A STRUGGLING major car brand has suffered another blow as it has been forced to recall over 440,000 motors.
The manufacturer has recalled the motors in the US because of defects that could lead to engine failure.
Nissan identified a potential manufacturing defect in a number of its vehicle’s engine components.
The company said that it could cause engine damage or complete failure, increasing the risk of crash.
The recall includes the 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50 and 2022 Infiniti QX55.
All vehicles have either a three-cylinder, 1.5 litre or four-cylinder, two litre variable compression turbo engine.
A majority of the recalled motors are the 2021-2024 Nissan Rogues.
Nissan said in its announcement on the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website: “The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.”
The company said dealers will inspect the engine oil pan for metal debris and, if needed, repair or replace the engine for free.
For vehicles with a three-cylinder, 1.5 litre VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is found during an inspection, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil and reprogram the engine control module.
And dealers will replace the engine oil on the four-cylinder engines if no debris is found.
Nissan plans to notify dealers in the US starting from July 15 and drivers from August 25.
This comes as the struggling car brand has reportedly asked to delay payments to suppliers in a bid to free up funds.
The company’s new CEO has already confirmed it will be axing hundreds of jobs at a UK factory after reporting £4 billion in losses in the last financial year.
Nissan’s Sunderland factory will axe 250 jobs as part of a “voluntary leave scheme”.
The manufacturer announced 20,000 job losses, seven factory closures and a pause on all post-2026 new car developments earlier this year.
It’s part of a restructuring project overseen by new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, after he was appointed in April.
Reuters had reported that the company had asked suppliers to allow it to delay payments to free-up some cash in the short-term.
According to a source and emails seen by Reuters, Nissan asked suppliers in Britain and the European Union to accept delays in payments.
Nissan estimated that it could boost free cash flow by up to $59 million by extending payment terms.
It is all part of Nissan’s attempt to rebuild in light of their financial difficulties.
It comes as another major manufacturer has reported a loss on its Nissan Motor shares.
