Nissan Engine Recalls Require ECM Reprogramming To Prevent Failure, Loss of Motive Power: NHTSA

More than 3,800 warranty claims have been reported for Nissan Rogue vehicles across two separate recalls.

Federal highway safety officials have announced two recalls affecting certain Nissan Rogue vehicles due to engine defects, both of which could increase the risk of an auto accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a Nissan Rogue engine bearing recall on February 18, warning that high temperatures may cause engine oil to break down, which can lead to bearing seizure, internal engine damage and potentially complete engine failure.

Engine bearings are responsible for reducing friction between moving parts inside the engine. According to the NHTSA recall, if a bearing fails, it can cause severe damage that may break through the engine’s outer casing. This can allow hot oil to escape, leading to the potential for an engine failure or fire.

According to the Recall Report, while Nissan is not aware of any accidents or injuries, the company has received at least 690 warranty claims related to the issue.

Nissan first became aware of the engine bearing concern last year. At the time, three Product Information Requests (PIRs) reported cases of bearing seizure, abnormal engine noise, difficulty starting and engine stalling.

On February 4, 2026, after continued investigation and engine teardown analysis, Nissan found that under certain operating conditions, high engine oil temperatures can degrade lubrication, potentially leading to bearing seizure, engine damage or failure.

The same day, Nissan decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall impacting 323,917 model year 2023 through 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. 

Drivers are advised to watch for multiple warning signs, including unusual engine noises, rough running, illuminated malfunction indicator lights and warning messages on the instrument cluster.

Customers will begin receiving notification letters on March 27, which include instructions for a free reprogramming of the engine control module (ECM) software, inspection for diagnostic trouble codes and test driving the vehicles at a local dealership. Dealers may also inspect the oil pan for metal debris and replace the engine if necessary.

Nissan Electronic Throttle Body Recall

NHTSA also announced a Nissan Rogue electronic throttle body recall on February 18, related to a software defect that may cause the gears in the electronic throttle assembly to break, increasing the risk of a crash.

Electronic throttles are controlled by the car’s computer and regulate how much air enters the engine, determining the vehicle’s power and speed. If the throttle fails, it can cause a loss of drive power, preventing the vehicle from moving in forward or reverse.

According to the Recall Report, the manufacturer has received at least 3,111 warranty claims related to the issue.

Nissan first became aware of the concern in February of last year, when a dealer technician reported a no-start condition. Further investigation revealed that the throttle plate had become stuck in the closed position. 

Over the following months, Nissan determined that the throttle body malfunction was caused by a broken internal gear in the electronic throttle assembly.

Internal records ultimately revealed a change in the engine computer software during manufacturing, which caused the throttle’s internal gear to experience extra stress, potentially leading to gear failure.

Further testing showed that repeated stress on the internal gear can cause it to break. If the gear fails, it may prevent the throttle from working properly, which can stop the vehicle from moving and increase the risk of a crash.

Following this discovery, Nissan decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall on February 4 for 318,781 model year 2024 through 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. 

Customers will begin receiving notification letters on March 27, with instructions on how to receive a free ECM inspection and reprogramming, in addition to replacement of the electronic throttle body assembly if necessary.

Nissan Engine Recall Contact

The recall codes associated with these actions are R25E2, R25E3 for the engine bearing recall, and R25E3, R25E4 for the electronic throttle body recall. Customers can contact Nissan customer service at 800-647-7261, or the company’s contact for this recall, Debora Crews, via email at debora.crews@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions about either recall may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

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