Nissan Just Recalled More Than Half A Million SUVs For Engine Failure

Nissan will recall 642,986 Rogue SUVs across two recalls covering the 2023 to 2025 model years. Some vehicles had a fix performed under a previous recall, but had to be recalled again. The first covers the Rogue's electronic throttle chamber (ETC) assembly, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with the second stemming from an issue with faulty engine control module (ECM) software diagnostics, which could actually cause the small gear in the ETC to break.

Lots of acronyms, lots of recalled cars

Per the brand's NHTSA filings, the fractured gear may interact, or rather interfere, with other ETC gears down the line. If that happens, owners could experience a loss of power and, worse, the car may not go into forward or reverse gears, potentially leaving owners stuck.

Meanwhile, the second recall is part of an overarching investigation at Nissan. The brand has begun to look into another recall for these 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines, in which the engine bearings could fail. In doing so, Nissan found another contributing factor to the failures: higher-than-normal engine oil temperatures. All this leads to degradation in the oil, which is a textbook reason for engine bearings to seize. If they can't spin (via lubrication), they can't turn. Fast forward a few months, and Nissan issues this recall, related, of course, to the failures. Nissan vehicles that have had the reprogramming fix for the ECM, and dealers may decide it's also necessary to check the engine oil pan for debris. That means more time spent in the shop.

The Rogue is a solid SUV hampered by recalls

The Rogue has a tough job that it manages to do well, recall notwithstanding. The small SUV category is deeply crowded, and yet the oft-struggling Nissan has managed to carve out a niche thanks to a spacious and upscale interior. There's also some comfy seats and plenty of storage. Rock Creek models (pictured) also add a dash of off-road practicality for the active type, and the driver aids are surprisingly effective and easy to use given the car's price point. Nissan needs to move units to save itself from financial ruin, and nailing the landing on these recalls will be a key step to ensuring buyers stay confident in the SUV.