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Nissan Sentra ball joint problems

98 of the 5,835 owner complaints about the Nissan Sentra describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
98
worst model year
2020
typical repair cost reported
$2,800
typical mileage
50,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    3
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    9
  • 2021
    17
  • 2020
    35
  • 2018
    3
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    7
  • 2010
    2
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    2
  • 2001
    4
  • 2000
    2
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    1
  • 1996
    1
  • 1995
    1
  • 1993
    1
  • 1990
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Suspension · GA

My vehicle previously had the tie rod issue repaired under the original recall\. However, the same problem has now returned\. I am experiencing a sharp/clunking noise when turning left while the vehicle is moving, which is very concerning because this involves the vehicle’s steering and suspension\. I checked Nissan’s recall information online using my VIN, and it currently states that there are no open recalls\. However, I have only had this issue repaired **once**, under the original recall, and the same problem is happening again\. I am concerned that the original recall repair did not permanently correct the problem, or that the replacement component may have developed the same defect\. I do not believe that simply showing “no open recalls” should prevent Nissan from investigating a recurring safety\-related defect that was previously repaired under a recall\. I am requesting that Nissan: 1. Review my vehicle’s complete recall and repair history\. 2. Investigate why the same tie rod/steering problem has returned after the recall repair\. 3. Determine whether the replacement part or repair procedure is defective or insufficient\. 4. Provide a repair at no cost to me if this is related to the previously recalled defect\. 5. Explain what Nissan recommends to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive\. Because this issue involves the steering system, I consider it a serious safety concern\. I would appreciate having this matter escalated to Nissan’s Customer Relations/Safety department and receiving a written response regarding how Nissan intends to address the recurring problem\. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter\.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · IL

The scope of repair required fixing a recalled tie rod that suffered a catastrophic failure, which directly caused the vehicle’s ADAS, Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB), and collision detection systems to crash. Berman Nissan promised a legally compliant, safe repair but breached this agreement by returning an unsafe vehicle, failing to road-test the steering component (verified by identical check-in/out mileage), and intentionally scrubbing trouble codes to conceal active safety failures. Staff explicitly refused all safety assistance, failed to secure my signature on any authorization paperwork from tow to pick-up, and Nissan corporate stated they were 'not legally required' to resolve the hazards. Service personnel stonewalled the issue, and management only escalated the matter to Service Director Mark Yalda after I disclosed I possessed concrete video proof of the identical mileage and unsigned invoices.

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Steering · PA

In May of 2026, I began experiencing vibration and steering wheel instability while going over bumps and while braking, as well as while changing lanes. This vibration and instability got progressively worse and concerning, therefore, I took the vehicle in to the dealer for diagnostic testing on 6/2/2026. The dealership diagnosed and informed me of the steering assembly failure. The rack and pinion assembly is the defective component. It is currently available for inspection as it has not been replaced yet. It may not be available by the time I receive a response, as the vehicle is deemed "unsafe to drive" by the service advisor, and I need the vehicle repaired. I imagine they will send the part back to the manufacturer to assess the premature failure of the steering assembly. It is a premature failure, as the vehicle's current mileage is 34,303, therefore it is not normal "wear and tear". The dealer service center technician has confirmed that there is "a lot of play" and the entire steering assembly needs to be replaced (see video and photo). To my knowledge, the component has also been inspected by Nissan Corporate Consumer Affairs as part of their Goodwill Assistance Program. However, they will not provide a report/documentation to confirm this, as it is an "internal review" and their policy does not allow them to provide this documentation to the consumer. Additionally, the inner tie rods were inspected due to the federal safety agency Recall: 23V‑581; Nissan ID: R23B3, and replaced by the dealer service center on 1/14/25 as a result of the inspection. In my opinion, the defective inner tie rods contributed to (or were a direct cause of) the premature steering assembly failure, as they were on my vehicle for close to 3 years before being inspected and replaced as a result of the recall. I believe the bent tie rods put strain on the rack and pinion assembly, resulting in premature damage and steering assembly failure.

