Nissan Issues Massive Recall for Rogue SUVs Over Engine and Gear Defects

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is overseeing one of the largest safety recalls of recent years after the Japanese automaker Nissan announced two major campaigns affecting hundreds of thousands of its Rogue SUVs in the United States.

In total, about 642,698 model year 2023–2025 Rogue vehicles are included in the dual recall actions issued earlier this month. The recalls address separate defects that could result in engine failure, loss of motive power or, in rare cases, an increased fire risk.

Two Distinct Safety Issues

Officials say the first recall, covering approximately 323,917 Rogues, stems from a potential engine bearing problem in vehicles equipped with the 1.5‑liter three‑cylinder VC‑Turbo engine. Under certain operating conditions, high oil temperatures could lead to bearing seizure and reduce lubrication, impairing engine performance and potentially causing internal damage. In extreme cases, hot oil could leak from the engine.

The second recall affects about 318,781 Rogues with the same 1.5‑liter engine, but focuses on the electronic throttle body system. A defect in the throttle body’s internal gear assembly may cause gear fragments to break, which could disrupt throttle control and lead to a loss of forward or reverse movement when the vehicle is restarted.

Free Repairs and Owner Notices

Nissan and the NHTSA said dealerships will perform corrective actions at no cost to owners. The primary remedy involves reprogramming the engine control module (ECM) software and inspecting affected components. If necessary, dealers will replace defective parts — including the throttle body or engine components — free of charge.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning March 27, 2026, and affected drivers can also check their vehicle’s recall status using the NHTSA’s online VIN lookup tool.

No Reported Injuries

While the defects raise risks of power loss and, in rare scenarios, engine fire, Nissan has reported no confirmed accidents or injuries tied directly to the issues prompting the recall.

Industry Impact

The recall underscores continued safety scrutiny of modern powertrain technologies, particularly as automakers adopt advanced variable‑compression engines like Nissan’s VC‑Turbo design. Regulators and manufacturers alike maintain that proactive recall campaigns are critical to preventing future failures and safeguarding drivers on U.S. roads.