Introduction
In recent years, Nissan has faced significant scrutiny for engine problems culminating in large-scale recalls across the the U.S. and Canada. For many car owners, the thought that an engine might fail while driving is deeply unsettling—engine failure not only means costly repairs, but also serious safety risks. This blog aims to give U.S. Nissan (and Infiniti) owners clear, factual, and actionable information about the recent engine-related recalls: what the problems are, which models are affected, how to check whether your vehicle is included, how the repair process works, what rights owners have, and tips to minimize risk going forward.
1. Background: Why Recalls Happen (Especially for Engines)
A recall is issued when an automaker or safety agency (in the U.S., usually NHTSA) determines that a vehicle or part presents a safety risk or fails to meet federal safety standards. The remedy is typically repair, replacement, or in extreme cases refund. Automakers are legally obligated to perform the fix at no cost to the owner.
When it comes to engine recalls, the stakes are higher. Engines are complex, high-stress systems. If a critical component fails—like a bearing or connecting-link—the consequences can be severe: sudden loss of power, stalling, internal damage, or even fire in worst-case scenarios. Because of this, the window for safe operation is often limited, and manufacturers must act decisively.
2. What’s Going On: Nissan’s 2025 Engine Failure Recalls
2.1 Scope & Numbers
In mid-2025, Nissan initiated a major recall covering hundreds of thousands of vehicles in the U.S. due to manufacturing defects in certain VC-Turbo engines (both 1.5-litre 3-cylinder and 2.0-litre 4-cylinder versions).
- In the U.S., 443,899 vehicles were recalled.
- In Canada, an additional 37,837 vehicles were included.
- Combined, that exceeds 480,000 vehicles.
2.2 Affected Models
The recall covers specific Nissan and Infiniti models built with the susceptible engines:
| Brand | Model | Model Years / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Rogue | 2021–2024 |
| Nissan | Altima | 2019–2020 |
| Infiniti | QX50 | 2019–2022 |
| Infiniti | QX55 | 2022 |
If you own one of these models in those years and your engine is a VC-Turbo version, your vehicle is very likely to be affected.
2.3 The Defect: Weak Bearings & Internal Linkage Failures
What’s causing the problem? Nissan and NHTSA describe the defect as originating in manufacturing tolerances of key engine components:
- Some engine bearings (main, A-link, C-link, L-link) may have slight deviations that over time cause abnormal friction, wear, or eventual catastrophic failure
- Debris or metal fragments can develop inside the engine, migrate to the oil pan, or damage internal surfaces.
- Over time, the defect can lead to sudden loss of power, knocking noises, stalling, and in extreme cases the engine may fail entirely while driving.
In short: the defect is insidious and progressive—it’s rarely a sudden catastrophic failure without warning, which makes vigilance extremely important.
2.4 Remedy Plan: Inspection & Repairs
Nissan’s recall protocol lays out a multi-step process, depending on whether engine wear has already begun:
- Inspection
Dealers remove the engine oil pan and inspect for presence of metal debris or fragments. - If debris is found
- The engine must be replaced (or rebuilt) under the recall program at no charge.
- This ensures any internal damage is fully remedied.
- If no debris is found
- For 1.5L 3-cylinder engines: replace the oil pan gasket, change engine oil, and reprogram the engine control module (ECM).
- For 2.0L 4-cylinder engines: only the engine oil may be replaced (if inspection passes).
- Warranty extension
As part of the recall resolution, Nissan will extend the warranty coverage on affected powertrain components (for example, to 10 years or 120,000 miles) in some cases. - Notification & Owner Action
Affected owners will receive mailed recall notices with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Nissan or Infiniti dealer for inspection and repair. (AP News)
This recall repair is free of charge to the owner (parts and labor).
3. Warning Signs to Watch For (Before the Recall Bite You)
Because the defect tends to progress gradually, early warning signs are crucial. If you own an affected vehicle or are unsure, keep an eye out for:
- Engine knocking or tapping noises, especially during warm-up or acceleration
- Loss of engine power, hesitation, or “jerky” response
- Engine warning light (“Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon”)
- Low oil pressure or suspicious oil pressure gauge readings
- Metal flakes or debris in your oil filter during a routine oil change
- Unusual vibration or rough idle
If any of these symptoms appear, it’s safer to schedule service sooner rather than later. Do not ignore them.
4. What To Do Now: Steps for U.S. Nissan/Infiniti Owners
If you own one of the affected models—or suspect you might—take the following steps:
4.1 Check Recall Status
- Use the Nissan recall lookup tool (enter your VIN) to see whether your vehicle is under recall.
