Global automaker Nissan has announced a series of vehicle recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of SUVs worldwide after identifying potential engine and mechanical issues that could impact vehicle performance. The recalls involve certain models of the Nissan X‑Trail and Nissan Rogue equipped with the company’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine.
The move comes as part of the manufacturer’s safety initiative to address possible engine oil temperature problems and electronic throttle body defects. While the company says the vehicles remain safe to drive, owners are being asked to visit authorized dealerships for inspections and software updates.
Engine Oil Temperature Issue Triggers X-Trail Recall
Nissan confirmed that a recall has been issued for certain X-Trail SUVs produced between 2023 and 2026. The affected vehicles are equipped with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
According to the automaker, there is a possibility that engine oil temperatures could rise beyond normal operating levels in some vehicles. If this happens, lubrication inside the engine could deteriorate, potentially leading to internal engine damage or, in rare cases, complete engine failure.
In the United Kingdom alone, approximately 4,590 X-Trail vehicles are included in the recall, while the number of affected vehicles globally is estimated to exceed 320,000 units.
Nissan said it will begin notifying customers by mail starting March 2026, advising them to schedule an appointment with their nearest authorized dealer. During the service visit, technicians will install a software update designed to improve engine monitoring and prevent overheating issues. The repair will be carried out free of charge.
The company has also clarified that the e-Power hybrid version of the X-Trail is not affected, as it uses a different powertrain system.
Image Credit: Nissan / Media Press
Nissan Rogue Recall Expands to More Than 640,000 SUVs
In North America, Nissan has issued two separate recalls affecting a total of 642,698 units of the Nissan Rogue from model years 2023 to 2025. These vehicles also feature the brand’s VC-Turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.
The first recall impacts nearly 324,000 Rogue SUVs due to the same issue of elevated engine oil temperatures that could eventually cause engine bearing failures. Excessive heat and insufficient lubrication may cause the bearings to seize, potentially leading to engine damage or even a fire risk in extreme cases.
This recall expands a previous safety action launched in June 2025 that already involved nearly 444,000 vehicles, including models like the Nissan Altima and certain vehicles from Infiniti.
Although Nissan estimates that only about 0.6% of vehicles in the recall population may actually have the defect, the company opted to recall all potentially affected models as a precaution.
Dealers will update the engine control module software, inspect the oil pan for metal debris, and perform test drives. If necessary, engines will be replaced at no cost to the owner.
Second Recall Targets Electronic Throttle Body Defect
The second recall involving nearly 319,000 Rogue SUVs focuses on a defect in the electronic throttle body housing.
Investigations found that internal polymer gears within the throttle body can weaken or fracture over time due to stress from a diagnostic test that runs during every vehicle startup. When these gears fail, the throttle body may stop functioning properly.
In such cases, drivers could experience:
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Loss of engine power
- Inability to move the vehicle forward or backward
This malfunction could increase the risk of an accident if the vehicle loses drive power unexpectedly.
For vehicles affected by this issue, Nissan dealers will inspect the throttle body assembly and replace it if necessary. Like the other recall, all repairs will be performed free of charge.
Owner notification letters for these Rogue recalls are expected to be mailed starting March 27.
Investigation Into Engine Problems Spanned Several Years
The engine-related recall follows a lengthy investigation that began after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received complaints from vehicle owners regarding unusual engine noises, loss of power, and potential bearing failures.
Nissan first started reviewing the issue in September 2023 after receiving field reports and customer questionnaires. By December 2023, the NHTSA launched a preliminary investigation into engine failures involving several Nissan and Infiniti models.
Initially, Nissan stated that the issue did not present an unreasonable safety risk because the failures tended to develop gradually and drivers would usually notice warning signs such as vibrations or unusual sounds.
However, further internal investigations conducted between 2024 and 2025 revealed that manufacturing inconsistencies and high oil temperatures could contribute to bearing failures.
After continued monitoring and increased scrutiny from regulators — including a reported vehicle fire possibly linked to the issue — Nissan decided to expand its recall actions.
BMW Announces Separate Global Recall
Around the same time, German automaker BMW announced its own global recall involving roughly 575,000 vehicles worldwide, including about 25,000 cars in the UK.
The BMW recall is linked to wear in the starter motor’s magnetic switch, which can deteriorate after a high number of engine start cycles. When the switch wears down, drivers may experience difficulty starting the vehicle or find that the engine fails to start altogether.
Nissan Says Vehicles Remain Safe to Drive
Despite the recalls, Nissan has emphasized that the affected vehicles are safe to drive and that the recall is a precautionary measure aimed at preventing potential issues before they develop into serious failures.
Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to respond promptly to recall notices and arrange service appointments with authorized dealerships to ensure their vehicles receive the necessary updates and inspections.
The large-scale recalls highlight the increasing complexity of modern turbocharged engines and electronic vehicle systems. While the number of vehicles affected is significant, manufacturers like Nissan continue to rely on monitoring data, customer reports, and regulatory oversight to identify and resolve potential safety concerns.
For affected owners, the recommended course of action is simple: wait for the official notification and schedule a free inspection or repair at an authorized dealership to ensure the vehicle operates safely and efficiently.
