My 2009 Nissan Altima is dangerously unstable in winter conditions. Twice we have been forced to stop during Christmas vacation, unload the car, and send my children by train. Nissan said there was no problem the first time (2010) at one location and at another they said it was positively the front to rear alignment causing instability. We felt confident the problem was resolved but faced the exact same problem - again during Christmas (2012)!! We had to send our kids by train once again. Seems the problem occurs under condition of weight in car with cold winter conditions. No, it is not just a matter of being slippery as we have winter tires (problem occurred with two different winter tire sets) and no other car on road seems to be affected at same time.
We had a 2005 Altima for 4 -years prior to buying the second one. We were quite happy with the first and decided to go for another given we had no problems. The second, however, has been a nightmare. I am actually scared to drive the car in winter and terrified when my familiy is in car during the winter conditions.
Nissan Canada has been terrible in response. Our local dealer tried to assist. The service manager agreed that the newer Altima suspension has changed and believes it to be dangerous under loaded car with winter conditions. They could not assist as they cannot fix car and cannot provide a reasonable financial way out. Nissan Canada will only provide financial compensation towards a new car. They offer me $13, 000 for my car which I owe $18, 000 currently and offer a whopping $1, 500 towards a new car as compensation. I could get the same thing walking off the street. This has also taken near 2-months to get this offer and many many frustrating calls.
Nissan has lost my confidence to treat their customers fairly and with respect. I would not recommend Nissan at this point. I would certainly warn Altima owners that they may be driving a potentially dangerous car if it behaves as mine.
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