2021 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems

The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.

NHTSA ID

11750579

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

Hello, I am reporting a steering-related issue involving the inner tie rods on my 2021 Nissan Sentra. Nissan previously issued safety recall campaign PM985 for bent inner tie rods on certain Sentra vehicles from the same model year. Two separate repair facilities inspected my vehicle and confirmed problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system components. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to the issue being identified. Although my VIN may not currently be included in the recall population, my vehicle is experiencing a similar issue involving the same steering-related component identified in recall PM985. Because tie rods are directly related to steering control and vehicle stability, this issue raises concerns about driving safety. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be documented and reviewed in case similar failures are occurring outside the current recall population.

NHTSA ID

11739878

Incident

May 1, 2026

Electric steering rack has play and causes violent shaking. Huge safety risk as this could have complete failure and cause accidents. Vehicle started showing symptoms at 68,000 miles and after reading separate forums, many others have experienced these same issues. No warning lights appear on the dash and no inspection by safety highway patrol. This is a serious issue especially given I do not appear to be the only person experiencing this. The steering and suspension seem to be a common issue on this call given the recall on the tie rods.

NHTSA ID

11699032

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) through mail and email and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA ID

11658529

Incident

May 2, 2025

Steering wheel vibrates and has become difficult to steer. Occurs often. While on the freeway, vehicle has come to a stop in 2 different occasions, it just stopped for 4-5 seconds. Back up camera is blurred, mainly in the center.

NHTSA ID

11649039

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

As I was driving home on the highway, something happened with my car where I couldn't control the car. It swerved back and forth on it's own until it finally stopped and cut off on it's own. There were no messages or symptoms prior to the failure. My car has been with Nissan who said they were going to investigate it and I cannot get a call back from Nissan Consumer Affairs.

NHTSA ID

11636294

Incident

Nov 28, 2024

The car has been towed and moved to another state which is New Jersey and it is being held at an auction company. The car needs to be picked up by Nissan of Garden City and taken back to the dealer shop for the safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11617714

Incident

Jul 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11616898

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

When turning the steering wheel, it make a squeaky noise

NHTSA ID

11603355

Incident

Apr 8, 2024

The steering wheel is shaking and vibrates making it worse when i accelerate and also when I turn.

NHTSA ID

11598205

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

There is a current open recall Campain ID R23B3 on the tie rods requiring replacement, however there is no current remedy per Nissan. This faulty tie rod can break and cause COMPLETE loss of steering, as there is a STOP SALE on this vehicle it is not safe to drive. Vaden Nissan has my vehicle every 5000 miles during each service/oil change from 2021 until 2024. I also notified the Vaden Nissan dealership again of this open recall issue during my last inspection, they rotated the new tires I had to purchase and sent me on my way. While driving my 2021 Nissan Sentra on [XXX] (a moderately busy highway), I experienced noticeable vibrations through the steering wheel, especially when accelerating and making turns. As I attempted to exit the highway, via a curved off-ramp, the steering wheel became extremely shaky and impossible to turn. I struggled to keep the car within the lane and then completely lost steering control. This caused me to veer off the road and nearly into the shoulder. I experienced such panic and fear as my [XXX] nephew was in the car seat in the back of my vehicle and was also extremely frightened. I am now extremely unsatisfied with Nissan and its lack of commitment to sell safe vehicles, I cannot legally resell this vehicle in the current condition and am left with no option but to drive an unsafe car, under the lemon law I have the right to sue. I pray that IF I absolutely have to drive this Nissan Sentra again there are no injuries, life-altering disabilities or possible death incurred to myself of my passengers. As I have followed all proper protocols and require a rental car that is at minimum safe for transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11595561

Incident

Jun 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated as if there was an object in front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11586550

Incident

Jul 18, 2021

Mileage

200 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, and the vibration was felt through the brake pedal. The contact was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had since become a recurring failure at speeds above 50 MPH. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11584799

Incident

Jan 8, 2022

Mileage

55,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11583690

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

Tie rods have no remedy, I have my car parked because its unsafe to drive and have called dealer hundreds of time and all they say is they're working on it. How long do I have to wait on a car I am making payments, this is awful

NHTSA ID

11582013

Incident

Apr 9, 2024

This is pertaining to my earlier complaint on August 2, 2023. My Tire rod and rack and pinion broke when I lost control of steering and bumbed a curb. The dealership refused to used manufacture warranty because they said I had an impact to something, I only hit a few potholes during the Winter months then they told me I had to go through my auto insurance company. Once I filed a claim with my insurance; the service manager insisted me letting them take the claim. While my car was waiting to be repaired ; the tire rod recall (Campaign Number: 23V581000) was announced on my car and the dealership told me that the recall was not the caused of me loosing control of steering. The dealership had my car for over 60 days repairing my car and Nissan N.A is refusing to reimburse me because they said I had an impact to something and it was not caused by the recall.

NHTSA ID

11577497

Incident

Jul 30, 2023

I am simply writing this complaint because the recall says I should if I feel the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the recall in a timely manner. This recall is over 6 months old with no current remedy available. After 6 months, I would expect a recall that cites a potential increase of a crash to be addressed in a much quicker manner.

NHTSA ID

11575243

Incident

Mar 4, 2024

The tie rod collapsed during routine driving causing the vehicle front end to fall in the road.

NHTSA ID

11572496

Incident

Nov 5, 2023

Vehicles will slams on brakes as if it is trying to avoid something in front of the vehicle. This has randomly happened several times at different driving speeds. This has been reported to dealership with no resolution because they cannot duplicate. In addition, I have had the same serious recall involving the Tie Rod for my vehicle and there is no resolution. The dealership will tell you how serious the issue is and that there is stop sale on these vehicles to entice you to trade in the vehicle instead of trying to make it right with the consumer.

NHTSA ID

11548994

Incident

Sep 30, 2023

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle began to slide, hydroplane, and crash into a cement ditch drain.  There were no warning lights illuminated. The passenger side seat belt failed to lock completely, and the occupant was thrown around in the vehicle. The occupant who was occupying the passenger side front seat was taken to the hospital, and it was confirmed that he sustained right elbow and air bag burns and lower intestines injuries. The air bag was deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who test-drove the vehicle prior to the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (steering). The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 43,177.

NHTSA ID

11547043

Incident

Sep 23, 2023

Mileage

43,177 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11546566

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11545989

Incident

Aug 18, 2023

I am writing to file a formal complaint against Koeppel Nissan regarding their refusal to service my vehicle for a factory safety recall (tie rod replacement) and additional services upon request such as; clogged drain(water inside car doors), wheel alignment, evaporator core leakage( water on back seat floor), tire rotation, water in spare wheel well & front door check strap repair. I believe it is imperative to bring this matter to your attention, as it poses a significant risk to public safety and may be in violation of the applicable regulations and guidelines. On September 18, 2023, I visited Koeppel Nissan in Jackson Heights Queens, NY for my scheduled appointment in order to address a safety recall on my vehicle. However, to my astonishment, the dealership's service department declined to service my vehicle, citing reasons that were neither reasonable nor justifiable. Upon explaining that I was being rushed due to time constraints and poorly serviced in the past, the dealership's staff in question displayed a dismissive and unprofessional attitude towards my concerns. Despite my insistence on the urgency of the safety recall, regrettably, the situation escalated to a point where I was asked to leave the premises without having my car serviced. Subsequently, I have preferably decided to no longer do business with this dealership in regards to servicing my vehicle and I wish to seek other alternative solutions at another car dealership location. It is my understanding that as a registered dealership, Koeppel Nissan has an obligation to promptly and adequately address safety recalls on the vehicles they have sold. This obligation is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a moral responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers.

NHTSA ID

11545214

Incident

Sep 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and pulling out of a parking lot on a leveled road surface, the vehicle hit a pothole, and upon attempting to make a turn, the vehicle made a popping sound and the front passenger's side wheel seized. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that while a bystander was inspecting the front passenger's side wheel, a piece of the tie rod fell onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the tie rod had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer and a second dealer, Kraft Nissan (3277 Mahan Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308) were contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 69,661.

NHTSA ID

11543835

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

Mileage

69,661 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake. The power steering warning light and the collision warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact had not yet been informed of the diagnostic result. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11543775

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

Mileage

40,000 mi