Nissan has announced a recall of more than 236,000 small cars in the U.S. due to a problem that can cause loss of steering control. The recall affects certain Sentra compact cars from the 2020 through 2022 model years. Here are some key points to know about this recall:
What is the problem with the Nissan Sentra?
The problem is related to the tie rods in the front suspension of the affected vehicles. Tie rods are metal rods that connect the steering wheel to the wheels and help move them for steering. According to Nissan, some of the tie rods may have been manufactured incorrectly and can bend or break under certain driving conditions. This can result in reduced steering control or complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
How did Nissan discover the problem?
Nissan says it discovered the problem during routine quality checks at its manufacturing plant in Mexico. The company also received some reports of tie rod failures from dealers and customers in the U.S. and Canada. Nissan says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this issue.
What is Nissan doing to fix the problem?
Nissan says it will notify owners of the affected vehicles by mail starting Oct. 5, 2021. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to a Nissan dealer for inspection and replacement of any bent or broken tie rods. Once a new design for the tie rods is available, Nissan will replace both the left and right tie rods on all recalled vehicles at no cost to owners. A second notification letter will be sent to owners once the new parts are ready.
How can owners check if their vehicle is affected by the recall?
Owners can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) on Nissan’s recall website or by calling Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Owners can also check for any other recalls affecting their vehicle by visiting [the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website] or by calling 1-888-327-4236.
What should owners do if they experience any steering problems with their Nissan Sentra?
Owners should contact their Nissan dealer immediately if they notice any signs of steering problems with their vehicle, such as:
- The steering wheel is off-center or does not return to center after turning
- The vehicle pulls to one side or wanders
- The vehicle vibrates or shakes while driving
- The vehicle makes unusual noises from the front suspension
Owners should also avoid driving their vehicle at high speeds or on rough roads until the recall repair is completed.
