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 ↗2016 Nissan Rogue steering problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Nissan Rogue have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Rogue | 3 |
| 2013 Rogue | 12 |
| 2014 Rogue | 7 |
| 2015 Rogue | 13 |
| 2016 Rogue (this page) | 23 |
| 2017 Rogue | 22 |
| 2018 Rogue | 18 |
| 2019 Rogue | 11 |
| 2020 Rogue | 4 |
2crashes
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Nissan Rogue we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 23.
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 ↗2014-2016 ROGUE; ROUGH IDLE ON START UP This bulletin has been amended. Table A has been updated. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014-2017 ROGUE; VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL OR PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AT IDLE This bulletin has been amended to add model years and to remove any reference to the A/C. 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 of 2016 Nissan Rogues describe a range of steering system failures that span from annoying noise to life-threatening loss of control. The most severe reports involve sudden power steering failure mid-drive, steering wheel lock-up at highway speed, and complete loss of steering authority that required passenger intervention or resulted in collision with an 18-wheeler. Several owners report loss of power steering coupled with engine stall and loss of braking, often tied to electrical system malfunction.
Constant vibration in the steering wheel is widespread, occurring from as early as 24 hours after purchase. Dealers initially misdiagnosed this as tire wear or idle adjustment; repairs were ineffective. One owner reports vibration corresponding directly to steering input at 5,000 miles, persisting after Nissan corporate inspection and parts replacement.
Popping, cracking, and clicking noises during turns appear on brand-new vehicles, with one owner's car making this sound at just 800 miles. Dealerships acknowledged this as a known Nissan North America issue but had no repair guidance available. One owner states Consumer Reports was aware of the situation.
Electrical system failures underlie several steering failures—including an engine fire, loss of all dashboard power, and inability to restart. One owner's vehicle caught fire with loss of power steering; another's wiring harness shorted, causing stall and steering loss; a third experienced loss of steering control and braking linked to electrical failure. Body Control Module failures are mentioned but manufacturers declined coverage. A critical design flaw: the key can be removed while the car is in gear, creating rollaway risk.
Same Nissan Rogue steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Popping/Cracking Noise During Turns
Loud popping and cracking noise when turning left or right, described as sounding like the wheel is going to fall off. Owners report this occurs on brand-new vehicles. Dealers attributed it to struts, but replacements did not resolve the issue. One owner reports the dealership stated 'this isn't the first car like this' and that Consumer Reports is aware of the situation.
When: New vehicle, as early as 0-800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: popping noise when turning; cracking noise when turning; noise audible from rear and passenger side; clicking noise at front driver side wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Strut replacement attempted but did not resolve the issue; dealership unable to identify root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate involvement mentioned in one case; no permanent resolution reported
Steering Wheel Vibration
Constant vibration felt in the steering wheel, often accompanied by vibration in driver and passenger seats. Occurs when starting, stopping, turning, or driving. One owner reports vibration at their feet corresponding to steering wheel turning action. Dealers initially attributed to tire wear or idle adjustment, but repairs did not resolve the issue.
When: As early as 24 hours after purchase; recurs at 5,000 miles; persists at 76,240 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vibration in steering wheel; vibration in driver seat; vibration in passenger seat; vibration at feet when turning; shaking when depressing accelerator pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Tire rotation/realignment; idle adjustment; boot replacement—all ineffective; dealers stated it is normal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB Number NTB15-048A referenced by one owner; Nissan corporate inspection in one case found no issue at time of inspection
Power Steering Failure
Complete loss or sudden lock-up of power steering while driving, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to control. One owner lost steering at 55 mph while making a curve and collided head-on with an 18-wheeler. Another owner experienced power steering loss mid-drive at highway speed, requiring both driver and passenger to regain control. One owner with 34,000 miles was told a power steering motor was defective and required replacement ($2,400 estimate).
When: 34,000 miles; 55 mph incident at 90,000 miles; occurs without predictable pattern
Symptoms owners cite: sudden loss of power steering; steering wheel lock-up while driving; inability to steer; loss of control
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering motor replacement needed ($2,400 estimate); electric power steering failure noted by certified mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner called Nissan about a recall; Nissan told owner to drive to dealership despite owner stating car was 'not safe to drive'; Nissan declined to cover tow for diagnosis
Loss of Steering Control Linked to Electrical Failure
Steering control loss or heavy steering coinciding with electrical system malfunctions, including dashboard warning lights, loss of electrical features (USB ports), and potential water intrusion from panorama roof. One owner reports the car became 'very hard to control' with loss of steering control and water drainage issues. Another owner experienced loss of power steering and braking along with engine stall, attributed to wiring harness short.
When: Multiple instances reported; one at 55,000 miles; one recent incident during work commute
Symptoms owners cite: loss of steering control; hard to control steering; multiple dashboard warning lights; loss of USB power; loss of brakes; engine stall; loss of power steering
Codes mentioned: check engine light, traction control light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wiring harness replacement recommended ($3,402 estimate); engine sensors replaced ($750) but issue persisted; no resolution reported
Electrical System Malfunction Causing Safety Hazards
Widespread electrical failures including loss of steering control, engine shutdown, loss of braking, and in one case an engine fire. Owners report all dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously, vehicle losing power mid-drive, and inability to restart. One owner's vehicle caught fire while driving with loss of power steering and jerking. Another owner reports engine harness short causing engine stall under load, affecting steering and braking.
When: After heavy rain in one case; at 55,000 miles (harness issue); fire incident reported August 6, 2022
Symptoms owners cite: all warning lights on dashboard; engine stalls; loss of power steering; loss of braking; steering wheel lock-up; vehicle jerks; flames from engine compartment; burning smell; electrical fire
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wiring harness short identified; fire required fire department response; vehicle deemed a total loss in fire incident; Body Control Module (BCM) failure in one case, not covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In fire case, vehicle towed to dealership; BCM failure in another case denied coverage by Nissan
Steering Wheel Lock and Key Extraction Issues
Steering wheel fails to lock after engine shutdown. In one critical safety case, the key can be fully removed from the ignition while the car is in gear (not park), creating rollaway risk and violating NHTSA rollaway prevention standard 49 CFR 571.114.
When: Reported at vehicle shutdown; creates immediate rollaway hazard
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel does not lock; key removable while in gear; rollaway risk; inability to park safely
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; issue is design or control module-related
Steering Noise (Squeaking, Groaning, Clicking)
Various steering-related noises reported independently of major failure modes, including squeaking when turning, groaning at low speeds during turns, and clicking noises. One owner with a brand-new vehicle reports clicking from the front driver side wheel or steering wheel area starting at 800 miles. Dealers unable to diagnose or repair; acknowledged as a known Nissan North America problem.
When: As early as 800 miles on new vehicles; two weeks after purchase in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: squeaking noise when turning; clicking noise when turning; groaning noise at low speed turns; clicking audible from rear and passenger side
Repairs/costs cited: Backing plate mentioned in one case; no effective repairs identified; dealers state it is a known problem awaiting guidance from Nissan North America
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan North America acknowledged as aware of problem; awaiting repair direction per dealership communication
Intermittent Power Loss During Turns
Vehicle loses electrical power or power steering momentarily during turning, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights, radio rebooting, or automatic systems cycling. One owner reports the car jerked to the right when losing power during a left turn, with radio malfunctioning days before.
When: Intermittent; one instance during left turn at unspecified speed
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power during turn; steering wheel jerks; dashboard lights; radio reboots; brief power loss
Steering Pull/Drift to One Side
Vehicle swerves or drifts from side to side while driving. One owner reports the vehicle swerving side-to-side with abnormal popping noise from steering wheel at 58,135 miles. Another owner reports the vehicle pulling to one side during a right turn, regaining control after initial loss of steering authority.
When: 58,135 miles in one case; recent incident in another
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle swerves side-to-side; steering drift; vehicle pulls during turns; abnormal popping from steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired in reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 23V093000 (Electrical System) pending in one case; parts not available
Synthesized from 23 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 2016 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 2016 Nissan Rogue?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 23 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 54,475 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2016/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.