2023 Nissan Ariya Steering Wheel Recall

In a recent development concerning vehicle safety and recalls, a significant number of 2023 Nissan Ariya models have been identified with a potential steering wheel bolt issue among other issues reported.

This particular flaw can lead to the steering wheel detaching from its column, resulting in a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of accidents.

It’s essential to note that under the Highway Safety Act of 1970, vehicle manufacturers are obligated to repair or replace defective parts at no charge. Should any dealership not adhere to this, it’s recommended to contact the manufacturer without delay.

For those facing challenges during the recall process, expert lemon law attorneys are available to assist and ensure a swift and satisfactory resolution.

The Core Ariya Recall Issue: Steering Wheel Bolt Deficiency

Nissan has identified a critical flaw in 1,063 of their 2023 Ariya models. The primary concern revolves around the steering wheel bolt. There are instances where this bolt may either be tightened incorrectly or might be entirely absent.

Such a scenario can lead to the steering wheel detaching from its column. This detachment can result in a complete loss of steering control, escalating the chances of vehicular accidents.

Timeline of Notifications and Actions For the Steering Wheel Issue

– March 2, 2023: Nissan took the initiative to inform the affected vehicle owners through telephonic communication.

– March 30, 2023: A more formal notification process will be executed. Owners of the impacted vehicles will receive official letters detailing the recall and the necessary steps to follow.

2023 Nissan Ariya NHTSA Profile

The 2023 Nissan Ariya does not have a NHTSA safety rating yet but does meet the NHTSA performance criteria. So far, the Ariya has 2 recalls and 7 complaints. We reviewed the NHTSA’s Nriya profile to see all the recalls and complaints filed. This is what we found:

2023 Nissan Ariya Recalls

On September 28, 2023, Nissan North America initiated a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V657000) for certain 2023 Ariya vehicles due to an issue with the inverter software.

This software might detect a short circuit, causing the EV system to shut down and leading to a sudden loss of drive power. This unexpected loss poses a heightened risk of accidents.

To address this, dealers will reprogram the inverter software at no cost. Nissan plans to send out notification letters to owners starting October 20, 2023. The recall reference for this issue is R23C6. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for more information.

On February 28, 2023, another recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V131000) was announced for the 2023 Ariya models. This recall was due to a potential issue with the steering wheel bolt, which might have been improperly tightened or not installed at all.

This could result in the steering wheel detaching from the column, significantly increasing the risk of crashes. Nissan advises owners to contact dealers for immediate repairs if they notice any looseness in the steering wheel.

Dealers will replace the faulty bolt free of charge. Notifications to owners began on March 2, 2023, with formal letters sent out starting March 30, 2023. The recall reference for this issue is PC956.

Nissan Ariya 2023 Complaints

Between October 1 and June 25, 2023, several complaints were filed with the NHTSA regarding various vehicle issues.

On October 1, a complaint from Santa Ana, CA, highlighted an issue with the vehicle’s electrical system and engine, suggesting that updates should be provided over the air.
On September 19, a vehicle in Bixby, OK, experienced power loss during manual braking, with the infotainment system resetting and a recurring noise during driving.
On July 14, a Roseville, CA resident reported their car spontaneously shutting down, displaying “EV OFF”, and causing them to be stranded on the road. This issue was echoed by many on a Nissan Ariya discussion group.
Another July 14 incident in Corona, CA, described a Nissan Aria Evolve+ experiencing a catastrophic brake system failure shortly after purchase, leading to a near-collision.
Lastly, on June 25, a consumer raised concerns about a discrepancy in the “Final Assembly Point” label on their vehicle, which stated Los Angeles but was contradicted by the US Energy Department’s information indicating assembly in Japan.

This discrepancy raised questions about the vehicle’s eligibility for tax credits.

On June 22, 2023, a complaint was filed with the NHTSA regarding a Nissan Ariya. The car’s speed display abruptly switched from mph to kmh while driving on the highway. Despite the car moving at 65mph, the speedometer displayed 116kmh, but speed alerts remained at “65”.

The vehicle suddenly decelerated to 65kmh. Changing the speed display requires the car to be stationary and involves multiple steps in the settings, which are inaccessible while driving. This issue almost resulted in a rear-end collision.

The dealer and Nissan claimed no issues, but similar incidents have been reported online. The car’s safety features don’t differentiate between units, only numbers, elevating the risk. Nissan was informed but hasn’t been responsive.

On June 14, 2023, another complaint was lodged about a Nissan Ariya. While driving at 75 MPH on a highway with an 80% charge, the car unexpectedly shut off and shifted to neutral.

The driver had to maneuver across three lanes to exit the highway as the car decelerated rapidly from 75 MPH to 25 MPH. The complainant expressed concerns about the vehicle’s safety.

Seeking Assistance and Next Steps

For those who wish to gather more information or have queries, there are two primary channels:

Nissan Customer Service: Owners can reach out directly to Nissan’s dedicated customer service line at 800-867-7669.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): For a broader perspective on vehicle safety, individuals can contact the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

3. Consumer Lemon Law: For legal guidance on what next steps to take, call 323-798-9554 and we can connect you with a Lemon Law attorney in your area.

The Solution: Dealer Intervention

To address and rectify the steering wheel bolt issue, Nissan has entrusted its dealers with the responsibility. The dealers will replace the faulty or missing steering wheel bolt. It’s imperative for vehicle owners to be vigilant.

If they notice any looseness in the steering wheel, especially when rocking it gently forward and back, they should immediately contact their dealer. The dealer will facilitate transportation and prioritize the repair to ensure the vehicle’s safety.

Legal Rights of Vehicle Owners

Under the Highway Safety Act of 1970, vehicle manufacturers are bound by law to either repair the recalled issues or replace the defective parts without any charges. If any dealership denies the necessary repair or, worse, tries to impose a charge for it, owners should promptly get in touch with the manufacturer.

In conclusion, safety remains paramount. Nissan’s proactive approach in identifying and addressing the steering wheel bolt issue in the 2023 Ariya models underscores their commitment to their customers.

Owners are encouraged to act promptly and ensure their vehicles are inspected and rectified if needed. If you are not happy with Nissan’s response, reach out to Consumer Lemon Law today and we will get you the answers you’re looking for.

2023 Nissan Ariya Recall Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main issue leading to the recall of the 2023 Nissan Ariya?

The 2023 Nissan Ariya has been recalled due to a software issue that could cause the loss of drive power. Additionally, there have been concerns about the steering wheel bolt being tightened incorrectly or not installed at all, which could lead to the steering wheel detaching.

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Cynthia Paniagua

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2023 Nissan Ariya Steering Wheel Recall: The Breakdown