Nissan Recalls Hundreds of Thousands of Rogue SUVs Over Fire and Power Loss Risks

2026-02-21 companies

Washington, Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Facing significant quality control hurdles, Nissan recalls 643,000 Rogue SUVs as engine bearing failures and broken gears create fire risks and sudden power loss while driving.

Scope of the Safety Campaign

Nissan Motor Co. (NSANY) has initiated a major safety intervention involving a total of 642698 Rogue SUVs in the United States following the identification of critical defects in the vehicle’s powertrain [2][4]. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the voluntary recalls on Thursday, February 19, 2026, which address two distinct mechanical failures that pose risks of fire and loss of motive power [2][8]. This action affects the automaker’s best-selling model and underscores ongoing quality control challenges in the North American market [7].

Mechanical Breakdown: Bearings and Throttle Gears

The recall is bifurcated into specific technical issues affecting the 1.5-liter three-cylinder variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine [1][4]. The first group comprises 323,917 vehicles from model years 2023 through 2025 [1][8]. These units are prone to engine bearing failure caused by high oil temperatures, which can degrade the oil and result in engine seizure [5][6]. According to recall reports, approximately 0.6 percent of these vehicles are estimated to contain the defect [5].

Assessing Safety Risks and Regulatory History

The safety implications of these defects are severe. The engine bearing failure presents a risk of hot oil discharge, which increases the likelihood of an engine fire, in addition to the danger of sudden stalling while driving [1][4]. The NHTSA has already recorded 690 failure reports related to the oil temperature issue, all of which occurred while the vehicles were still under warranty [6]. Regarding the throttle issue, Nissan has confirmed 3,111 warranty claims, though the company states it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this specific fault [3].

Remedies and Owner Notification

For affected owners, the path to resolution begins next month. Nissan plans to mail notification letters starting March 27, 2026 [3][4]. The remedy involves dealers reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM) software to mitigate stress on components and prevent throttle plate overstress [3][6]. Technicians will also perform diagnostic inspections for metal debris in the oil pan or damage to the throttle chamber; if necessary, they will replace the entire engine or throttle assembly at no cost to the owner [5][8].

Sources

Product Recall Nissan Motor