In October 2020 Nissan became aware of a problem with certain front steering knuckles and rear axle housing manufactured at their Yokohama, Japan Plant. Nissan conducted a plant audit and determined that a gap in a particular furnace door caused low temperature conditions during the heat treating process. Axle components located in the low temperature area of the furnace experienced an insufficient amount of heat which resulted in poor hardness. These components have been installed on certain 2020-2021 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

If the front steering knuckle or rear axle housing receives an impact such as hitting a curb, the steering knuckle or rear axle housing could deform. If the steering knuckle is deformed, the steering wheel may become off-center, impairing the driver’s ability to steer the vehicle. If the rear axle housing is deformed, it will cause wheel mis-alignment.

If the deformation is not detected and the vehicle continues to be operated, the damaged steering knuckle or rear axle housing may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle.

Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary. The NHTSA recall campaign number is 21V-402.