Rogue 1.5 VC-Turbo engine recall: is a software update really enough to fix bearing failure?

Question

Nissan has now recalled the 3-cylinder 1.5 VC-Turbo in the Rogue twice: 25V-437, then 26V-080 in February, which added 2023–2025 models. The fix for both is mostly an ECM reprogram. The second one says heat can break down the oil until the bearings seize, and the dealer "may" check the oil pan for metal and replace the engine if needed.

A software update for a bearing problem sounds like a band-aid to me. For anyone who's had it done:

Did the dealer actually check the oil pan, or just flash it and hand it back?
Should I be changing the oil more often than the manual says? Which oil is it supposed to take?
What happens before it fails? I keep seeing people mention a "reduced power" message, the oil pressure light, and losing power on the highway.

gnoz · Answer

Answered from the manual for the 2023 Nissan Rogue. Short answer: The owner’s manual does not cover recall 25V-437/26V-080, the ECM remedy, oil-pan debris inspection, or the dealer’s engine-replacement decision. Therefore, it cannot confirm whether a particular dealer must drop the pan versus perform only the reflash. Not from the manual: An ECM calibration can prevent a damaging operating condition on an otherwise healthy engine, but it cannot repair already worn bearings. Under the recall procedure you described, ask the dealer to show the repair order’s campaign-operation line and whether an oil-pan/metal inspection was performed; if metal was found, the remedy should not end with a software flash alone. Oil interval: The KR15DDT schedule calls for engine oil and filter replacement every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months , whichever comes first. It also says that if the oil-replacement indicator appears, change the oil and filter within 2 weeks or 500 miles (800 km) . Change it sooner? The manual does not specify a shorter interval for this bearing-recall concern. Not from the manual: until Nissan issues campaign-specific oil-change instructions, follow the recall remedy and do not extend past the 7,500-mile/12-month limit; keeping dated oil-change records is sensible. Oil: Use SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil meeting the applicable Nissan/API/ILSAC specification shown in the oil-information section. Not from the manual: verify the bottle and dealer invoice against the under-hood/manual specification rather than substituting a heavier viscosity. Warnings/symptoms: The manual distinguishes a Low Oil Level message from oil-pressure loss: for low level, stop on level ground, wait at least 10 minutes after shutting the engine off, check the dipstick, and add oil if low; recurrent low-level warnings should be checked by a dealer. The manual’s “Service CVT Power reduced” warning is specifically a transmission-power-reduction message and calls for dealer inspection; it is not identified as an engine-bearing warning. Not from the manual: if the red oil-pressure lamp appears, or there is sudden power loss/knocking, pull over safely and shut the engine off—do not continue driving to the dealer. Have it towed and document the warning and mileage. Sources Nissan Rogue 2023 - Owner's Manual

Jay · Answer

Here’s what I found after looking through both recalls and the NHTSA filings.

What the fix actually involves: For recall 26V-080, covering 2023–2025 Rogues with the 1.5L three-cylinder engine, the dealer updates the ECM software, checks for trouble codes, and takes the vehicle for a test drive. They may also inspect the oil pan for metal debris and replace the engine if they find any. That inspection isn’t automatic, though, so if your Rogue has been acting up, I’d specifically ask them to check for metal in the oil pan and make sure it’s documented on the repair order.

Also, if you already had recall 25V-437 done, you still need to get this one taken care of. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

Is the software update enough? That’s the big question. Nissan hasn’t clearly explained exactly what the reflash changes. The underlying problem is that excessive heat can break down the oil and lead to bearing failure. A software update obviously can’t repair a bearing that’s already damaged, which is why I’d want the inspection taken seriously, especially on a higher-mileage Rogue. With complaints about these engines still showing up in 2026, I think it’s too early to say whether the update alone will be enough in every case.

What about oil changes? Stick to the oil grade specified in your owner’s manual, and don’t push the change intervals. Since oil breakdown is part of the problem, I’d consider changing it a little earlier if you do lots of short trips, tow regularly, or live somewhere with extreme heat. Checking the oil level between changes is a good habit, too.

Warning signs to watch for: Owners have reported reduced engine power warnings, oil pressure lights, check engine lights, hesitation or shuddering, knocking noises, and sudden power loss at highway speeds.

One important thing: if the oil pressure warning comes on while you’re driving, pull over somewhere safe and shut the engine off as soon as you can. Don’t keep driving and hope it goes away. The recall warns that a bearing failure can break through the engine block and create a fire risk.

Personally, I’d get the recall done as soon as possible, ask specifically about the oil-pan inspection, and keep a copy of all the paperwork.

Rogue 1.5 VC-Turbo engine recall: is a software update really enough to fix bearing failure?

Comments

2 Answers

Comments

Comments

Explore

Account

Legal & support

Demo widget

Eric

Theme Customizer

Color Scheme

RTL

Support Chat

Navigation Type

Vertical Navbar Appearance

Horizontal Navbar Shape

Horizontal Navbar Appearance