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 ↗2014 Nissan Altima steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Nissan Altima have filed 58 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 58,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
58
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Altima | 20 |
| 2011 Altima | 12 |
| 2012 Altima | 16 |
| 2013 Altima | 94 |
| 2014 Altima (this page) | 58 |
| 2015 Altima | 48 |
| 2016 Altima | 16 |
| 2017 Altima | 15 |
| 2018 Altima | 12 |
3crashes
8injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 58 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Nissan Altima in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 ↗2014-2018 ALTIMA; HYDRAULIC ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section has been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014-2017 ALTIMA; HYDRAULIC ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES section has been revised and information on page 10 has been added. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION If the configuration of the Audio/Navigation unit has not been completed correctly, some of the symptoms that may occur are: * Intermittent or no back up camera operation * No steering wheel switch response to audio inputs * No volume response from volume knob * Volume very loud or very quiet and adjustment is overly sensitive * Equalizer is adjusted so that Bass control is at maximum all the time * DTC U1000 for AVM C/U could be present If the above symptoms occur: * Confirm the configuration of the Audio/Navigation unit is correct. NOTE: Correct configuration of the appropriate control unit will restore correct operation. Audio/Navigation unit configuration is outlined
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 cluster of distinct problems with the 2014 Altima steering system. The most consistent complaint involves vehicle wander and poor lane-keeping at highway speeds—the car drifts left and right requiring constant correction even on calm days with no wind. Owners describe needing to hold the wheel at 1 o'clock or 3 o'clock position to keep the car straight, with dealers dismissing the issue as a learning curve with the new electric power steering. Multiple owners report the electric steering lacks speed-sensitive response; it doesn't tighten up at highway speeds as expected, leaving the car feeling disconnected from the wheels.
Suspension-related steering loss appears in separate narratives. Rear lower control arms corrode and separate—particularly in salt states—causing loss of steering control, pulling to one side, and tilted wheels. Some owners had this covered under a service campaign for 2013 models but were denied coverage on 2014s due to VIN exclusions, despite receiving identical 2013-part control arms. A few cite tie rod failure with loose bolts and steering column play.
Early failures include stiff or seized steering wheels, whining power steering pumps (some owners report units on back order at dealerships), and an unrelated instance where the car shut off in Drive with steering locked. One narrative involves airbag non-deployment in a rollover, also flagged as a steering-related safety issue per the dealer note about steering wheel/wheel disconnection.
Same Nissan Altima steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering - Poor Lane Centering and Wander
The electric power steering system lacks speed-sensitive response, causing the vehicle to drift and wander at highway speeds despite driver input. The steering feels disconnected from the wheels even when held straight. Owners report needing constant overcorrection; the system does not tighten at higher speeds as conventional power steering does, leaving the car squirrelly in crosswinds and behind trucks.
When: Observed from first week of ownership onward; worsens above 50–60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts left and right without driver input; Constant need to correct steering to keep car in lane; Steering wheel feels loose; does not stay centered; Car feels disconnected from steering input; Worsens in crosswinds and behind trucks; Clunking noise when moving steering wheel a few inches; Veers randomly even when wheel is held straight
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed alignments (multiple, some at $250 per service) and tire replacements; issues persist. Rear alignment adjustments and tire changes provide minimal improvement. No successful repair reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan Consumer Affairs stated this is normal for all automatic cars and advised owners to 'get used to it' or 'be more careful.' Dealers claim it is the new electric steering system design and owners need to learn to drive it. No recalls issued.
Rear Lower Control Arm / Lower Suspension Link Corrosion and Separation
In high-salt states, the rear lower control arm/lower suspension link corrodes and separates at the bushing joint or breaks entirely. The connection fails, causing loss of steering control, vehicle instability, pulling to one side, and tilted wheels. Nissan issued a service campaign for 2013 models but denies coverage for 2014 models despite them containing identical 2013-part control arms, citing VIN exclusion.
When: 6–7 years into ownership; mileage ranges from 27,500 to 194,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping or clunking sound from rear; Sudden loss of steering control; Vehicle pulling hard to one side; Rear wheel tilted inward; Stability light illuminates; Thumping noise resembling a flat tire; Vehicle lurch and feeling of lost control; Low traction warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Control arm replacement costs $1,146.57 (including taxes, per one 2014 owner). Shops note the issue was previously covered on 2013 models and have repaired it on Altimas before.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued Service Campaign (Campaign ID P9324) for 2013 Altimas due to severe corrosion in high-salt-usage states; explicitly excludes 2014 models despite identical parts. Nissan refuses coverage, citing VIN exclusion and vehicle mileage as disqualifying factors, not the safety defect itself.
Steering Wheel Stiffness, Seizure, and Loss of Mobility
Steering wheel becomes stiff, difficult to turn, or seizes entirely. In one case, the steering wheel locked during operation while the engine shut off unexpectedly in Drive, causing the car to roll backward and nearly hit a child. In another, the wheel seized at 35 mph, making lane control difficult. Electrical failure in the steering system is cited.
When: Occurs during normal operation; one instance at very low mileage (23,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff or seized; Difficult to turn in either direction; Steering wheel locks up while driving; Steering wheel locked when engine shut off; Inability to steer vehicle properly
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was not repaired; diagnosis pointed to electrical failure in the steering system. No specific parts or costs provided in available narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan stated one failure was 'normal' for the new electric steering system. Manufacturer not notified in other cases.
Electric Power Steering Pump - Whining Noise
The electric power steering pump makes a loud, high-pitched whining noise audible in the cabin, especially at low speeds. Nissan dealership service managers acknowledged the pumps are electronic and do make some noise but stated the reported noise is abnormally loud. At least one dealership ordered multiple pumps on back order, indicating a systemic issue.
When: As early as two days after purchase; present from first use
Symptoms owners cite: Very loud, high-pitched whining noise from steering area; Continuous whining at low speeds; Noise so loud and irritating it can cause vertigo; Noise from the steering area and under hood
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle had the pump on back order at the dealership. No successful repair or replacement outcome reported in available narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two dealerships told owners the noise is normal for the new electronic steering pumps. Nissan rep visited at least one dealership and apparently acknowledged an issue. No recall issued.
Front Suspension Control Arm Failure
Front control arms (driver's and passenger's side) fracture or wear prematurely, causing firm and difficult-to-turn steering and loss of control. In one case, both front control arms had fractured, requiring replacement of both plus sheared bolts.
When: At 78,333 miles and 132,000 miles; also at lower mileage in isolated cases
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes firm and difficult to turn; Loss of steering control; Control arm fracture
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had both front control arms replaced at an independent mechanic; Nissan covered half the repair cost. No total cost provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer agreed to cover half the cost of repair in one case. No recall sent to owner.
Tie Rod Disconnection and Loose Bolts
Tie rod separated at the point where inner and outer tie rods bolt together. Repair shop owner found the bolt was not secured all the way down from the factory, suggesting a manufacturing defect. Both tie rods needed replacement, though the owner could only afford to repair one initially.
When: At 3–4 years ownership (typical tie rod life is much longer)
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rod separated while turning; Car came to a stop unexpectedly during low-speed turn; Constant thumping noise resembling flat tire
Repairs/costs cited: Both tie rods needed replacement; repair shop noted this was premature for this component and likely a manufacturing defect. Specific costs not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narrative.
Steering Column Play and Looseness
Excessive up-and-down play (approximately 0.25 inch) in the steering column when pulling upward at the 9:00 and 3:00 positions on the steering wheel.
When: Detected by owner inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column has 0.25 inch of up-and-down play
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced the steering column under warranty (Part # 48810-3TA1B) on 11/04/2014.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty.
Steering Wheel Unresponsive / 360-Degree Rotation
Steering wheel became uncontrollable and rotated a full 360 degrees without correcting vehicle direction. No warning lights were illuminated. Vehicle veered uncontrollably at highway speed despite driver input.
When: At approximately 132,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel uncontrollable; Steering wheel rotated 360 degrees; Vehicle would not respond to steering input; Vehicle veered left and right at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis revealed fractured control arms on driver's and passenger's side; two bolts were sheared. Control arms were replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer agreed to cover half the repair cost. Owner did not receive recall notification.
Synthesized from 58 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2014 Nissan Altima?
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 2014 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 58 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 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 7,533 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,533; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/2014/Nissan/Altima.
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.