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Nissan Altima Steering Tie Rod May Detach

NHTSA campaign 21V138000 · Reported Mar 4, 2021 · Nissan North America, Inc.

high How serious is it? About this label

Losing the ability to steer can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V138000
Reported to NHTSA	Mar 4, 2021
Manufacturer	Nissan North America, Inc.
Part affected	Steering:linkages:tie ROD Assembly
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2020–2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

A bolt that holds the tie rod ball joint in place on the steering was not tightened correctly when the vehicle was built. This can allow the tie rod ball joint to come loose and detach from the steering knuckle. If that happens, the driver can lose the ability to steer the vehicle, which can lead to a loss of control.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769 to schedule a repair with your dealer.
3. The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V138000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2020 Nissan Altima
2021 Nissan Altima

Who to contact

Nissan — official Nissan recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-867-7669

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Nissan Steering Recalls Involving Tie Rods, Bolts, and Power Assist · all 8 Nissan recalls in this area

Other Nissan Altima recalls

Aug 13, 2026Nissan Altima Passenger Air Bag May Not Deployhigh
Jan 21, 2026Nissan Altima and Sentra Doors May Openhigh
Jun 27, 2025Nissan, Infiniti Engine Bearings May Failcritical
Dec 21, 2023Nissan Altima Steering Rack Bolts May Loosenhigh
Sep 8, 2023Nissan Altima and Sentra rearview camera image may failmedium
Mar 11, 2021Nissan Altima and Titan Tires May Failhigh

All 14 Altima recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
Safety risk: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.