Sudden Engine Failures Trigger Massive Nissan Recall – What California Owners Should Know

Nissan recently announced a major recall of approximately 443,899 vehicles in the U.S.—including select Nissan Rogue and Altima models, plus Infiniti QX50 and QX55 SUVs—after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) flagged a potential engine failure risk. The issue stems from a manufacturing defect in engine bearings within the 1.5 L turbo 3‑cylinder and 2.0 L VC‑Turbo 4‑cylinder engines

🔧 Symptoms and Safety Concerns

Affected vehicles may exhibit one or more warning signs before failure, such as:

  • Unusual engine noises

  • Rough running

  • Dashboard warning lights or error messages

These conditions can progress over time, but in rare cases may result in sudden and catastrophic engine failure, increasing the risk of an accident

🔧 What vehciles are impacted

The recall affects the:

  • 2021-2024 Nissan Rogue

  • 2021 -2022 Infiniti QX50s

  • 2019 - 2020 Nissan Altima

  • 2022 QX55

🛠️ What the Recall Involves

Starting this summer, Nissan will send notifications to owners. Dealers will then:

  • Inspect the engine oil pan for metal debris

  • If no debris is found:

    • Replace the oil pan gasket and engine oil

    • Reprogram the engine control module (for 1.5 L engines)

    • Replace engine oil (for 2.0 L engines)

  • If debris is detected: Replace the entire engine

These repairs will be performed free of charge, regardless of warranty status

⚖️ What Owners Need to Know About Lemon Law

Under the California Song‑Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if your vehicle continues to suffer from a substantial defect—especially one that poses safety risks—after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be eligible for:

  • A repurchase or refund

  • A replacement vehicle

  • Cash compensation

This applies even if a recall is in progress or expected, and even if the defect isn’t yet officially labeled a recall or “lemon.”

📋 What You Should Do Right Now

  1. Check if your vehicle is affected by using your VIN on the NHTSA or Nissan recall websites.

  2. Monitor for symptoms, including unusual sounds, rough performance, or warning lights.

  3. Schedule inspection and repairs at a Nissan or Infiniti dealer as soon as you receive your recall notice.

  4. Document every service visit, repair invoice, and communication. Keep notes and proof of ongoing or recurring issues.

  5. Contact Valero Law, APC if:

    • Repairs are not resolving the problem

    • You experience multiple visits for the same issue

    • You face safety hazards, inability to use your vehicle, or ongoing costs

🔍 Why Documentation Matters

If your Rogue, Altima, or Infiniti SUV is repeatedly in the shop for the same engine issue—even with dealers following the recall protocol—you may have grounds for a lemon law claim. The recall may offer repair assistance, but until the defect is consistently fixed, your rights remain intact.

📞 Call Valero Law, APC for a Free Consultation

California Nissan or Infiniti owners: don’t wait. If your vehicle continues to malfunction after recall repairs, you could qualify for significant protections under the Lemon Law—at no cost to you.

Call Valero Law, APC at (424) 299‑4447, or submit a free case evaluation today. We advocate solely on contingency—we only get paid if you win.

Nissan’s massive recall may correct many motors, but if your vehicle continues to sputter, stall, or display warning lights—even post-repair—you deserve a full remedy. Valero Law stands ready to help turn your defective Nissan into lawful compensation.