Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.A two-year federal investigation into alleged tie rod bending and deformation on certain Nissan Rogues has concluded, with no related recall being issued for these crossovers. In 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received report data indicating that some 2021 Nissan Rogue crossovers experience inner tie rod failures that could cause a loss of steering control. The issue potentially implicated over 250,000 Rogue models, but the investigation has now been closed with no recall issued, due to a low number of allegations and specific conditions under which the tie rod failure occurred.Nissan Rogue Investigation In Detail2021 Nissan RogueNissanThe Rogue is Nissan's top-selling vehicle in the U.S., so a potential safety flaw would have impacted thousands of these SUVs. The allegations linked to bent and deformed tie rods stated that these parts could interfere with wheel alignment, cause steering issues, and cause the tires to wear abnormally. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs part of its investigation, ODI reviewed vehicle owner questionnaires, reporting data, warranty claims, and other information submitted by the automaker. It also took into account vehicle age and mileage and the severity of incidents.2021 Nissan RogueNissan"Based on the information reviewed, ODI identified a low number of tie rod bending or deformation allegations relative to the subject vehicle population and exposure," states the investigation report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "The available reports did not indicate a consistent failure pattern, common production period, common mileage, or repeatable failure mode suggestive of a safety-related defect."Furthermore, ODI found that many incidents involved various impact-related damage, such as striking potholes, curb contact, road debris impacts, previous collision damage, and other steering/suspension loads deemed abnormal. Due to these findings, the investigation was closed on August 24, 2026 and the SUV was not recalled. Any further incidents will, however, be monitored by the NHTSA. It's worth mentioning that the Nissan Sentra was previously recalled for similar tie rod and steering issues in 2023.Why Damaged Tie Rods Are Dangerous2021 Nissan RogueNissanTie rods are a crucial component of a vehicle's steering system. They connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle, allowing the wheels to turn when you steer. Loose or damaged tie rods can appear as a shaking or vibrating through the steering wheel, excessive play, or knocking/clunking noises, especially when turning the vehicle at lower speeds. If dirt and debris get in there, drivers may also hear a grinding noise when turning. In a worst-case scenario, a worn or broken tie rod can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the chances of a crash.AdvertisementAdvertisementNissan will be somewhat relieved that the investigation has been closed, as the automaker is already grappling with a more serious Rogue-related reliability issue. Earlier this year, Nissan extended the engine warranty due to failures suffered by the vehicle's three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine. This engine is not equipped to the 2021 Rogue that was involved in the tie rod investigation, as that model used an older 2.5-liter non-turbo engine.Related: Nissan Rogue Owners Get 10-Year Engine Warranty After Multiple RecallsThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
