Tag Archives: steering problem

Nissan And Infiniti Steering Off Center And Tires Misaligned

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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.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 Nissan Murano
2021 Nisssn GT-R
2020 Infiniti QX60
2021 Infiniti QX50
2021 Infiniti Q50

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

2020-22021 Nissan Altima Steering Wheel Vibrations

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Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2020-22021 Nissan Altimas, because of a problem affecting the steering in their cars. Approximately 2,407 vehicles are being recalled.

According to the defect report, in December of last year, Nissan became aware of a Nissan Altima owner who reported a loss of steering while driving. The vehicle was towed to a Nissan dealership and an inspection found that the tie rod ball joint fasteners had become loose and fell off. As a result the tie rod ball joint separated from the steering knuckle and steering was lost.  Further investigation found that a back up process had been used during production, that resulted in inconsistent torque control of the torque on the rod ball joint fastener. All vehicles that underwent the back up process during production were audited and 48 loose tie rod ball joint fasteners were found and repaired.

Owner of affected vehicles will be contacted and instructed to return to their dealers to have their Altima inspected. The left and right hand tie rod ball joint fasteners will be tightened to specification and any missing fasteners will be replaced. Nissan’s number for this recall is PC795 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-138.

Ford Brake & Steering Defects

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 Ford Fiesta vehicles regarding a problem affecting the braking system in their cars.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the brake calipers were incorrectly labeled at the manufacturer and may have been filled with an incompatible brake fluid. This incompatible lubricant could cause to the seals to swell and develop leaks, which could lead to reduced braking, brake drag and overheating of the brake pads. If the brake fluid becomes low, drivers will be alerted through an illuminated low fluid warning light.

Ford will notify owners instructing them to return to their dealers to flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S27 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V629000.

Ford will also be contacting the owners of certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles because of a problem affecting steering. The vehicles affected include:

  • 2015-2016 Ford Edge
  • 2013-2016 Ford Edge
  • 2016 Lincoln MKX
  • 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ

According to the defect report, an improper application of anti corrosion wax on the steering gear motor attachment bolts may result in corrosion of the bolts. As a result, the steering gear motor could become loose or detaching from the gear housing and power steering assist would be lost.

Owners will be asked to return to their Ford or Lincoln dealers to have the wax sealer applied to the steering gear motor bolts. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S27 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V629000.

2018 Hyundai Santa FE & Santa FE Sport Steering Problem

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Hyundai will be contacting owners of certain 2018 Santa FE midsize SUVs because of a problem affecting the steering system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, temperature problems during the molding process could result in steering wheel hub assemblies with insufficient breakage strength. The steering wheel could completely separate from the steering column leaving the driver with no way of steering the vehicle.

Hyundai will be notifying owners to return to their dealers to have the production lot number of the steering wheel assembly inspected and replaced as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 173 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-118.

2017 Porsche Macan Oversteers Under Certain Driving Conditions

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Porsche will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Macan sports cars about a problem that could lead to a loss of vehicle control. There is a possibility that the front anti-roll bar was fitted with defective connecting links that may allow the bushings to move out of the connecting link eyes. This can cause a rattling noise and could lead to the anti-roll bar to stop functioning during extreme driving maneuvers.

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front anti-rollbar links and replace them as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AG06 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-680.

Chevy Cruze & Volt Affected By Steering Problem

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A small number of Chevrolet 2014-2015 Cruze and 2015 Volt vehicle owners will be receiving notices to return to their dealerships to replace the steering gear assembly. According to the defect report, the inner tie rod attachment to the steering gear may not have been tightened to specifications and could separate from the steering gear without warning. If this happens, drivers could experience a complete loss of steering. Continue reading →

Nissan And Infiniti Brake And Steering Defect

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According to reports filed with the NHTSA, certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles could experience reduced braking performance and/or steering control due to a manufacturing error. During the assembly process of the front wheel hub, the hub bolts, torque member bolts, and/or stopper bolts may have been under torqued or missing. Over time the brake caliper could separate from the wheel assembly causing reduced braking and steering control. Warning signs that there is a problem include unfamiliar noises and/or vibrations. Continue reading →