Nissan is recalling 123,308 Altima sedans to check the pressure of spare tires, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
During a full year of production in Canton, Miss., Nissan had been using a spare tire inflator with a faulty pressure regulator and pressure gauge that may have compromised the construction of the tires.
Tires that were overinflated "lost structural integrity" when exposed to the higher heat in the trunk and then rapidly deflated, Nissan said. Some tires may also have been underinflated at the plant. Vehicles built after March 26 are not affected since the inflator machine was fixed.
Dealers will inspect the spare tires and adjust the pressure as necessary starting on May 3. For tires that have been overinflated by a "certain threshold," Nissan will replace the spare tire at a later date. Owners can call Nissan at 800-647-7261.
