Big News for Nissan and Infiniti Owners: A Major Engine Recall Is Underway!
If you drive a Nissan or Infiniti, especially a newer model, listen up! More than 480,000 Nissan cars in the US and Canada are being recalled. This is a significant move because a small but vital part of the engine could be faulty, leading to serious problems.
What’s the Heart of the Problem?
This recall is centered around specific “VC-Turbo” engines. Inside these advanced engines are tiny, yet crucial, components called bearings. Think of bearings as smooth surfaces that help moving parts, like the crankshaft, spin freely with very little friction.
If these bearings have a defect from the factory, they can cause damage to the engine and, in some cases, lead to it stopping completely while you’re driving. Naturally, this increases the risk of a crash, which no one wants.
Nissan vehicles sometimes face other challenges. For instance, some Nissan Juke owners have experienced turbo failure, meaning their engine’s power boost isn’t working right. Similarly, the Nissan X-Trail has seen its share of turbo issues, where drivers notice a drop in power or unusual noises. And if you own a Nissan Qashqai, turbo failure has been a concern for some, often linked to oil supply problems. Looking at trucks, the Nissan Frontier has had instances of water pump failure, which can cause overheating.
Lastly, some Nissan Titan trucks have encountered engine failures, especially with certain diesel models. While these specific issues are not part of the current VC-Turbo recall, they highlight that engine reliability is always a top concern for car owners.
Are You Affected? Here’s What to Look For
In the United States, this recall affects approximately 443,899 vehicles, and 37,837 in Canada. So, which models are we talking about?
- Nissan Rogues from 2021-2024
- Nissan Altima from 2019-2020
- Infiniti QX50s from 2019-2022
- Infiniti QX55s from 2022
These vehicles have a 1.5L, 3-cylinder VC-Turbo engine or a 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine.
The good news is that engine bearing issues usually don’t happen all at once. Rather, they usually worsen over time. Therefore, if your car is affected, you might get some warning. Be on the lookout for:
- Unusual noises coming from the engine (like knocking or grinding sounds).
- Your car is feeling like it’s running roughly.
- Malfunction indicator lights or warning messages appearing on your dashboard.
How Will Nissan Fix This?
As part of its dedication to consumer safety, Nissan is treating this matter seriously. The solution involves getting your vehicle inspected by a Nissan or Infiniti dealer.
Here’s how the fix works:
- First, an inspection: Dealers will check the engine’s oil pan for any metal debris. This debris would signal that the bearings are wearing down.
- No debris found? The oil pan gasket and engine oil will be changed, and the computer system of the 1.5L VC-Turbo engine with three cylinders will be upgraded. Only the engine oil will be changed for the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine with four cylinders.
- Debris is found? If metal bits are detected, the engine will be repaired or, more likely, replaced entirely.
The best part? All these inspections and repairs will be done completely free of charge to you.
When it comes to the best replacement for the current VC-Turbo engine recall, a brand-new, inspected engine directly from Nissan is undoubtedly the top choice, especially since it’s free of charge.
For other common issues like turbo failure in a Juke, X-Trail, or Qashqai, or a water pump in a Frontier, a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part is generally recommended for its quality and compatibility, though reputable aftermarket options can also be good choices.
For more severe issues, like a complete engine failure in a Nissan Titan, a remanufactured engine from a trusted specialist often provides an excellent balance of cost and reliability, as these engines are rebuilt to meet or exceed original specifications.
What’s Next for Owners?
Nissan plans to start mailing notification letters to affected owners in late August. These letters will provide clear instructions on what to do, including how to schedule an appointment at your local Nissan or Infiniti dealer for the inspection and any necessary repairs.
In the meantime, if you’re curious whether your specific vehicle is included in this recall, you can also use the NHTSA website or Nissan’s official recall lookup tool to check by your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Stay safe on the roads, and make sure to get your vehicle checked if it’s part of this recall!
Conclusion
Nissan’s commitment to consumer safety is demonstrated by this significant recall. Don’t wait if your Nissan or Infiniti is on the list. To guarantee your continuous safety while driving, keep an eye out for warning indications and make sure to have your car examined by a dealer as soon as possible.
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