Power Steering Issue in Certain 2021 Nissan Kicks and Versa Models

Nissan has taken measures to address a power steering issue that affects certain 2021 Nissan Kicks and Versa SUVs. The problem, identified in late 2021, could result in a loss of power steering assist, leading to increased steering effort, especially at low speeds. To ensure the safety of their customers, Nissan launched an investigation and decided to conduct a safety recall to rectify the potential problem.

In December 2021, Nissan commenced an investigation following a concerning report about a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist experienced by a 2021 model year Nissan Versa owner. This incident bore similarities to a previous occurrence involving a Nissan Kicks in Mexico in September 2021. Nissan collaborated with the power steering supplier to delve deeper into the matter.

As part of the investigation, Nissan's team collected and analyzed parts, with a focus on the steering torque sensor. Further investigation by the supplier revealed that the issue was within the torque sensor, specifically a poor weld penetration at the terminal. This poor weld could lead to a disconnection of the terminal welds within the column torque sensor, causing the loss of power steering assist in affected vehicles.

With the help of production records, the supplier worked to identify the population of vehicles potentially impacted by the faulty torque sensor. Nissan initiated a safety recall for the vehicles with the identified lot code on the torque sensor.

In May 2023, Nissan received a notification from the supplier, indicating that certain steering column torque sensor lot codes were inadvertently omitted from the original recall. Nissan reviewed the additional lot codes provided by the supplier and assessed their impact on the steering column torque sensor inspection procedure for the recall.

Nissan has decided to re-inspect all vehicles that were previously inspected but did not receive a steering column replacement during the initial recall to guarantee that no affected vehicle has been overlooked. Authorized Nissan dealerships will conduct inspections of the steering column torque sensor lot code and, if deemed necessary, replace the steering column assembly. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 23V-496.