DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Nissan Sentra steering problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 11 steering complaints filed for the 2009 Nissan Sentra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Steering accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If YOU CONFIRM: A vehicle needs to have the brake rotors resurfaced (front or rear). ACTION: Use the ProCut PFM Series on-car brake lathe to perform brake rotor resurfacing and follow the tips listed in this bulletin. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe has been chosen as the approved tool for rotor resurfacing. - The ProCut PFM Series brake lathe can be ordered from TECH-MATE at 1-800-662-2001. - ProCut technical support or service can be obtained by calling 1-800-543-6618. NOTE: Brake rotors may need to be resurfaced during routine brake repair or for brake "judder" incidents. - Brake judder: A brake pedal pulsation and/or steering wheel shimmy when braking that occurs when there is too mu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2009 Nissan Sentra report multiple steering system failures centered on the steering column assembly and its integrated electric power steering motor. The most common pattern starts with clacking or popping noises during turns, beginning around 16,000–27,000 miles, progressing to binding in the column and intermittent power steering loss. When power steering fails, the vehicle becomes extremely difficult or impossible to steer; owners report having to restart the engine to restore function, which only works until the next failure occurs.
One owner experienced complete steering wheel lockup at low speed—unable to turn the wheel at all for 30–40 seconds before spontaneous recovery. Another reported intermittent power steering loss over several months, then permanent loss requiring column replacement at part number 48810-ZT50A. Early failures occur within 1.5–2 years of purchase, well before traditional warranty expiration.
The underlying cause in multiple cases is identified as the electric servo motor or power steering computer integrated into the steering column. Because these components are not separately replaceable, dealers require full steering column replacement, costing $880–$2,326 per repair. One owner's complaint to Nissan (file #6901381) went unanswered regarding warranty coverage or recall action.
Same Nissan Sentra steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Steering column failure with noise and binding
Steering column assembly develops clacking or popping sounds during turns and exhibits binding, eventually leading to complete column failure requiring replacement. Occurs early in vehicle life.
When: 16,800 to 27,000 miles; some owners report 6 months to several years of intermittent symptoms before complete failure
Symptoms owners cite: Clacking or popping sound when turning; Slight jolting when turning; Binding in column; Horn working intermittently before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire steering column replacement required. Parts cost $1,600–$1,956; labor $289–$600; total repair $880–$2,326
Intermittent power steering loss
Power steering fails intermittently, particularly at low speeds or during maneuvers. Loss occurs without warning; power returns only after engine restart. Caused by electric servo motor or related control issues within the steering column.
When: 47,395 miles (early failure at 1.5 years old); also reported as several months of intermittent loss before permanent failure at 2–21–14
Symptoms owners cite: Relay clicking audible on startup; Power steering warning displays on instrument cluster; Steering becomes difficult or impossible to turn when power steering fails; Power steering restores only after engine off/restart cycle
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement (part 48810-ZT50A) required. Parts $1,944.83; labor $439.75
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner filed Nissan complaint #6901381; no recall issued as of complaint date; Nissan response status unknown
Steering wheel lockup
Steering wheel locks up completely during driving at low speed, preventing any turning input. Resolves spontaneously after 30–40 seconds. Dealer unable to reproduce or diagnose.
When: Low mileage; incident occurred while crossing parking lots at less than 5 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locked and immovable; Engine still running, vehicle in drive; Steering returns to normal function spontaneously after 30–40 seconds; No further symptoms observed after incident
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose; no repair performed
Clunking noise during turns
Clunking or clacking sound emanates from driver side or steering assembly when making sharp or moderate turns at any speed. Indicates mechanical wear or failure within steering linkage or column.
When: 16,800–27,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise on sharp left or right turns; Clunking occurs at any speed during moderate to hard turns; Clacking sound reported in steering column area
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement performed in at least one case
Excessive vehicle sway on highway
Vehicle exhibits excessive swerving or swaying on freeway driving. Issue persists despite multiple dealer visits and inspections that find no reported problems.
When: Chronic issue since 2009 purchase; ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Car swerves excessively on freeway; Excessive vehicle movement during highway driving
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; no diagnosis or repair documented
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The airbag exploded on driver's side, knocked be unconscious for a few minutes, when I came too the car was out of control. I hit a iron pole in front of wal-green's. The vehicle was in motion at the time.the car was totaled by the insurance company, in which they picked up the car and took it away.
There was a police report
While crossing the street from one parking lot to another the steering wheel locked up on my 09 Nissan sentra. Was going less that 5mph. The steering wheel could not be turned at all. The engine was still running and was in drive. After about 30 or 40 seconds attempting to turn steering wheel either way it finally went back to normal . Drove car about 50 miles back home with no further…
My car swerves too much on the freeway. Since purchasing the car in 2009, I have been having issues with the car. Even after taking it to several dealerships, I am still scared I am going to die due to the car. The several dealerships I am taken the car to have claimed there is no problem even though thousands of other people have experienced it too. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2009 Nissan Sentra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Nissan Sentra?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 16,800 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 55,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,800; a quarter make it past 97,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Nissan/Sentra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.