Nissan recalls 140,000 Altimas

The Japanese automaker decided to recall 140,582 of its 2007 Altima cars after problems with the air filter were reported. The air filter can catch fire if hot objects are drawn into it and this problem will recall only for the 2.5 liter engines.The problem was discovered in February and since then 4 fires were reported.

To avoid the fire the filter will be replaced because it can ignite if something hot such as ashes or cigarettes enter through the fresh air intake valve. To help avoiding the fire an air deflector will also be installed on the vehicle.

The recall affects the cars that were built between September 25th and May 11th at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, and those produced from October 30 through May 11 at its Canton, Mississippi, factory. The Altima accounted for 140,253, or 26 percent, of Nissan's U.S. sales this year through June. The car was ninth in sales among all cars and light trucks in the U.S. during the period.