Nissan is walking the tightrope right now. The company’s aged lineup and poor finances are closing in, and one gets the sense that if Nissan doesn’t start to turn things around soon, the company will end up in the history books. Right now, a recall is the last thing Nissan needs. However, here it sits, with the automaker telling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) it will recall a whopping 443,899 cars across the Nissan and Infiniti brands because of a serious engine failure issue.
Nissan Recalls 400,000+ Cars
Nissan’s 573 report to the NHTSA says that a potential manufacturing defect in engine bearings (sound familiar, BMW?) could lead to engine damage or total failure. The brand’s clever VC-Turbo engines are the subject of the recall, found in the Nissan models below, all of which are affected by the recall, and many more. Nissan has marketed the engine as the world’s first variable compression ratio engine, and the tech is rather impressive, often leading to solid performance and great fuel economy.
- 2021-2024 Nissan Rogue
- 2019-2020 Nissan Altima
- 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50
- 2022 Infiniti QX55
How Will Nissan Fix Recall 25V437?
Nissan’s VC-Turbo engines could need a few fixes. Dealer technicians have to examine the oil of each to see if damage has occurred, usually indicated by metal shavings in the car’s oil pan. If the pan is clean, 2.0-liter-equipped cars will get a simple oil change, while the 1.5-liter engine will need a new sump gasket and a reprogrammed engine control module. If there is debris in the oil, a full engine replacement is likely, but Nissan will also evaluate each car to determine if a comparatively simple repair can be performed instead. Regardless, all will be done free of charge for customers. Keep an ear out for any strange noises or knocking, and do not drive if anything feels off. You can contact your dealer for information using recall number 25V437, or use the NHTSA’s online checker. Owner notification will begin on August 25.
TopSpeed’s Take
Nissan doesn’t have a lot of breathing room to eat a costly recall right now. Luckily, less than 2 percent of the recalled units may suffer from the failure. The company’s perilous financial situation could worsen if the recall expands, but there’s unlikely to be any sort of nail in the coffin.
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