Nissan Sentra Recall Issued Over Loss of Steering Control Impacts 230K Vehicles

Nissan has recalled Sentra vehicles from recent model years, due to problems with the tie rods, which may impair the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Nissan Sentra recall on August 18, indicating certain vehicles may be equipped with faulty tie rods, which can bend or break while the vehicle is in motion and result in the driver losing control of the vehicle.

The announcement follows a previous Nissan Sentra recall announced in 2021 for the same problem, but includes additional vehicles that were not subject to the prior recall.

Nissan Sentra Tie Rod Investigation 

Nissan initiated an investigation into the tie rod assembly issues in July 2020, after becoming aware of a consumer complaint involving loss of steering control. The manufacturer observed separation of the vehicle’s right front tie rod and sent the defective part for further analysis, as the vehicle did not have any indication of accident damage.

The automaker determined that the part was fatigued and bent, causing the tie rod to fracture from its housing. Investigators inspected thousands of tie rod parts manufactured in the Aguascalientes facility, as well as thousands of vehicles equipped with parts manufactured by the supplier. However, Nissan was unable to duplicate the bent tie rod condition.

A recall was issued in June 2021, impacting approximately 138,736 model year 2020 through 2021 Nissan Sentra vehicles. The initial recall impacted vehicles equipped with tie rod assemblies manufactured in the Aguascalientes facility from November 25, 2019 until March 24, 2021. At the time of the initial recall announcement, Nissan was aware of at least seven warranty claims in relation to the tie rod issue.

Nissan Expands Sentra Tie Rod Recall 

Nissan expanded their investigation into the issue following a warranty claim involving an off-center steering wheel on a model year 2022 Nissan Sentra vehicle. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the technician observed a broken front tie rod and sent the part to Nissan for further analysis.

The investigation revealed that the tie rod was not fatigued, but deformed from bending, which may have caused the part to fracture. The investigation also revealed that the tie rod part was not subject to the prior recall issued in 2021, as the vehicle was manufactured after the suspected production period of the prior recalled vehicles.

Nissan became aware of four additional warrant claims involving bent or broken tie rods on model year 2022 Nissan Sentra vehicles, and conducted in-vehicle testing. The testing revealed deformation of the part when subjected to high force impacts with objects including curbs or large potholes, and the automaker concluded the tie rods may not have sufficient strength under certain driving conditions.

The auto maker indicates that it is now aware of at least 91 incidents involving problems with Nissan Sentra vehicles containing bent or broken tie rod assemblies. Nissan is also aware of at least five accidents that may potentially be related to the issue. However, the company was unable to determine with complete certainty that the accidents were related to the recalls.

Due to the continued defects observed in the tie rod assemblies, Nissan issued an expanded recall to include additional vehicles and manufacture dates. The current recall now impacts approximately 236,238 model year 2020 through 2022 Nissan Sentra vehicles produced from November 25, 2019 until March 31, 2022.

Owners can expect to receive notification of the recall by mail beginning on October 5, 2023. A licensed Nissan dealer will provide complimentary interim repair by replacing any bent or broken tie rods. They will also receive a second letter once a final replacement part is available.

Nissan is advising owners of the recalled vehicles to contact their local Nissan dealer to arrange transport assistance if they experience an off-center or vibrating steering wheel.

For more information, owners may contact Nissan customer service by phone at 1-800-867-7669 and reference recall number R23B3. They may also contact the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit their website at www.nhtsa.gov.