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Nissan steering recalls: tie rods, steering bolts, and lost power assist
Steering is Nissan's most repeated recall theme, and tie rods are the core of it. The 2020-2021 Altima had tie rod ball joint fasteners that were not tightened properly, while the 2020-2021 and then 2020-2022 Sentra were recalled twice for tie rods that may bend or break. Separately, the 2024 Altima can have the bolts joining the electric power steering unit to the rack work loose, and the 2023 Ariya may have a steering wheel bolt tightened incorrectly or left out entirely. The 2021 Versa and Kicks were also recalled twice for an intermittent torque sensor connection that kills power steering assist, and the 2020 Murano for a transverse link that can separate.
Warning signs to watch for
- Steering wheel that feels loose when rocked gently forward and back (Ariya)
- Off-center steering wheel or steering vibration (Sentra)
- Steering that suddenly becomes very heavy (Versa, Kicks)
- Steering that feels loose, stiff, or noisy (2024 Altima)
- Tie rod and ball joint failures can happen suddenly with no warning at all
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these eight recalls carries a blanket park-it order, but three have conditions. On the 2023 Ariya, if the steering wheel feels loose when you gently rock it forward and back, do not drive — have the car transported to a dealer. On the 2020-2022 Sentra, an off-center or vibrating steering wheel means asking the dealer for transport assistance rather than driving in. On the 2024 Altima, stop driving if steering feels loose, stiff, or noisy. Otherwise driving is acceptable while you wait, but book quickly.
What the free repair involves
Repairs vary by defect: dealers tighten or replace the Altima tie rod ball joint fasteners, inspect and replace bent Sentra tie rods, replace the Ariya steering wheel bolt, replace the 2024 Altima steering gear assembly, check the Versa and Kicks torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column, and inspect Murano transverse links, replacing and realigning if needed. Everything is free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 5 |
| high | 2 |
| medium | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-21 | Nissan Altima steering bolts can loosen, causing lost control | critical |
| 2023-08-15 | Nissan Sentra steering tie rods can bend and break | critical |
| 2023-07-18 | Nissan Versa and Kicks can lose power steering assist | medium |
| 2023-02-28 | Nissan Ariya steering wheel bolt may be loose or missing | critical |
| 2022-09-15 | Nissan Versa and Kicks may lose power steering assist | high |
| 2021-06-17 | Nissan Sentra bent tie rods can cause steering loss | critical |
| 2021-03-11 | Nissan Murano suspension link may break from ball joint | high |
| 2021-03-04 | Nissan Altima tie rod can come apart, steering loss | critical |
Common questions
How do I check the Ariya steering wheel bolt myself?
Nissan's notice describes gently rocking the steering wheel forward and back with your hands. If it feels loose, do not drive the car — contact your dealer to arrange transport and immediate repair rather than driving it in.
My Sentra's steering wheel sits off-center. Is that related?
The 2020-2022 Sentra recall lists an off-center steering wheel or vibration as signs of a bent tie rod. Nissan tells owners with those symptoms to ask the dealer for transport assistance instead of driving the car to the appointment.
Will I lose steering completely if the power steering assist fails?
The Versa and Kicks recalls describe the torque sensor disabling power steering assist, which makes steering suddenly much heavier rather than removing it. That jump in effort can still cause a crash, so have the torque sensor lot code checked.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.