The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into over 77,000 model-year 2021 Nissan Rogue SUVs following multiple reports of inner tie rod failures that could compromise steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

Learn more about the investigation and what it could mean for your 2021 Nissan Rogue here.

 

Why Is the NHTSA Investigating Nissan Rogues?

The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) initiated this investigation after receiving a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire and Early Warning Reporting field report about an incident involving a 2021 Nissan Rogue. According to the report, the owner’s wife was pulling out of a parking lot when the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right; this caused the front passenger-side tire to become misaligned. The vehicle became undrivable, and several warning lights were illuminated.

The Rogue was towed to a Nissan dealership, where technicians diagnosed a bent right front inner tie rod that required replacement. However, even after the repair and a wheel alignment, the steering wheel didn’t return to the center position as expected. When the owner contacted Nissan, the automaker refused to cover the repair under warranty and claimed the issue was caused by an impact, which the owner denied.

 

What Is a Tie Rod?

Tie rods are key parts of your steering system that connect the steering rack to the wheels, making them turn together when you steer. If an inner tie rod fails, you could lose control of the steering. 

 

What Are Owners Saying?

The NHTSA has received multiple reports from 2021 Nissan Rogue owners about inner tie rod failures, which made their cars undrivable and required a tow to the dealership for repairs.

One owner said, “The steering suddenly pulled to the right, and the front passenger-side tire got misaligned. The car couldn’t be driven, and warning lights came on.” Another owner mentioned that the steering wheel wouldn’t return to the center after getting the tie rod fixed.

 

Does Nissan Have a Solution?

Nissan admitted the issue but told the first complainant the tie rod repair wouldn’t be covered under warranty because the dealer blamed the failure on an impact. The owner disagreed, saying no impact occurred. The NHTSA is now investigating to find out how widespread the problem is and what caused it. If they find a defect, Nissan may have to issue a recall.

 

Where Does the California Lemon Law Come Into Play?

The California Lemon Law could help owners of 2021 Nissan Rogues with steering problems caused by inner tie rod failures. This law protects buyers or lessees of vehicles with serious, ongoing issues that affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

If a Rogue owner has repeatedly taken their car to a dealer for tie rod repairs and the problem isn’t fixed, they may qualify for a lemon law claim, possibly getting a refund, replacement, or other compensation from Nissan.

 

Think You Have a Case? Contact Our Firm Today!

If you own a 2021 Nissan Rogue and have steering or inner tie rod issues, it’s important to document the problem and get legal help. Norman Taylor & Associates specializes in lemon law cases and can guide you through dealing with Nissan.

Don’t let Nissan’s refusal to honor the warranty compromise your safety. Call 818-244-3905 or contact us today for a FREE consultation! Our experienced attorneys will work to get you the compensation or replacement vehicle you deserve.

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