YearToAvoid

2020 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 55 steering complaints for the 2020 Nissan Sentra, 27% of all complaints for that year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. Two recalls (23V581000 and 21V461000) cover bent or bending tie rods on 2020-2022 and 2020-2021 Sentra models.

Steering complaints
55
27% of 205
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
50,000 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe abnormal vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds around 60-65 MPH, sometimes escalating to violent shaking.
  • Several reports describe a clunking or popping noise from the steering column during left or right turns.
  • Multiple owners report bent or broken tie rods, diagnosed by independent mechanics or dealers, tied to the tie rod recalls.
  • Some drivers report sudden loss of steering control while reversing or turning, in one case leading to a rollover crash.
  • Owners describe long waits for recall parts, with the manufacturer allegedly exceeding a reasonable repair time.
  • One owner reported a tie rod that was welded rather than replaced, then failed again.

When 2020 Nissan Sentra steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 2, 2021, latest Jul 7, 2026.

2020 Nissan Sentra steering complaints: complaints filed per month8Jul 2021Mar 2023Sep 2023Feb 2024Jun 2024Nov 2024Dec 2025
55 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2021 to Jul 2026; peak Oct 2023 (8).

Steering recalls for the 2020 Nissan Sentra

  1. NHTSA 23V581000Aug 15, 2023Steering236,238 vehicles

    Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.

    Risk: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to contact their dealer for transport assistance if they are experiencing an off-center steering wheel or vibration. As an interim repair, dealers will inspect and replace any bent or broken tie rods, free of charge. Once newly designed parts are available, dealers will replace both left and right tie rods, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23B3. This recall replaces and expands recall number 21V-461. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-461 will need to have the new remedy completed.

  2. NHTSA 21V461000Jun 17, 2021Steering138,736 vehicles

    Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly

    Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.

    Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.

Steering complaints by Sentra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20109 (6%)
  2. 20118 (6%)
  3. 20129 (5%)
  4. 201316 (3%)
  5. 20149 (2%)
  6. 20156 (2%)
  7. 20165 (2%)
  8. 201714 (6%)
  9. 20186 (3%)
  10. 20193 (1%)
  11. 202055 (27%)
  12. 202140 (31%)
  13. 202231 (38%)
  14. 20234 (20%)
  15. 202410 (25%)
  16. 20252 (7%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have a steering recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls, campaign 23V581000 and campaign 21V461000, both covering bent or bending tie rods on 2020-2022 (and 2020-2021) Sentra vehicles.
How common are steering complaints on the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
NHTSA has logged 55 steering complaints for the 2020 Sentra, which is 27% of the 205 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2020 Sentra is 50,000 miles.
Are the steering issues linked to any crashes?
NHTSA records show 2 crashes and 2 injuries associated with steering complaints on the 2020 Sentra, out of 55 total complaints in this area.
What part is failing in these steering complaints?
Most complaints describe the left and/or right tie rod bending or breaking, which is the same defect addressed by recalls 23V581000 and 21V461000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.