Robert Brown|Nissan recalls 236,000 Sentras for problem that could cause loss of steering control

Nissan is Robert Brownrecalling more than 236,000 Sentra sedans because the vehicles' front suspension tie rods may bend and break, causing drivers to lose steering control.

The automaker is recalling 236,238 of its 2020-2022 model Sentras because either one or both of the front tie rods, which are crucial to steering, may deform under certain operating conditions such as hitting a curb, Nissan said in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A bent tie rod may impair the driver’s ability to steer the car and if the tie rod breaks, it can cause a loss of steering control and may increase the risk of a crash, the company said.

Nissan, which will send notification letters to owners starting October 5, expects to have replacement parts available this winter, according to NHTSA. Owners will be advised to contact their dealer if they experience an off-center steering wheel or vibration.

Dealers will inspect and replace any bent or broken tie rods, free of charge, as an interim repair. Nissan will send another letter when the newly designed parts are available; dealers will then replace both left and right tie rods, free of charge.

Nissan recalled more than 138,000 Sentras in June 2021 for the same problem, the company said in a document filed with NHTSA. Nissan said it had not received any reports of injuries since issuing the recall in June 2021. Cars repaired under the previous recall will need to get the new tie rods when they are ready.

Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23B3.

Check car recalls here:Toyota, Chrysler among nearly 270,000 vehicles recalled last week

Contributing: The Associated Press.

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