2021 Nissan Sentra Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 40 steering complaints for the 2021 Nissan Sentra, 31% of its 131 total complaints. Two recalls (21V461000 and 23V581000) address bent tie rods, and owners report crashes and loss of steering control at a median 33,000 miles.
- Steering complaints
- 40
- 31% of 131
- Crashes reported
- 11
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 33,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe a sudden loss of steering control accompanied by an unidentified noise while merging or turning at low speed, sometimes ending in a crash.
- Some report the steering wheel becoming stiff or losing power assist without warning, in one case tied to a fractured axle.
- Several complaints describe a bent or collapsed tie rod, including one where the front end dropped after the tie rod failed during routine driving.
- Owners report a popping sound and a seized front wheel after hitting a pothole, followed by loss of steering.
- Multiple complaints mention long delays getting the tie rod recall (23V581000) repaired due to parts unavailability, with vehicles towed or stranded while waiting.
When 2021 Nissan Sentra steering complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 27, 2021, latest Jul 15, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2021 Nissan Sentra
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra have a steering recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls covering steering, 21V461000 and 23V581000, both addressing bent or fractured tie rods on 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles.
- How common are steering complaints for the 2021 Sentra?
- NHTSA lists 40 steering complaints for the 2021 Sentra, which is 31% of all 131 complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically appear?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2021 Sentra is 33,000 miles, according to NHTSA data.
- Are the steering problems dangerous?
- NHTSA data tied to the steering complaints in this model year include 11 crashes, 1 fire, and 7 injuries.
- How does the 2021 Sentra compare to other years for steering issues?
- The 2021 Sentra's steering share of 31% is higher than most other model years, though 2022 is higher at 38% and 2020 is close at 27%.