Canada/US : Nissan Recalls Nearly 500,000 Vehicles Over Engine Failure Risk

Nissan is facing a massive recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles in North America due to a potential engine defect that could lead to failure. This recall, one of the brand’s largest in recent years, covers both Nissan and Infiniti models equipped with specific turbocharged engines. Affected vehicles will need to be inspected, and in some cases, owners may receive brand-new engines if damage is confirmed.

Summary Points:

• 443,899 vehicles recalled in the U.S., 37,837 in Canada
• Affected engines include the 1.5L three-cylinder and 2.0L VC-Turbo four-cylinder
• Potential bearing defects may lead to engine failure and loss of power
• Nissan will replace or repair engines if damage is found
• Owners will be contacted starting late August
• Canadian owners can check their VIN on Transport Canada’s recall tool

Scope of the Recall

According to documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue lies in certain engine bearings that may have been improperly manufactured. The defect affects both the main and supporting engine bearings (A-, C-, and L-link), and can result in metal debris, internal damage, or total engine failure.

In total, 443,899 vehicles in the U.S. and 37,837 vehicles in Canada are affected. This includes multiple model years from both Nissan and its luxury brand, Infiniti.

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Models Affected in Canada and the U.S.

The following models are included in the recall:

These engines were praised for their innovation, especially the VC-Turbo technology that adjusts compression ratios on the fly. However, this same complexity may have contributed to manufacturing inconsistencies in the bearings.

What Owners Should Know

Nissan’s internal reports indicate that early signs of engine bearing issues may include unusual engine noises or warning lights appearing in the dashboard cluster. In the most severe cases, the vehicle may lose power completely—posing a serious safety risk.

Starting in late August 2025, Nissan will begin notifying owners by mail. Affected owners will be instructed to visit a dealership, where technicians will inspect the engine oil pan for metal debris. Depending on the outcome:

• If metal debris is found:
  The engine will be replaced or repaired free of charge.
• If no debris is found:
  • For the 1.5L engine: Dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the engine control module.
  • For the 2.0L engine: Only an oil change is required.

Canadian Context

Transport Canada has not yet published a full recall page, but Nissan Canada has confirmed that 37,837 vehicles are impacted. Canadian owners are advised to check their vehicle’s status by using their VIN on the Transport Canada recalls website.

Given the scale of the campaign and the severity of a potential failure, Nissan appears committed to proactively addressing the issue before it leads to widespread safety incidents.

Looking Ahead

This recall may impact public perception of Nissan’s VC-Turbo technology, which had positioned itself as a fuel-efficient yet powerful alternative to traditional engines. While the company’s fast response is commendable, it underscores the importance of quality control in complex powertrain systems.

For now, owners of affected Nissan and Infiniti models are urged to stay alert for any signs of trouble and await official contact from Nissan starting late summer.