Nissan Motor Co. is taking proactive measures to address a potential safety concern by recalling over 236,000 of its Sentra sedans. The recall is in response to a steering control issue that has come to light, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The affected vehicles encompass Sentra compact cars manufactured between the model years 2020 and 2022. The root of the problem lies in the tie rods, essential components in the car’s front suspension responsible for facilitating wheel movement during steering maneuvers. These tie rods have shown susceptibility to bending and even breaking, a scenario that could result in drivers losing control of their vehicles, thus increasing the risk of accidents.
Nissan has specified that one or both of the tie rods in Sentras from the 2020-2022 model years may lack adequate strength under certain operating conditions, rendering them vulnerable to deformation when subjected to high input force. To mitigate this issue, the automaker has issued a recall that includes an inspection and, if necessary, replacement of any bent or broken tie rods. Importantly, Nissan has committed to providing these replacement services free of charge.
Starting from October 5, owners of the affected Sentra vehicles will receive notifications by mail, informing them about the recall and the necessary steps to rectify the steering problem. In a subsequent communication, expected later during the winter, owners will be informed about the availability of parts required for the tie rod replacements.
This isn’t the first time that Nissan has had to address steering-related concerns in its vehicles. Many of the cars subject to this recall were previously part of a recall in June 2021 for the same steering issue. Unfortunately, these vehicles now require yet another round of tie rod replacements.
It’s worth noting that Nissan’s commitment to safety extends beyond this Sentra recall. In February of the same year, the company recalled over 809,000 SUVs in both the United States and Canada due to a technical problem that could cause the vehicles to shut off while in operation.
