Recall 23V496 affects 11,824 2021 Nissan Kicks and Versa vehicles for an EPS torque sensor issue. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 11,824 2021 Kicks and Versa vehicles under recall 23V496 because an intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering torque sensor can disable power steering assist. Loss of assist increases steering effort, especially at low speeds, and Nissan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The upper steering column in the 2021 Nissan Kicks and Versa includes parts of the electric power steering system. That system uses a torque sensor to read how much steering force the driver is applying, then adds electric assist so the wheel turns with less effort.
On affected vehicles, the electrical connection in the EPS torque sensor has an intermittent connection. When that signal drops out, the system can shut off power steering assist and fall back to manual steering. The steering linkage remains mechanical, but turning the wheel takes more effort, especially at low speeds or while parking.
If the EPS fails, a Power Steering Warning Light illuminates in the instrument cluster. That light is the warning sign before the driver feels the extra steering effort, and the vehicle defaults to manual steering mode.
Who's affected?
Both listed models share the same upper steering column part in the power steering system.
| 2021 Nissan Kicks | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Versa | power steering system |
| Units affected | 11,824 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the wheel harder to turn, especially at low speeds, and increases the risk of a crash. If the power steering warning light comes on, the system defaults to manual steering mode. Slow down, use extra care, and schedule the inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Nissan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Nissan Kicks or Versa is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the free steering-column torque-sensor lot-code inspection; Nissan replaces the steering-column assembly when the lot code matches this recall.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 23V496 (Nissan recall PMA26) when you call.
- Tell the dealer if your vehicle was inspected under recall 22V-693, because this recall requires another steering-column torque-sensor inspection.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the repair; steering assist loss increases steering effort at low speeds.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Nissan technician inspects the steering column torque sensor lot code. If that inspection shows the affected part is present, the technician replaces the steering column assembly. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Vehicles previously inspected under recall 22V-693 that did not receive a steering column replacement need this reinspection. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicles are still under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 18, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| July 26, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 8, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 8, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 8, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V496?
Recall 23V496 covers 11,824 2021 Nissan Kicks and Versa vehicles with an intermittent electric power steering torque sensor connection that can disable power steering assist. Nissan dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly when needed for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Nissan Kicks or Versa is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V496. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the steering column torque sensor inspection. Reference recall number 23V496 or Nissan recall PMA26 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Nissan dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly when needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is higher steering effort if power steering assist is disabled. That matters most at low speeds, where parking and tight turns take more effort. Nissan says this condition increases the risk of a crash, and the dealer repair is free.
What if I bought my Nissan Kicks or Versa used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021 Nissan Kicks or Versa is included, then contact a franchised Nissan dealer and reference recall 23V496.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V496000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-867-7669 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V496 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V496000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →