1. Power steering cuts off while driving. Occurs intermittently -- once every two weeks or so. I am guessing that the intermittent nature of this is why more have not reported it. Warning lights show on dash indicating ABS, etc. but codes disappear when car is turned off and back on. Yes, you can inspect this. We bought a BlueDriver OBDII with an app because we couldn't capture this and the…
2020 Nissan Altima steering problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 20 steering complaints filed for the 2020 Nissan Altima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Owners report multiple critical steering failures including intermittent power steering loss, tie rod detachment, and complete steering lock-up at low speeds—some resulting in crashes. Some failures occur at very low mileage with inadequate warning, and NHTSA recall 21V138000 does not cover all affected VINs.
The 2020 Altima shows a consistent pattern of steering system failures across multiple failure modes. The most serious complaints involve power steering cutting out intermittently while driving—warning lights appear (ABS, power steering) and then disappear after restart, making diagnosis difficult for dealers. Some owners report the steering wheel locking completely and remaining locked even after the engine is restarted, creating immediate safety hazards. A few complaints describe total steering loss during routine turns at low speeds (15-35 mph), with the tie rod assembly detaching or fasteners failing; these incidents align with NHTSA Campaign 21V138000, though not all affected VINs are included in that recall.
Owners also report abnormal clicking or popping noises from the front end during turns—some heard these at as few as 2,000 miles—and progressive wheel bearing noise that took over a year to diagnose and repair. One owner experienced a steering wheel lock-up during acceleration that caused a complete stall with the vehicle immobilized for 15 seconds, creating a traffic hazard. Dealerships have been inconsistent in diagnosis: some insisted abnormal noises were "normal," while others initially refused warranty coverage for component failures. One crash resulted when the forward collision warning system over-applied brakes on ice, causing misalignment so severe the driver had to turn the wheel 90 degrees to drive straight.
Same Nissan Altima steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Loss / Intermittent Steering Assist Failure
Electric power steering cuts out while driving, with steering wheel becoming unresponsive or locked. Occurs intermittently or suddenly, sometimes with warning lights (ABS, power steering warning) appearing and disappearing. In some cases the steering wheel remains locked even after engine restart.
When: Mileage ranges from approximately 50,578 to unknown; occurs during normal driving at various speeds (15 mph to 55+ mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seized or unresponsive while driving; Power steering warning light illuminates (may disappear when vehicle is restarted); Loss of steering assist intermittently—once every two weeks or continuously; Steering wheel locked in park after power loss; ABS warning lights appear simultaneously with power steering loss
Codes mentioned: ABS system faults detected via OBDII scan, Codes disappear when vehicle is turned off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports ABS computer replacement at significant cost; several vehicles not yet repaired; one independent mechanic incorrectly diagnosed key fob battery replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealer service at Regal Nissan confirmed the problem and replaced ABS computer; most other dealers initially unable or unwilling to recreate the fault; NHTSA Campaign 21V138000 exists for steering but some affected VINs not included in recall
Tie Rod Fastener / Ball Joint Failure
Tie rod assembly or ball joint fasteners fail, causing loss of steering control and vehicle instability. Failures reported at low speeds (15-35 mph) during routine turns. Associated with NHTSA Campaign 21V138000 for tie rod ball joint fasteners, though not all affected VINs are included in that recall.
When: Low mileage (21,039 to approximately 78,000 miles); typically within the first 1-2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rod detaches from vehicle during turning; Clicking noise when turning over bumps (days before failure in one case); Steering system failure during routine turns; Vehicle loses directional control and runs off road; Abnormal clicking or grinding sound from front-end passenger side; No warning lights prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Intelligent cruise control / advanced driver assistance system codes reported in one case, Laser/radar system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod replacement required; one vehicle became total loss; others towed to dealer but not yet repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 21V138000 issued for tie rod ball joint fasteners; however, specific VINs mentioned in complaints were not included in the recall scope, creating gaps in coverage
Steering Wheel Shaking / Vibration
Persistent steering wheel shaking and vibration reported at very low mileage (7,500 miles). Dealership attributed to wheel alignment and tire balancing issues, but problems recurred across multiple service visits despite repeated attempts to correct.
When: At 7,500 miles; within first 6 months of ownership; recurred across five dealership visits over 6-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shaking continuously; Vibration during driving; Wheel alignment issues; Tire balancing problems
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership attempts at wheel alignment and tire balancing failed to resolve issue; vehicle remained unresolved after five service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan of Bayshore dealership repeatedly attempted wheel alignment and tire balancing; owner reports dealership would 'just keep taking it in and fix it' without resolving underlying cause
Wheel Bearing Failure
Right-side wheel bearing failed, creating loud humming, droning, or vibrating noise from the opposite (left) side of the vehicle during turns. Noise became progressively worse over approximately one year. Safety risk includes potential wheel detachment during driving.
When: Began at 7,000 miles (when purchased); noise progressed over approximately one year until repair at less than 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low droning, humming, or vibrating noise from opposite side of vehicle; Noise pronounced with speed and depth of turn; Noise became more pronounced over time, eventually audible at 30-40 mph (initially 50-60 mph); Noise only on right turns
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel bearing replacement required; owner had to visit non-Nissan dealership first for correct diagnosis; finally covered under Nissan warranty after returning to Nissan dealership with independent diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership initially refused to warranty repair and insisted noise was 'normal' despite it being one-sided and conditional; eventually covered under warranty after owner obtained independent diagnosis
Steering Clicking / Popping Noise on Turns
Abnormal clicking, popping, or grinding noises heard when turning the steering wheel, especially while going over bumps. Owners report it feels like the wheel is about to fall off. Noise occurs at low mileage (2,000 miles) and persists across multiple vehicles of the same model year.
When: As early as 2,000 miles; mileage ranges up to approximately 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or popping noise when turning steering wheel; Noise more pronounced when turning over bumps; Grinding sound from front-end area; Feels like wheel is going to fall off; Check engine warning light may illuminate
Codes mentioned: Check engine light reported in at least one case
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic recommended electromagnetic compatibility system reprogramming; most vehicles not repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes similar complaints on 2019 and 2020 Altimas, suggesting potential design or manufacturing defect; no official recall issued for this specific symptom
Complete Steering System Lock-Up / Stall During Acceleration
Steering wheel locks up completely while vehicle is in motion or during acceleration, often accompanied by engine stall. Vehicle becomes completely uncontrollable—steering, tires, and engine all locked or unresponsive for extended periods.
When: At speeds less than 15 mph during acceleration; mileage at failure approximately 35,000-66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up while accelerating from stop; Vehicle stalls simultaneously with steering lock-up; Tires locked and unable to be manipulated; Complete immobility for 15+ seconds; No warning lights prior to failure; Vehicle creates traffic hazard (trailing traffic almost collides)
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic suggested key fob battery replacement (likely incorrect diagnosis); most vehicles not diagnosed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for these cases
Forward Collision Warning / ADAS Overly Sensitive (indirectly causes steering/alignment impact)
Forward collision warning system activates inappropriately during low-speed driving on slippery surfaces, slamming brakes hard without driver input. This sudden braking causes vehicle to lose control, slide, and collide with roadside obstacles, resulting in suspension damage and severe steering misalignment.
When: During snow/ice conditions at low speed (approximately 10 mph in snow storm); indirectly affected steering geometry and alignment
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision ADAS system engages without appropriate trigger; Hard brake application at low speed on slippery surface; Vehicle slides into curb due to excessive braking; Suspension component (rod with rounded ends but flat center) bends at flat section; Vehicle lifts off ground approximately 6 inches after curb strike; Severe steering misalignment requiring 90-degree steering wheel turn to drive straight; Requires one full lane of traffic to maintain straight driving
Repairs/costs cited: Suspension rod bent; steering misalignment resulted; owner sustained whiplash injuries
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; vehicle was operating as designed per system but design itself creates hazard in cold/wet conditions
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right there was an abnormal clicking and grinding sound coming from nearby the front-end passenger’s side tire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to a certified mechanic who stated that the Automotive electromagnetic compatibility system…
When braking there is a popping noise coming from the front of the car. And the Foward Braking light comes on for 5-10 mins of driving time then goes off
During a snow storm a couple weeks ago in colorado my 2020 Nissan altima's forward collision adas kicked in locking up my breaks causing me to slide into a curb and nearly rear end another vehicle also causing alignment issue's and problems with the traction system. Due to locking the brakes this accident was caused. It was on a city street while I was in motion however the forward collision…
Had steering trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Nissan Altima?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 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 20 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 62,612 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/2020/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.