If you drive a Nissan Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50, or QX55, there’s an important recall notice you should know about. The Japanese automaker Nissan is recalling nearly half a million vehicles across the United States and Canada due to a serious engine design flaw. This issue could lead to complete powertrain failure, causing the vehicle to lose power while driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 443,899 vehicles in the U.S. and 37,837 in Canada. Nissan has stated that all repairs and inspections will be performed free of charge.
Recall
The recall was made public by Nissan Canada spokesperson Didier Marsau and confirmed by the Associated Press. The failure was traced to specific engines used in select Nissan and Infiniti models, and the risk is severe enough to warrant urgent action.
The NHTSA flagged the issue as a potential powertrain loss caused by internal engine failure, which can pose a serious safety risk if the vehicle shuts down unexpectedly.
Models
The recall specifically targets models using variable compression turbocharged (VC-Turbo) engines. These engines include:
- Nissan Rogue
- Nissan Altima (model years 2019 and 2020)
- Infiniti QX50
- Infiniti QX55
The affected engines are the 1.5L 3-cylinder and the 2.0L 4-cylinder VC-Turbo variants.
Problem
So, what exactly is going wrong with these engines? According to Nissan, the fault lies in the engine bearings, which degrade over time. If not addressed, this wear and tear can lead to a complete breakdown of the engine.
Here are common warning signs:
- Dashboard warning lights turning on
- Loss of engine power or sluggish acceleration
- Strange engine noises
- Vibrations or jerky behavior while driving
Ignoring these signs could make the problem worse and potentially result in dangerous driving conditions.
Action
If your vehicle is affected, it’s important to act quickly. Nissan will begin sending out official recall letters to owners on August 22, 2025. In the meantime, you can still check if your car is part of the recall using several options:
- Call Infiniti Customer Service at 1-800-662-6200
- Call Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261
- Visit the NHTSA website and enter your VIN to check your status
Once confirmed, owners are advised to schedule a repair appointment at an official Nissan dealership or Infiniti service center.
Repairs
Repairs will differ depending on the engine type:
| Engine Type | Repair Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1.5L VC-Turbo (3 cyl) | Control module reprogramming, oil change, crankcase gasket replacement |
| 2.0L VC-Turbo (4 cyl) | Engine oil change only |
All services will be carried out free of charge, regardless of how complex the procedure is.
Caution
Nissan and NHTSA both emphasize the importance of not ignoring any unusual behavior in your vehicle. Even small vibrations or warning lights could be early signs of this engine defect.
If your car is listed in the recall, don’t wait until the letter arrives. Take proactive steps to check and repair it. The safety of you, your passengers, and others on the road could depend on it.
FAQs
Which Nissan models are affected?
Rogue, Altima (2019–2020), Infiniti QX50 and QX55.
What causes the engine failure?
Engine bearing wear can lead to total powertrain failure.
When will owners be notified?
Letters will be sent starting August 22, 2025.
Are repairs free for recalled models?
Yes, all inspections and repairs are fully covered.
How can I check if my car is affected?
Call Nissan or Infiniti, or check VIN on the NHTSA site.
