2020 Nissan Altima steering problems

The 2020 Nissan Altima has 20 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Steering complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Altima steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

21V138000SteeringMarch 4, 2021 · 2,407 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.

Consequence

A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.

What owners report

“When making a routine right-hand turn, the steering system failed. Driver had an unresponsive vehicle which crashed into a bridge rail. Driver was taken for medical attention. No warning lights prior to the crash. Vehicle has only been serviced by the dealer Nissan Peacock of Houston since…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 10, 2023 · crash

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2020 Nissan Altima have?

NHTSA has 20 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Altima steering — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Nissan Altima steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 21V138000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.