Recall 21V461 affects 138,736 2020-2021 Nissan Sentra vehicles for bent tie rods. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 138,736 2020-2021 Sentra sedans because the left or right tie rod can be bent. A bent tie rod can break and cause loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash, and Nissan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The inner tie rod on the 2020-2021 Nissan Sentra is part of the steering linkage. It connects the steering rack to the front wheel assembly, so movement at the steering wheel turns the front wheels in the same direction. The tie rod also helps hold the front wheels in proper alignment while the car is driven.
On affected Sentras, the left and/or right tie rod was damaged during manufacturing, material handling, or assembly at the plant. A bent tie rod does not sit in the steering system the way it was designed to sit. That bent shape changes the steering geometry and puts extra stress on a part that is supposed to stay straight and rigid.
What you notice before failure is in the steering feel. The steering wheel can sit off-center, and the car can vibrate through the wheel while driving. If either symptom shows up, use that language when you call a Nissan dealer.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same inner tie rod part in this recall.
| 2021 Nissan Sentra | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Sentra | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 138,736 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A bent tie rod can break, causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. A steering wheel that is not centered or steering vibration is a warning sign. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Nissan Sentra is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free tie-rod inspection and replacement that fixes bent left or right tie rods.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or reference recall number 21V461 and Nissan recall PM985 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance because a broken tie rod can cause loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician inspects the left and right tie rods and replaces any bent tie rod covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected Sentra vehicles are still under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 5, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V461?
Recall 21V461 covers 138,736 2020-2021 Nissan Sentra vehicles because the left and/or right tie rod can be bent. A bent tie rod can break, causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk. Nissan dealers will inspect and replace affected tie rods for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Nissan Sentra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sentra is included in recall 21V461. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the tie rod inspection and replacement if needed. Reference recall 21V461 or Nissan recall PM985 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Nissan dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as necessary free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Nissan Sentra before the tie rod repair?
The official risk is loss of steering control if a bent tie rod breaks. Nissan did not issue a do-not-drive order for this recall, but you should confirm your VIN and schedule dealer service if your vehicle is included. Ask the dealer what to do if the steering feels abnormal.
When did Nissan notify owners about recall 21V461?
Nissan mailed owner notification letters on August 5, 2021. Used-vehicle owners and owners who moved after purchase still need to check the VIN because mailed notices do not always reach the current driver.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V461000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-867-7669 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V461 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V461000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →