The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated a preliminary investigation into the 2021 Nissan Rogue following multiple reports alleging inner tie rod failures. While the exact number of complaints remains undisclosed, at least one vehicle owner has detailed a harrowing experience where their Rogue’s steering inexplicably veered right, resulting in a misaligned wheel.
Despite a dealership’s diagnosis of a bent tie rod, Nissan denied warranty coverage, attributing the issue to a supposed impact vehemently disputed by the owner. The absence of dashcam footage further complicates the owner’s ability to substantiate their claim of a sudden, unprovoked failure.
This incident underscores the potential safety hazards associated with the alleged defect and raises concerns about its prevalence and root cause. As the investigation unfolds, NHTSA will determine if the evidence warrants a recall, a decision with significant implications for Nissan and the safety of Rogue owners.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is currently under investigation by the NHTSA for potential inner tie rod failures. This critical steering component, as indicated by the attached document, could lead to a safety recall encompassing over 77,000 vehicles. Nissan’s history is marked by a recurring pattern of tie rod-related recalls, notably affecting the Sentra model. This troubling trend underscores systemic quality control deficiencies within the automaker.
Further compounding the issue, the 2021 Rogue itself has been the subject of multiple recalls addressing a wide array of safety concerns, including seat belts, brakes, fuel systems, and wheels. This alarming rate of recalls casts significant doubt on the Rogue’s reliability and durability.
The root of these problems can be traced back to the aggressive cost-cutting measures implemented by former CEO Carlos Ghosn to stabilize Nissan’s financial position. These measures, while essential for the company’s survival, appear to have compromised vehicle quality and safety in pursuit of profitability.
This troubling trend is exacerbated by Nissan’s affiliate brands, such as Mitsubishi, which engage in badge engineering practices. Models like the Colt and ASX are essentially rebadged Renault vehicles with minimal cosmetic alterations, further diluting the value proposition and raising concerns about underlying quality.
The confluence of these factors paints a disconcerting picture of Nissan’s commitment to vehicle safety and consumer well-being. The automaker’s prioritization of financial performance over product integrity has resulted in a loss of consumer trust and raises serious questions about the company’s future direction.
As the investigation into the 2021 Rogue progresses, consumers are left to grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the vehicle’s safety and reliability, underscoring the urgent need for Nissan to address these systemic issues and restore confidence in its brand.
