Nissan has initiated a massive recall of over 480,000 vehicles across the U.S. and Canada due to potential manufacturing defects in the engines. The recall specifically targets models with VC-Turbo engines, which could fail while in use, posing a significant safety risk to drivers.
The affected vehicles, ranging from the 2019-2024 Nissan Rogues to select Infiniti models, have been flagged for issues with engine bearings that may lead to severe engine damage.
This recall comes as a part of Nissan’s ongoing commitment to customer safety, as the manufacturer works to resolve the engine problem before it leads to more serious consequences.
Defective Engine Bearings in Focus
The recall covers certain Nissan Rogues from the 2021-2024 model years, 2019-2020 Altimas, and 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50s, as well as 2022 Infiniti QX55s. All of these vehicles are equipped with either 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbo engines.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue lies in the engine’s bearings, which may suffer from manufacturing defects. These defects can result in engine failure while driving, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The NHTSA reports that bearing failures typically develop over time, allowing affected drivers to notice warning signs before the issue becomes critical. These signs include unusual engine noises, rough running, or malfunction indicator lights.
In some cases, the vehicle’s instrument cluster may display warning messages. Nissan has assured customers that any necessary repairs will be carried out free of charge at authorized dealerships.
Nissan’s Response and Next Steps
To address the problem, Nissan and Infiniti will inspect the affected vehicles’ engine oil pans for metal debris, a clear indicator of potential engine damage.
If any debris is found, the engine will either be repaired or replaced. In cases where no debris is detected, the dealerships will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and, in some cases, reprogram the engine control module.
In the U.S., 443,899 vehicles are part of the recall, while 37,837 vehicles in Canada are also affected. According to Nissan, notification letters will be sent to vehicle owners by late August. These letters will provide details on how to arrange an inspection and repairs.
Customers can also use Nissan’s recall lookup tool or contact the company’s customer service for more information.