A recent quality control audit at Nissan North America uncovered an issue impacting a specific batch of 2024 Sentra sedans. The problem, identified in mid-May 2024, affects approximately 1,600 vehicles.
These Sentras were produced between May 16th and 24th at Nissan’s Aguascalientes plant in Mexico. During a routine inspection, a technician identified air bubbles within the windshield, specifically concentrated on the driver’s side near the bottom.
This prompted Nissan to take immediate action, isolating the affected vehicles and launching a collaborative investigation with the windshield supplier, Vitro. Notably, Vitro is the largest glass manufacturer in both North and Central America.
The investigation centered on part number 727006LB0B, which is used for windshields in both U.S. and Canadian Sentra models. This incident highlights Nissan’s commitment to quality control and its proactive approach to ensuring driver safety.
A critical quality check for windshields involves simulating exposure to harsh sunlight through a heat cycle test. During a recent test, Nissan identified a troubling issue. Air bubbles began appearing between the glass layers after only two hours of simulated sun exposure at 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit).
Further investigation revealed the culprit: a malfunction in the windshield assembly fixture. This malfunction caused uneven pressure distribution during the bonding process, leading to unintended air gaps between the glass and the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer.
PVB is a crucial plastic resin responsible for holding the windshield together. The presence of air bubbles not only compromises the structural integrity of the windshield but also violates a key motor vehicle safety standard.
This discovery prompted Nissan to take immediate action to address the faulty fixture and ensure the production of safe and reliable windshields. Worried Nissan Sentra owners can check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if their car is part of a recent recall.
The VIN, a 17-character code that uniquely identifies the vehicle, might be obscured by air bubbles in the windshield – a safety issue that prompted the recall itself. This applies specifically to 2024 Sentra models assembled in Mexico, whose VINs typically begin with the number 3.
While proactive customers can check their VIN, Nissan will also be notifying all affected owners by mail starting August 29th, 2024. Dealers will replace faulty windshields free of charge, with a repair time of around 2.5 hours. In total, this recall covers 1,608 Sentras in the United States.
The Sentra is a popular choice for sedan buyers, ranking as the second best-selling Nissan in the US during the first half of 2024 (after the Rogue crossover). It slots between the outgoing Versa and Altima sedans and starts at $21,180.
Offered in S, SV, and SR trims, all Sentras feature a 2.0-liter, 149-horsepower engine with a continuously variable transmission. Unlike the electric Leaf, the Sentra boasts a multi-link rear suspension for a more comfortable ride.