A federal inquiry, spanning two years, into concerns regarding bent or misshapen tie rods in specific 2021 Nissan Rogue models has concluded, with the decision not to issue a recall for these crossover vehicles. In 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received reports suggesting that some 2021 Nissan Rogue crossovers experienced internal tie rod failures, potentially leading to a loss of steering control. This issue initially raised alarms for over 250,000 Rogue units; however, the investigation has now been closed without a recall. This outcome was primarily due to a limited number of complaints and the specific environmental conditions under which the tie rod failures were observed.
The Nissan Rogue holds the position of the automaker's top-selling vehicle in the U.S., making any potential safety defect a significant concern for thousands of SUV owners. Allegations concerning bent and deformed tie rods highlighted that these components could disrupt wheel alignment, trigger steering problems, and cause premature tire wear. In response, the ODI meticulously examined owner questionnaires, incident reports, warranty claims, and other data provided by Nissan. The investigation also considered factors such as vehicle age, mileage, and the severity of reported incidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation report concluded that, based on the reviewed data, there was a low incidence of tie rod bending or deformation relative to the total number of vehicles in question. The findings did not reveal a consistent failure pattern, a common manufacturing period, uniform mileage at which failures occurred, or a repeatable failure mode that would suggest a safety-related defect. Furthermore, the ODI discovered that many reported incidents were associated with various impact-related damages, such as collisions with potholes, curb strikes, road debris impacts, prior accident damage, and other unusual steering or suspension stresses. Consequently, the investigation was closed on August 24, 2026, and no recall was initiated for the SUV. However, the NHTSA will continue to monitor any future incidents. It is noteworthy that the Nissan Sentra faced a recall for similar tie rod and steering issues in 2023.
Tie rods are essential elements within a vehicle's steering mechanism, bridging the steering rack and the steering knuckle to enable wheel articulation during turns. Symptoms of loose or compromised tie rods can include a shaking or vibrating steering wheel, excessive play in the steering, or audible knocking or clunking sounds, particularly when maneuvering the vehicle at low speeds. Should dirt and debris infiltrate these components, drivers might also perceive a grinding noise when turning. In severe cases, a worn or fractured tie rod can lead to a complete loss of vehicle control, substantially elevating the risk of a collision. While Nissan can breathe a sigh of relief with the closure of this investigation, the automaker is already contending with a more pressing reliability concern related to the Rogue. Earlier this year, Nissan extended the engine warranty due to widespread failures of the vehicle's three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine. It is important to note that this engine is not present in the 2021 Rogue models involved in the tie rod investigation, as those vehicles were equipped with an older 2.5-liter non-turbo engine.
The comprehensive review by the Office of Defects Investigation into the 2021 Nissan Rogue's tie rod concerns underscores a commitment to automotive safety and consumer protection. While a formal recall was deemed unnecessary due to the isolated nature of reported incidents, this process highlights the ongoing vigilance required to maintain vehicle reliability. Moving forward, the emphasis remains on robust manufacturing practices and diligent maintenance, ensuring that vehicles on our roads meet the highest safety standards and foster peace of mind for every driver.
