The problem
Due to the type of lubricant used in the steering transfer gear assembly, the effort required to turn the steering wheel at low ambient temperatures (less than -30 c) could increase to the point where some drivers would have difficulty in turning the wheel.
The risk
This condition could result in the inability to change the direction of the vehicle while attempting to turn the wheel, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix
Dealers are replacing the steering transfer gear assembly with a new assembly having different lubricant.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-034 (96V034000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nissan North America, Inc. |
| Component | Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion) |
| Report date | February 22, 1996 |
| Owners notified | September 2, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 1,775 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-034 repair free?
Yes. Nissan dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers are replacing the steering transfer gear assembly with a new assembly having different lubricant.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 1,775 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.