US Investigating 77,000 Nissan SUVs

More than 77,000 Nissan Rogue models are being investigated as they could be fitted with a faulty inner tie rod that may result in a total loss of steering control. If we were in Nissan’s upper management, we’d start working out how to fund a potential recall.

A report has been opened by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) after it received a single Vehicle Owner Questionnaire and Early Warning Reporting field report that 2021 Rogue models are suffering from inner tie rod failures. The issue was first reported by a Nissan owner and could impact either the driver’s or passenger’s side of the SUV.

Read: 2023 Nissan Rogue Hit By Two Recalls Over Seatbelts And Airbags

It’s also alleged that in some cases, vehicles had to be towed following a tie rod failure. The NHTSA notes that if an inner tie rod fails, it could compromise steering control, increasing the risk of a crash and/or injury.

An estimated 77,131 Nissan Rogue models could be affected by this fault. Through its investigation, the ODI aims to “further assess the scope, frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.”

In the original complaint, the owner of a 2021 Rogue says that while his wife was pulling out of a parking lot, the SUV’s steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right, and the front passenger side tire was jutted out of alignment. Several warning lights were triggered, and the Nissan had to be towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the tie rod was bent and needed to be replaced. While the Rogue was repaired and a wheel alignment was performed, the owner claims the steering wheel did not return to the center position.

The dealer who performed the repairs refused to cover them under the vehicle’s warranty, claiming the failure had been caused by an impact, something the owner denies.