Two major automakers recently issued safety recalls for specific models that fleet drivers use. Both recalls involve steering issues and a significant number of affected vehicles. Here are the details: 

Nissan North America, Inc. is recalling about 138,736 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles because the left and/or right tie rod may be bent. A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and upping the risk of a crash. 

To remedy the matter, dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right tie rods as needed, free of charge to customers.

Owner notification letters will be mailed Aug. 5, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at (800) 867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM985.

General Motors is recalling an estimated 26,847 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles for a software issue. Specifically, the software module may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

This means the driver will be challenged with increased steering effort. Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the likelihood of a collision. 

To fix the problem, dealers will update the power steering module directly, or owners may get it via an over-the-air (OTA) update. In either case, there is no cost to owners. 

Owner notification letters will be mailed Aug. 2, 2021. Owners can reach Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020; Cadillac customer service at (800) 458-8006; or GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. 

GM's number for this recall is N212333900.