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Nissan Steering Recalls Involving Tie Rods, Bolts, and Power Assist
Nissan's steering recalls repeatedly involve mechanical connections that can loosen, detach, bend, or break, alongside a separate power-assist fault. Sentra appears in two tie-rod notices: one covers certain 2020-2021 vehicles with potentially bent rods, and another covers certain 2020-2022 vehicles with rods that may bend. Certain 2021 Kicks and Versa vehicles appear in two notices concerning an intermittent EPS torque-sensor connection. Altima problems differ by year: improperly tightened tie-rod fasteners in 2020-2021 vehicles and loosening steering-rack connections in 2024 vehicles. Other notices concern the 2023 Ariya steering-wheel bolt and possible transverse-link separation in the 2020 Murano.
Warning signs to watch for
- February 2023 Ariya steering-wheel bolt recall: the steering wheel feels loose when gently rocked forward and back by hand.
- September 2022 and July 2023 Kicks and Versa EPS recalls: increased steering effort, especially at low speeds.
- August 2023 Sentra tie-rod recall: an off-center steering wheel or vibration.
- December 2023 Altima steering-rack bolt recall: loss of steering control or steering lock-up.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
These steering notices do not tell owners to stop driving and do not give park-outside instructions. The February 2023 Ariya notice advises contacting the dealer for transport and immediate repair if the steering wheel feels loose when gently rocked forward and back by hand. The August 2023 Sentra tie-rod notice advises contacting the dealer for transport assistance if an off-center steering wheel or vibration occurs. The remaining notices do not tell owners to stop driving.
What the free repair involves
Repairs are free where stated. Ariya dealers replace the steering-wheel bolt; 2020-2021 Altima dealers tighten or replace fasteners. Murano dealers inspect link lot codes, replacing links and aligning as necessary. The 2021 Sentra recall specifies conditional tie-rod replacement; its 2023 notice specifies free interim inspection and replacement of bent or broken rods. Kicks/Versa recalls specify conditional steering-column replacement; 2024 Altima gets a steering-gear assembly.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 1 |
| high | 7 |
Models affected most
Where owners report steering problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under steering for the Nissan models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Sentra | 55 |
| 2021 Nissan Sentra | 40 |
| 2022 Nissan Sentra | 31 |
| 2020 Nissan Altima | 20 |
| 2021 Nissan Altima | 7 |
| 2024 Nissan Altima | 5 |
| 2021 Nissan Versa | 4 |
| 2020 Nissan Murano | 4 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 21, 2023 | Nissan Altima Steering Rack Bolts May Loosen | high |
| Aug 15, 2023 | Nissan Sentra Tie Rods May Bend and Break | high |
| Jul 18, 2023 | Nissan Kicks and Versa may lose power steering | high |
| Feb 28, 2023 | Nissan Ariya Steering Wheel Bolt May Loosen Or Detach | critical |
| Sep 15, 2022 | Nissan Kicks And Versa Power Steering Loss | high |
| Jun 17, 2021 | Nissan Sentra Tie Rods May Be Bent | high |
| Mar 11, 2021 | Nissan Murano Suspension Link May Separate | high |
| Mar 4, 2021 | Nissan Altima Steering Tie Rod May Detach | high |
Common questions
What does Nissan say to do about a loose Ariya steering wheel?
The February 2023 notice advises owners to contact their dealer for transport and immediate repair if the steering wheel feels loose when gently rocked forward and back by hand. Dealers replace the steering-wheel bolt free of charge.
What symptoms trigger transport assistance in the Sentra tie-rod notice?
The August 2023 notice for certain 2020-2022 Sentras names an off-center steering wheel or vibration. It advises contacting the dealer for transport assistance. Its stated interim repair is inspection and replacement of any bent or broken tie rods, free of charge.
Why are certain Kicks and Versa vehicles losing power steering assist?
The September 2022 and July 2023 notices identify an intermittent electrical connection in the EPS torque sensor on certain 2021 Kicks and Versa vehicles. Dealers inspect the sensor lot code and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.