Nissan Lock Lawsuit

Nissan’s Legal Challenge

It’s not every day that a major automaker like Nissan finds itself in the legal crosshairs over a door lock issue, but that’s exactly what’s happening in California. The company is currently facing a class-action lawsuit alleging a hidden defect in the door lock actuators of several models, including the 2013–2025 Altima, 2014–2025 Rogue, and 2013–2025 Sentra. These components, when malfunctioning, can result in some pretty stressful experiences—like doors unexpectedly swinging open while on the roads or, conversely, refusing to open at all.

The Root of the Problem

The heart of the lawsuit lies in the allegation that these vehicles were sold with known defects that Nissan failed to disclose upfront. The plaintiff, Deena Khalifa, who bought a 2020 Nissan Rogue, argues that she would’ve thought twice about her purchase had she known about these potential issues. While she hasn’t personally experienced a malfunction, she, along with others, feels misled.

What’s At Stake?

The legal action isn’t just targeting defective locking mechanisms. It’s questioning Nissan’s ethics in failing to disclose known issues, as stated under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act. The stakes aren’t small potatoes either. Drivers have reported scenarios where they were stuck outside their vehicles, even when urgency and safety were on the line. One story even includes a mother having to break her car window to rescue her infant because the locks wouldn’t budge.

Recall and Action

Nissan had taken action back in July 2015, recalling around 6,595 units across specific Sentra, Versa Note, and Rogue models, due to issues specifically with driver-side locks. However, the recall affected only a small portion of the models now under fire, and it seems the issue might have persisted beyond that recall.

Driving a Rogue

Shifting gears to what driving a Nissan Rogue feels like—this SUV is generally praised for its comfort, offering a smooth ride that’s often a top choice for families and those in need of practical daily drivers. When functioning properly, its features are likable, but in comparison to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the issues with the door locks could make even a loyal Nissan fan have second thoughts.

With this lawsuit still unfolding, it’ll be interesting to see how things pan out for Nissan in terms of trust and reputation. For now, the real battle might be rebuilding confidence among existing and potential buyers.