2023 Nissan Titan

The contact owned a 2023 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving in stop-and-go traffic, the contact allowed a vehicle to make a left-hand turn. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated independently and rear-ended the vehicle in front, where it came to a stop. The vehicle the contact rear-ended was pushed into the vehicle in front, and that vehicle was pushed into the vehicle in front of it. No warning lights were illuminated. The driver-side air bag deployed; however, the steering wheel cover popped out, and the air bag did not inflate, falling onto the contact's lap. The knee air bag did not inflate, and the passenger-side air bags did not deploy. The contact suffered minor injuries to the neck, possibly whiplash. The contact had a prior medical condition related to his back. A police report was filed. There were no passengers in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The insurance company was contacted and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The insurance company referred that contact to the manufacturer. Nissan consumer affairs was made aware of the failure and suggested that the contact tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. However, Nissan consumer affairs contacted the dealer and ordered that the vehicle not be inspected. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that three weeks before the accident, while driving 20 MPH uphill, the vehicle jerked. Once the vehicle made it up the hill, the vehicle resumed functioning as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that six months before the incidents occurred, the contact clipped a crossing deer, and the check engine light illuminated and was still illuminated up to the accident. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

I heard an audible rattling sound at certain RPMs primarily underload. Upon looking under the vehicle found the issue was the result of the exhaust hangars not being torqued properly and coming loose. The exhaust hanger just behind the transmission had loosened so much that one bolt fell out entirely. Picture provided notice one bolt missing.