Safety recallImmediate safety action

2021 Nissan Altima · Steering & vehicle control

Tie rod ball joint may detach from the steering knuckle

NHTSA campaign 21V138000 lists the 2021 Nissan Altima for a condition in which tie rod ball joint may detach from the steering knuckle.

Vehicles covered
2021
Evidence level
Official NHTSA safety recall
Information reviewed
August 2, 2026
Jurisdiction
United States

What the reviewed source says

Start with the documented condition, not a parts guess.

NHTSA lists the 2021 Nissan Altima in safety campaign 21V138000. The official record says: The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle. The stated safety consequence is: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. A make, model and year match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included or that the repair remains open.

Words owners may use

Does this match the moment?

“2021 Altima loose tie rod fastener”“Altima tie rod ball joint detaching”“Altima sudden loss of steering control”“Altima steering and linkages recall”“NHTSA campaign 21V138000”

Symptoms in the pattern

  • There may be no warning before the tie rod joint detaches.
  • Steering control may be lost if the joint separates from the knuckle.

Vehicles and scope

  • 2021 Nissan Altima
  • Vehicles included in NHTSA campaign 21V138000
  • VIN confirmation is required

Manufacturer position

What the official procedure directs

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.

Mileage context

Campaign 21V138000 is based on the recalled vehicle population and VIN, not a published mileage threshold. Mileage alone cannot confirm or exclude it.

Original evidence

Open the documents behind this page.

Repair paths and safe checks

Separate the diagnosis from the action.

Official repair pathAuthorized dealer or manufacturer service center · VIN check and recall service

Complete recall 21V138000

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.

Boundary

A year and model match does not confirm VIN eligibility. Do not substitute an owner repair for an open safety recall.

What owners reported

Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?

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Safe owner checkBasic documentation · 10 minutes

Check the VIN and record what happened

Check the 17-character VIN with NHTSA or Nissan. Save campaign 21V138000, any warning messages and a short description of when the symptom occurred for the service appointment.

Boundary

Do not recreate a dangerous symptom for a photo or video.

What owners reported

Did this repair fix the same symptom on your car?

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