Filed May 25, 2026 · Steering · NJ

Hello, I am reporting a steering-related issue involving the inner tie rods on my 2021 Nissan Sentra. Nissan previously issued safety recall campaign PM985 for bent inner tie rods on certain Sentra vehicles from the same model year. Two separate repair facilities inspected my vehicle and confirmed problems involving the inner tie rods and steering system components. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared prior to the issue being identified. Although my VIN may not currently be included in the recall population, my vehicle is experiencing a similar issue involving the same steering-related component identified in recall PM985. Because tie rods are directly related to steering control and vehicle stability, this issue raises concerns about driving safety. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be documented and reviewed in case similar failures are occurring outside the current recall population.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · NJ

Nissan had a recall 2 years ago for a tie rod issue. When I brought the car in for that recall Nissan said that the tie rods showed no sign of bending so they didn't replace them. Two years later my car is not steering correctly and making noises. I find out that Nissan has a new tie rod recall (recall R23B3, the federal safety agency #23V‑581) that requires the tie rods to be changed regardless if they show any sign of bending or damage. I bring my car in to have this completed (2 years from the first recall) and they are telling me the power steering rack has to be replaced as well as the tie rods. The issue is Nissan now knows that by not replacing the tie rods two years ago it's damaging the power sterring rack but they will not acknowledge it as they don't want to pay the additional cost for the power sterring rack. I spoke to Nissan USA consumer affairs and they are taking a hard line on this. It's dangerous as the car dealership service department was going to let me drive my car after the tie rod replacement knowing the power steering rack was also damaged until I pressed the actual technician that worked on the car and he said it's dangerous to drive. Nissan must be reponsible for replacing all the damage caused by not making it mandatory to replace the tie rods in the first recall two years ago. The cost to replace the power steering rack is $3000 and they don't want to pay for that.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · GA

Summary: I am reporting two significant defects on my 2025 Nissan Sentra that pose safety risks. 1. Suspension/Steering: During low-speed maneuvers (approx. 20mph) such as navigating roundabouts, there is a persistent mechanical creaking/squealing noise from the front passenger side. The dealership technician verified the noise but provided a physically impossible diagnosis, claiming "tires were slipping," despite the vehicle being brand new with tires in perfect condition. This suggests a defect in the control arm bushings or strut mounts which affects steering predictability. 2. Power Window/Electrical: The driver-side window produces a loud, piercing screech when operated. More critically, the window switch has experienced intermittent functional failure where it becomes unresponsive. This is a safety hazard as it could prevent emergency egress or cabin ventilation. Manufacturer Response: > Both issues are documented and have been reported to Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case #56515863). However, the manufacturer stated they have "no solution" and directed me to argue with the dealership. No technical specialist has been assigned to inspect these safety-related mechanical and electrical failures. The vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Suspension, Wheels · CA

I was driving down [XXX] towards [XXX] to go and pick up kids from school. All of a sudden I heard a weird noise and the next second the steering wheel got pulled to the right very hard as if tire came off and this resulted me hitting the curb and after stopping the car I got out to see and then I noticed the whole control arm was broken which resulted in wheel turning right very hard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Steering · 21,900 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 23V581000 (Steering) and 21V461000 (Steering). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and turning the steering wheel, the contact observed a clicking sound coming from under the front of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light or messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the tie rods needed to be replaced. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,900.

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

The tie rods make a popping noise and my car keeps going out of alignment

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Steering · OH

Electric steering rack has play and causes violent shaking. Huge safety risk as this could have complete failure and cause accidents. Vehicle started showing symptoms at 68,000 miles and after reading separate forums, many others have experienced these same issues. No warning lights appear on the dash and no inspection by safety highway patrol. This is a serious issue especially given I do not appear to be the only person experiencing this. The steering and suspension seem to be a common issue on this call given the recall on the tie rods.

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported May 23, 2001 · 101,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One or more of the three bolts used to attach each front suspension lower control arm to the body on the left and right sides may not have been properly manufactured.
Risk
The bolts could fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower control arm attachment bolts. Owner notification began june 30, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 01V174000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: springs: coil springsReported March 2, 2000 · 14,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front coil springs may not have sufficient corrosion resistance in areas of the country where significant amounts of de-icing salts are applied to roads in the winter.
Risk
If a broken spring comes out of the lower seat, it could contact and puncture the tire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front coil spring.

Recall number 00V063000 · Recall details

Questions about the Nissan Sentra ball joint

Which Nissan Sentra years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (35 complaints), 2021 (17 complaints) and 2022 (9 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ball joint or control arm failure on the Nissan Sentra?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,800 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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