Nissan recalling 160,000 Rogue models for defective screw in steering gear box

(October 26, 2009) Nissan is recalling 2008 and 2009 Rogue models for a defective screw in the steering gear box that could result in the driver losing all steering control.

More than 160,000 vehicles are affected by A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign. Suspect vehicles were made from March 7, 2007 to July 20, 2009.

The defective part was manufactured in Malaysia by Japanese supplier NSK. Nissan first became aware of the problem in June of 2009 when a report of a steering problem from non-U.S. vehicle was received.

A screw in the steering gear housing cover may loosen over time and could fall out. As it loosens, the steering response of the vehicle “may be compromised but the driver will retain steering control,” according to documents Nissan filed with NHTSA.

However, the screw may eventually come out of the steering gear cover. If large steering inputs are made with the cover screw missing the pinion shaft may come out of the steering gear resulting in a complete loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect whether the steering gear cover screw is loose and will be retightened to the proper specification. Dealers will also install a cover plate to prevent the screw from possibly coming out of thesteering gear . This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2009.