Did Your Nissan Altima Lose Its Night Vision? Here’s the Headlight Lawsuit Lowdown
Imagine cruising down the highway at night, only to realize your Nissan Altima’s headlights are about as bright as a firefly. Not exactly ideal, especially if it’s due to a widespread defect. Well, for owners of certain Altima models, this became a reality, leading to a class-action lawsuit against Nissan.
The lawsuit centered around a problem with the headlights in 2013-2018 Nissan Altimas equipped with halogen headlights (the non-fancy, bulb-type ones). Allegedly, these headlights suffered from a deteriorating interior reflective surface that caused the low beams to dim over time. Think of it like the shiny inside of a disco ball slowly turning dull – way less illuminating.
This posed a safety hazard for drivers, making nighttime journeys a gamble. So, a group of Altima owners joined forces and filed a class-action lawsuit against Nissan, claiming the automaker knew about the defect but failed to disclose it.
Important Note: It’s worth mentioning that Nissan denied any wrongdoing throughout the case.
Here’s the good news: The lawsuit resulted in a settlement in January 2022. This settlement offered relief to current and former owners/lessees of the affected Altima models.
So, what did the settlement entail?
Extended Warranty: Nissan agreed to extend the warranty on the headlights for 36 months.
Reimbursement: If you already paid to replace the faulty headlights before October 25, 2021, you could file a claim for reimbursement. There was a deadline for this though, so it’s no longer available (as of March 4, 2024).
Free Replacements: The settlement also provided an opportunity for all class members to get their headlights replaced for free, regardless of the age or mileage of their vehicle.
Have more questions? We’ve got you covered!
FAQs:
Is my Altima included in the settlement?
This settlement only applies to 2013-2018 Nissan Altimas with halogen headlights. You can check your owner’s manual or contact a Nissan dealership to confirm your headlight type.
How do I get free headlight replacements?
Unfortunately, the free replacement program might be over by now (March 4, 2024). It’s best to contact a Nissan dealership for the latest information.
Can I still get reimbursed if I replaced my headlights after the deadline?
No, the reimbursement window closed on April 25, 2022.
My headlights seem dim, but they’re not halogens. What should I do?
This settlement only addressed halogen headlights. If you have a different headlight type or suspect another issue, schedule an appointment at a Nissan dealership or a qualified mechanic.
What if I wasn’t part of the lawsuit but have a dimming headlight issue?
While the class-action resolved a specific headlight defect, it doesn’t hurt to contact Nissan directly to see if they offer any goodwill repairs.
Is there a website with more details about the settlement?
Yes, you can find more information on the settlement website: Nissan Altima Headlight Settlement Website: http://www.altimaheadlightsettlement.com/
Remember, driving safely at night is crucial. If you have any concerns about your Nissan Altima’s headlights, don’t hesitate to get them checked by a professional.
