Nissan is recalling 443,899 vehicles across the United States after discovering a critical engine defect that could result in engine damage or total failure, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

The issue stems from a manufacturing flaw in certain engine components that affects several popular models. Impacted vehicles include specific model years of the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, and luxury division models Infiniti QX50 and Infiniti QX55. While the defect is estimated to be present in about 1.2% of the affected vehicles, the potential consequences are serious enough to warrant immediate attention and corrective action.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the recall, citing that the defect could cause engines to fail during operation. Such failures pose a heightened danger, especially at highway speeds or in high-traffic conditions, where a sudden loss of engine power could lead to collisions or hazardous situations.

Owners of the recalled vehicles are advised to check their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the NHTSA website or Nissan’s recall portal to determine if their vehicle is affected. Nissan is expected to notify owners directly and will offer repairs at no cost to consumers. Dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, replace faulty engine components to prevent the risk of failure.

The recall underscores the importance of stringent quality control processes in automotive manufacturing, especially as vehicles become increasingly complex and reliant on precise engineering standards. Nissan, like many automakers, has faced previous recalls in recent years, but this latest issue marks one of the more significant safety-related actions in 2025.

Affected vehicle owners should not ignore the recall. Even if no issues have been noticed yet, driving a vehicle with a potentially defective engine component can pose a serious safety hazard. Owners are encouraged to schedule service appointments promptly once notified by the manufacturer.