Nissan has initiated a broad safety recall affecting over 800,000 vehicles across Canada and the United States. The trigger for the recall is a flaw in the folding ignition key mechanism, a problem identified by public safety authorities in both nations.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that 712,458 vehicles in the United States are encompassed by the campaign. In Canada, the recall covers 96,900 vehicles, reflecting a sizable regional impact and the automaker’s commitment to addressing potential hazards on a large scale.
The automotive maker has disclosed that the folding ignition key can, in certain circumstances, become unlocked when it is in the unfolded position. If such unlocking occurs, a sudden bump or contact could cause the engine to shut off unintentionally. An engine shutoff while a vehicle is in motion creates a serious risk of loss of control and could lead to an accident, prompting the recall as a precautionary measure to protect drivers and passengers alike.
The campaign includes the model years and crossovers known for the issue, specifically the 2014 through 2020 Rogue family vehicles, which in some markets are marketed as X-Trail, alongside the 2017 through 2022 Rogue Sport and Qashqai models. This selection reflects Nissan’s intent to proactively replace or repair affected ignition components to prevent potential disengagement during driving.
As a note of context, this recall marks Nissan’s second major safety action within a short period, following a prior campaign announced a couple of weeks earlier. That earlier action involved a separate concern related to steering wheel logos, which prompted additional inspections and corrective steps for affected vehicles. The momentum of these recalls underscores the ongoing industry emphasis on proactive safety updates in response to new information and regulatory reviews.
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to monitor notices from Nissan and the appropriate regulatory authorities. Service should be scheduled at an authorized dealership where technicians can assess the ignition system and perform any necessary repairs or replacements at no cost to the owner. Consumers can typically confirm whether their specific vehicle is included by entering the vehicle identification number with the dealership or through official recall websites and customer service channels, which provide clear instructions on steps to take and expected timelines for service completion.
In the broader landscape of vehicle safety, the recall highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration among manufacturers, regulators, and the driving public. Modern ignition systems are designed to balance convenience with safety, and suppliers continually refine components to mitigate risks that could arise from wear, design tolerances, or deployment conditions. For drivers, this means staying informed about recall campaigns, understanding the signs of potential ignition issues, and acting promptly when a notice is received to minimize risk on the road.
Ultimately, the company’s recall effort reflects a commitment to customer safety and ongoing product improvement. By targeting specific model families and years with a focus on the folding key mechanism, Nissan aims to reduce the likelihood of unexpected engine shutdowns and to restore confidence among owners across North America.