- Check with the NHTSA recall database by VIN or model.
- Check your mailbox: manufacturers will send official recall letters to registered owners.
4.2 If Your Car Is Affected
- Schedule a visit to a certified Nissan or Infiniti dealership for the recall inspection.
- Do not delay—if your engine has internal damage, continuing to drive may worsen it or cause safety risk.
- Bring any prior maintenance records or diagnostic reports (if you’ve had issues) to help technicians assess.
4.3 If You Already Paid for Repairs
In some cases, owners may have paid out of pocket for engine work before the recall was announced. In many U.S. recalls, automakers will reimburse for reasonable past expenses if they fall within a certain timeframe. You should:
- Retain all invoices, labor records, and repair receipts.
- Contact Nissan customer service and ask about “recall reimbursement.”
- Be prepared to submit documentation.
4.4 Monitor Engine Health Ongoing
- Opt for higher-frequency oil changes (e.g. every 5,000 miles or sooner, depending on driving conditions).
- Always use the manufacturer-recommended oil grade and filter.
- At each oil change, ask the mechanic to check the oil filter and screen for metal shavings.
- Be attentive to any new noises or roughness.
- Avoid extreme driving patterns (hard acceleration, frequent high RPMs) until your vehicle is cleared.
5. Potential Risks & Legal / Safety Considerations
5.1 Safety Risks
- Sudden engine failure while driving can lead to loss of motive power, potentially causing accidents in traffic.
- Internal component failure might lead to oil leakage onto hot surfaces, increasing fire risk (though rare).
- Stranded breakdowns or engine seizure can cost lives, particularly on highways.
5.2 Legal & Regulatory Aspects
- Once a recall is issued, driving the vehicle (especially knowing a defect exists) may carry liability risks if an accident occurs.
- NHTSA oversight: After the recall, NHTSA may close its investigation if it judges the manufacturer’s remedy sufficient. In fact, NHTSA closed its investigation into ~454,840 Nissan vehicles after the recall.
- Owners may join class-action lawsuits if defects cause damage or losses beyond recall repairs. Indeed, lawsuits related to Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine failures have already emerged.
5.3 Public Relations & Brand Risk
Such a large recall impacts consumer confidence and brand image. Nissan must contend with reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and the financial burden of repairs. But for owners, the bottom line is: it’s safer to take action than hope the problem doesn’t affect you.
6. Case Example: One Owner’s Experience
One plaintiff in a lawsuit had a 2023 Nissan Rogue (in Florida). After just 157 miles post-purchase, the dashboard lit up with “Engine Malfunction,” “Power Reduced,” and “Service Now.” The car could not be restarted thereafter.
Despite dealer attempts — battery replacement, ECU software updates, EGR valve replacement — nothing resolved the issue. The owner claimed Nissan initially denied the problem and forced him to cover diagnostics and repairs until the recall was announced.
This case highlights how early failures can occur, how warranty coverage and recall timing matter, and why some owners are pushing for stronger accountability.
7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Does this recall apply to all Nissan vehicles?
No. The recall is specific to certain models (Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50/QX55) with VC-Turbo engines in specific years. If your vehicle has a different engine (e.g., conventional naturally aspirated, V6, etc.), it may not be affected.
Q2: Will I get a loaner car during the repair?
Many dealerships provide courtesy loaners for extended repair work, but this varies by location. Ask your dealer whether they offer transportation support during the inspection/repair.
Q3: How long will the repair take?
The duration depends on whether debris is found. If no damage is present, repairs are relatively quick (oil pan off/on, gasket, oil change, ECM reprogram) — a few hours. If a full engine replacement is required, it may take a day or more.
Q4: What if my car fails after the recall?
If your vehicle fails later (after recall repair), check whether the defects are covered under the extended warranty provisions. Document the failure, bring it to a dealer, and insist they honor the recall/extended coverage.
Q5: Will this recall hurt resale value?
Potentially yes, especially if a vehicle’s recall repair history is ambiguous or incomplete. But a completed recall repair (with documentation) is better than having an unresolved defect. Always insist on a clean recall/repair history if buying used.
8. Conclusion & Key Takeaways
- This recall is serious — engine failure is one of the worst defects a car can have.
- Many Nissan & Infiniti owners are affected — especially recent Rogue, Altima, QX50, QX55 models built with VC-Turbo engines.
- The repair is free — if your vehicle is recalled, Nissan is responsible for parts and labor.
- Act proactively — check your VIN, schedule inspection, monitor for symptoms, and preserve any repair documents.
- Safety first — don’t risk driving a vehicle you suspect may have internal engine damage.
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