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 ↗2013 Nissan Rogue steering problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 12 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Nissan Rogue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 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 report a mix of steering control issues, steering column noise, and electrical problems that affect steering function. Several describe a trembling or shimmy in the steering wheel at highway speeds that made them feel unsafe maintaining lane control; multiple shops suspected axle problems but the issue persisted after replacement. Others report clicking or noise from the steering column area when turning, starting as early as 16,000 miles, which dealers told them they could not address under Nissan's parts-replacement policy. A few owners describe sudden steering wheel lock-up while driving or parked, with some mentioning a "Check Steering Lock" warning message appearing. One incident involved wheels locking mid-turn, causing the vehicle to slide into a guardrail. Electrical gremlins appear tied to several complaints—battery drain from a trunk that won't latch, window and electrical failures, and in one case a "Not Detecting the Key" warning when the steering wheel locked while parked. Owners consistently report that Nissan dealerships either cannot duplicate the problems or refuse to diagnose them without a fee, leaving them with unresolved safety concerns.
Same Nissan Rogue steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Steering shimmy/trembling at highway speed
Vehicle exhibits steering wheel trembling or shimmy at highway speeds (60-65 mph), causing loss of lane control and unsafe handling. Multiple repair attempts, including axle replacement, have not resolved the issue. Dealers report inability to duplicate the concern despite owner safety complaints.
When: Reported at approximately 29,000 miles; incident occurred during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel trembling; shimmy sensation in steering; loss of lane control; unsafe handling at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Axle replacement attempted at two separate shops but did not correct the problem
Clicking/noise from steering column when turning
Clicking noise emanates from steering wheel or steering column area when turning left or right. Occurs at turning speeds of 10 mph or higher. Began early in vehicle ownership and is consistent and audible to passengers. Dealers cite Nissan policy prohibiting parts replacement without diagnosis.
When: Started around 16,000 to 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: clicking noise from steering column; clicking when turning left or right; noise audible to passengers
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan service center stated they could not replace parts without authorization; no repair performed
Steering wheel lock-up while driving or parked
Steering wheel locks during driving or while vehicle is parked, with loss of power to steering assist. In one incident, wheels locked mid-turn on a highway, causing the vehicle to slide into a guardrail. Owners report inability to restart vehicle or turn ignition key when lock-up occurs.
When: Reported at 25,000 and 45,000 miles; one incident occurred during active highway left turn
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel locks up; loss of power to steering; loss of power to other electrical systems; wheels locked causing vehicle to slide; inability to turn ignition key; Check Steering Lock warning message
Stalling with loss of power and steering wheel lock
Engine stalls while driving; steering wheel locks and vehicle loses power to all systems except engine, which continues running. Requires parking and restarting to regain control. Multiple occurrences reported in single drive cycle. Owner reports Nissan refused to investigate despite multiple complaints and called it a fail-safe issue.
When: Started 3 days before complaint; occurred 4 times during commute to work
Symptoms owners cite: engine stalls while driving; steering wheel locks up; loss of power to steering and electrical systems; engine still running during event; must restart vehicle to regain power
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan dealership wanted $114 diagnostic fee; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports Nissan denied recall despite complaint of similar problems from other owners
Subframe fastener looseness causing wheel control loss
Owner alleges Nissan subframe design uses washers under pressure that cannot withstand road impacts and vibration. Reports washers coming loose from subframe one by one, resulting in loss of wheel control. Traction system engages, transmission enters limp mode, and vehicle pulls suddenly left or right. Repair quoted at approximately $2,000.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: loss of wheel control; sudden pulls to left or right while driving; traction system engages; transmission enters limp mode; need for extreme care to avoid hitting adjacent vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost estimated at approximately $2,000
Steering wheel misalignment
Steering wheel tilts to one side (reported as right); vehicle pulls to the right when driver attempts to drive straight. Steering wheel appears out of place or misaligned. Occurs in conjunction with electrical drainage and trunk latch issues.
When: Not specified; owner reports ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel tilts to right; vehicle pulls right when driving straight; steering wheel appears out of place
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership told owner no repairs possible without owner payment
Intermittent electrical problems affecting steering and vehicle systems
Battery drain unrelated to standard electrical load; multiple components fail intermittently (navigation, radio, windows, door locks, trunk latch). Trunk fails to fully latch and opens/closes while driving, draining battery and triggering open-door warnings. AAA mechanic diagnosed electrical drain; Nissan dealership denied problem existed. One case describes checking steering lock message appearing with steering wheel lock.
When: Reported August 2014 and subsequent months; at 45,000 miles for check steering lock warning
Symptoms owners cite: battery drain; navigation system failure; radio failure; power window failure; power door lock failure; trunk opens/closes while driving; cannot fully latch trunk; Check Steering Lock message; door open warning constantly appears
Repairs/costs cited: AAA stated replacing battery would not solve the problem; Nissan dealership found no electrical problem during testing
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Nissan rogue. After the contact purchased the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the steering column area while turning at speeds of 10 MPH or higher. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Nissan Rogue?
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 2013 Nissan Rogue?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 25,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. 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/2013/Nissan/Rogue.
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.