Nissan recalls more than 236,000 Sentra sedans for steering problem

WASHINGTON — Nissan North America is recalling more than 236,000 Sentra sedans in the U.S. because the tie rods can bend and break, potentially causing a loss of steering control.

The recall covers Sentra compact cars from the 2020-22 model years and expands a June 2021 recall that affected nearly 139,000 Sentra vehicles from the 2020-21 model years.

In North America, the recall affects about 295,000 vehicles made at Nissan’s plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Nissan spokesperson Dominic Vizor told sibling publication Automotive News.

Of the 295,000 vehicles, about 20,000 are in Canada and 38,000 in Mexico. An additional 15,500 vehicles could be affected in other markets outside the North American region, Vizor said.

The left and right tie rods on those vehicles might bend or deform under certain operating conditions, such as a curb impact, according to a recall report submitted last week to NHTSA.

"A bent tie rod may impair the driver's ability to steer the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel may be off-center and/or experience vibration. In the worst-case scenario, if the tie rod breaks, it can lead to a partial loss of steering control, which may increase the risk of a crash," the report said.

Nissan told NHTSA it was aware of 91 field incidents from August 2021 through July 2023 related to a bent or broken tie rod in 2020-22 Sentra vehicles. The automaker said it received five reports of accidents since issuing the June 2021 recall but has been unable to determine if they were related to the tie rod defect.

As an interim repair, dealers will inspect and replace any bent or broken tie rods. Once newly designed parts are available, dealers will replace both the left and right tie rods.

Vehicles previously repaired under the June 2021 recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Dealers were notified Aug. 16. Owners will be notified with an interim letter starting Oct. 5.