# Nissan Altima power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 34 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (19) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 34 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Nissan Altima (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (19). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Nissan Altima power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 19 | 955 | 2% | | 2016 | 4 | 555 | 1% | | 2017 | 2 | 393 | 1% | | 2018 | 3 | 226 | 1% | | 2019 | 2 | 234 | 1% | | 2020 | 4 | 182 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Nissan Altima recalls related to the power steering warning light **[23V882000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V882000)** (2024 models, reported 2023-12-21): A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. **[21V138000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V138000)** (2020-2021 models, reported 2021-03-04): A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** 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. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Nissan Altima owners report - "While in park, the power steering light appeared on the dashboard. Once I turned my car off, the steering wheel was still locked. This risked my safety because I was not able to control my vehicle." -- owner of a 2020 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2021 - "The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the power brakes and power steering were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and called roadside assistance for a jumpstart. The contact stated that the failure of the electric power had become a..." -- owner of a 2019 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2023 - "The dealer recently replaced the brake pads and power steering pump. The failures recurred and the contact was reluctant to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer sent the contact a settlement release and offered to pay $2,000. By signing the release, the contact would relieve the..." -- owner of a 2018 Nissan Altima, complaint filed 2019 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Nissan Altima power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (23V882000, 21V138000) covering 2020-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Nissan Altima years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2020 Altima model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 19 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Nissan Altima with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Nissan Altima has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Nissan dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Nissan Altima warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-altima): 250 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/nissan-altima): 21 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-altima): 203 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-altima): 21 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-altima): 16 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Nissan Altima - [Nissan Altima specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/nissan-altima Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.