Nissan Recalls 2007 Altimas for Fire Danger

Nissan's popular 2007 Altima sedan is being recalled to correct a problem with the air filter that may result in a fire. The recall affects all 2007 Altimas with the 2.5-liter engine built at the Smyrna, Tennessee, plant from Sept. 25, 2006 to May 11, 2007, and at the Canton, Mississippi, plant from Oct. 30, 2006 to May 11, 2007.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation said it is aware of 26 reports of fires, of which three were reported directly to ODI and Nissan, and no injuries.

"Nissan has determined that if a sufficiently hot object [for example, a cigarette ash or other ignition source] enters the air filter housing through the engine fresh air intake system and contacts the air filter, the flammability characteristics of the air filter material are such that the filter may ignite," the NHTSA said on its Web site. "If the air filter ignites, a fire may occur."

Vehicles built after the aforementioned dates are equipped with a different air filter.

Nissan will remove the original air filter and install a new unit with improved anti-flammability characteristics. The recall is expected to involve about 140,000 vehicles. The Altima is Nissan's best-selling vehicle.