at the time it was returned to consumer use. The vehicle was not professionally remediated for mold contaminated before being released back to consumer possession. A professional mold inspection later identified over 100,000 mold spores and at least ten (10) different types of mold inside the vehicle. Although the source of water intrusion was reportedly repaired on October 25, 2024, the vehicle remains inoperative and unsafe due to mold contamination. The mold condition persists despite repair attempts. I remain in possession of the vehicle, which cannot be safely driven or occupied. The manufacturer was notified of the water intrusion and mold contamination; however, the safety issue remains unresolved. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether the water intrusion and resulting mold contamination present a broader safety concern and whether the handling and return of the vehicle to consumer use was appropriate given the visible mold condition.INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)