In a significant move that could affect hundreds of thousands of drivers, Nissan North America has issued a recall of more than 443,000 vehicles across the U.S. due to a potentially serious engine defect. The recall was confirmed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and involves certain models from both the Nissan and Infiniti brands that use Nissan’s advanced variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine.

What’s Going On?

According to official documents filed with the NHTSA, the issue appears to be related to possible manufacturing defects in the engine bearings. These defects can cause the engine to fail—especially while driving—which would greatly increase the risk of an accident. Fortunately, no injuries or crashes have been reported yet; however, the issue is serious enough to warrant immediate attention.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

If you own a Nissan or Infiniti vehicle equipped with either the 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo or the 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, your car could be part of the recall. The specific models and years involved include:

• 2021–2024 Nissan Rogue
• 2019–2020 Nissan Altima
• 2022 Infiniti QX55
• 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50

These are some of the most popular models for both Nissan and Infiniti, with the Rogue being one of Nissan’s best-selling vehicles in the U.S.

What’s the Problem?

The core issue centers on the engine bearings—small components that help the engine operate smoothly. Nissan has identified that some of these bearings may have been improperly manufactured. Over time, this could lead to internal engine damage or total failure.

• When an engine bearing fails, the vehicle may:
• Lose power unexpectedly
• Begin making unusual knocking or tapping noises
• Run roughly or idle poorly
• Display warning lights on the dashboard

Drivers may notice these symptoms before the engine completely fails. But if left unaddressed, a sudden failure could occur, especially during driving, which poses a safety risk.

What Will Nissan and Infiniti Do?

Nissan and Infiniti dealers will inspect and repair the affected vehicles at no cost to the customer. The exact service depends on which engine is in the vehicle:

For the 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo (mainly found in newer Rogues):

• Dealers will inspect the oil pan for signs of metal debris.
• If debris is found, the engine will either be repaired or replaced entirely.

If no debris is found, the oil pan gasket and engine oil will be replaced, and the engine control module will be reprogrammed.

For the 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo (used in Altima, QX50, and QX55 models):

• Dealers will also inspect the oil pan for debris.
• If debris is present, the engine will be repaired or replaced.
• If no debris is found, an oil change will be performed.

Again, all of these services will be provided free of charge to affected vehicle owners.

When Will the Recall Begin?

Nissan has announced that it will begin notifying owners by mail starting August 25, 2025. Once you receive your notice, you’re encouraged to schedule a service appointment with your local authorized dealership as soon as possible.

In the meantime, concerned owners can check if their vehicle is affected right now by visiting the NHTSA’s recall lookup page. Just enter your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number to see if your car is on the list.

Here’s the link to the lookup tool:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

Why Is This Recall a Big Deal?

This recall comes at a critical time for Nissan. The company has been dealing with financial difficulties in recent years and even backed out of a possible merger with Honda. Now, this major recall—especially involving the popular Rogue model—could shake consumer confidence further.

What makes this situation even more delicate is that the VC-Turbo engine is supposed to represent Nissan’s cutting-edge innovation. Designed to adjust compression ratios on the fly, the VC-Turbo aims to deliver both fuel efficiency and power depending on driving conditions. It’s one of the technologies Nissan uses to promote its slogan: “Innovation that Excites.”

Unfortunately, these very engines are now at the center of a widespread recall, potentially putting a dent in the brand’s image.

What’s the Good News?

There are a few silver linings:

• No injuries or crashes linked to the issue have been reported so far.
• Early warning signs of engine bearing failure—like strange noises or dashboard alerts—give drivers a heads-up before complete engine failure occurs.
• Nissan has already addressed this issue in 2025 models, so newer vehicles are not affected.
• The company is offering free repairs or replacements, even if a full engine swap is needed.

What Should You Do Now?

If you drive a Nissan Rogue, Altima, or an Infiniti QX50 or QX55 made within the affected years, don’t wait for the mailed notice. Be proactive:

• Go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
• Enter your VIN or license plate number
• See if your car is included in this or any other recalls
• If your vehicle is affected, call your local dealership to schedule an inspection

Final Thoughts

While this recall is undoubtedly concerning, it also shows that Nissan and Infiniti are taking responsible steps to protect drivers and address a manufacturing issue before it leads to real-world harm. Still, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles involved, owners need to take action and get their engines inspected before problems arise.

Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your car running smoothly by responding promptly to any recall notifications you receive.

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