Nissan Sentra steering problems, 2016–2027
142 of the 1,432 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Sentra 2016–2027 name the steering (NHTSA’s “Steering” heading — the steering column, rack, pump and power assist). The loudest years: 2020 (55), 2021 (40), 2022 (32). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Nissan Sentra steering problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the steering | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2025 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2024 | 11 | 27% | — | — | the year → |
| 2023 | 4 | 20% | — | — | the year → |
| 2022 | 32 | 40% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 | 40 | 30% | — | 2 recalls | the year → |
| 2020 in depth | 55 | 27% | 50k | 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2019 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2018 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2017 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2016 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the steering. Nothing here is a rate.
When the steering complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2021: 6 · 2022: 12 · 2023: 38 · 2024: 55 · 2025: 17 · 2026: 14
Across the model years, half of the 54 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the steering problem between 21,000 and 60,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the steering, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front passenger's side wheel was wobbling excessively. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the tie rods needed to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2020 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 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.
I brought this car in January 2023. I was driving on a residential street and after I made a left turn, I loss control of the steering because the tire rods had broke on the right side. I could have gotten into a serious accident; but luckily I only hit the curb. Please the attached picture. This happened on 7/30/23
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing safety issue with the 2022 Nissan Sentra, NHTSA Recall Number 23V-581. This recall, which has been open since August 2023, poses a significant safety risk to drivers and other vehicles on the road and their passengers.
What is on file about the steering, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 23V581000 HighAug 15, 2023 · 236,238 vehicles
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may bend.
- 21V461000 HighJun 17, 2021 · 138,736 vehicles
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. The left and/or right tie rod may be bent.
Other systems with a record on the Nissan Sentra
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Nissan Sentra problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Nissan Sentra years have the most steering complaints?
2020, 55; 2021, 40; 2022, 32. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2022 (40%).
Is there a recall for the steering on the Nissan Sentra?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 23V581000 (2022), 21V461000 (2021). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do steering problems show up on the Nissan Sentra?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 40,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 21,000 and 60,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Steering" heading cover?
The steering column, rack, pump and power assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.