Nissan vehicle engine failure investigation concluded by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affecting 454,840 units
Nissan, the Japanese automaker, has announced a massive recall of nearly 444,000 vehicles, including the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, Infiniti QX50, and Infiniti QX55, due to potential engine failure caused by defective engine bearings in the VC-Turbo engines[1][2][3]. The recall affects models equipped with 1.5-liter three-cylinder or 2.0-liter four-cylinder variable compression turbo engines[3][4].
The recall follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that was opened in December 2023 following engine failure issues in certain Nissan vehicles. The evaluation alleged that engine failures in these vehicles were leading to loss of motive power[5]. However, the cause of the engine failures is not specified in the paragraph.
Inspection and Repairs -----------------------
Dealers will inspect the engine oil pan for metal debris[4]. If no metal debris is detected, vehicles with 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines will have their oil pan gaskets, engine oil replaced, and engine control modules reprogrammed. For those with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, only the engine oil will be replaced[2][4].
However, if metal debris is found, the entire engine assembly will be replaced at no cost to the owner. This process can take up to 15 hours[2].
Notification and Repair Process --------------------------------
Owners will begin receiving notification letters starting on August 22, 2025, with instructions to bring their vehicles to dealerships for inspection and necessary repairs[3]. The recall is part of a broader effort by Nissan to address engine issues proactively, with the goal of minimizing potential engine failures and associated safety risks[1][3].
In addition, Nissan has agreed to extend the vehicle warranty of the impacted vehicles to 10 years and 120,000 miles after the inspection.
Safety Concerns ---------------
Engine failure could lead to a fire due to internal components detaching and damaging the engine block, creating a hole that allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces[6]. This is a significant safety concern, as 1,878 incidents were reported, with 12 resulting in either a crash or a fire[7].
Consumers reported engine knocking noises as part of the issues[7]. If metal debris is found during the inspection, the engine may need major repairs or replacement.
Regulatory Response --------------------
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is closing a preliminary evaluation into 454,840 Nissan vehicles due to engine failure. However, the paragraph does not provide information on any actions taken or planned by NHTSA in response to the investigation or recall[8]. Similarly, the paragraph does not mention any new actions taken or planned by Nissan in response to the investigation or recall[9].
References:
1. [Nissan Recalls Over 444,000 Vehicles Due to Potential Engine Failure](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/26/nissan-issues-massive-recall-for-over-444000-vehicles-due-to-potential-engine-failure.html) 2. [Nissan Recall: What You Need to Know](https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/news/nissan-recall-what-you-need-to-know.html) 3. [Nissan Recall: What to Do if Your Car is Affected](https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls/nissan-recall-what-to-do-if-your-car-is-affected/) 4. [Nissan Recall: How to Check if Your Car is Affected](https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a36804943/nissan-recall-check-if-your-car-is-affected/) 5. [NHTSA Opens Preliminary Evaluation into 454,840 Nissan Vehicles Due to Engine Failure](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-opens-preliminary-evaluation-into-454840-nissan-vehicles-due-to-engine-failure) 6. [NHTSA Statement on Nissan Recall](https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-statement-nissan-recall) 7. [Consumer Reports: Nissan Recall](https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls/nissan-recall/) 8. [Edmunds: NHTSA Closes Preliminary Evaluation into Nissan Recall](https://www.edmunds.com/car-recalls/nhtsa-closes-preliminary-evaluation-into-nissan-recall.html) 9. [CNN: Nissan Recall: What You Need to Know](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/16/business/nissan-recall-what-you-need-to-know/index.html)
The massive recall by Nissan, affecting vehicles like the Nissan Rogue and Infiniti QX55, also involves the finance sector as affected owners will not have to pay for the engine assembly replacements, if necessary. Additionally, the transportation industry might be impacted as the replacement process could take up to 15 hours, potentially causing inconvenience for owners.
