Nissan Recalls Nearly 30,000 X-Trails in China Over Critical Engine Stall Risk

The Dongfeng Nissan joint venture has officially notified Chinese authorities of a large-scale recall campaign involving 29,608 Nissan X-Trail vehicles. The issue is critical and directly impacts operational safety: under certain conditions, the crossover’s engine can suddenly fail while driving. The program affects vehicles that rolled off the assembly line between December 3, 2020, and May 21, 2024.

The Technical Flaw Explained

Engineers determined that the cooling system in some X-Trail modifications is insufficiently effective during “aggressive” driving modes, such as prolonged high-speed travel. This leads to an abnormal increase in the engine oil temperature, causing it to lose its lubricating properties. The consequence is rapid bearing wear, the appearance of unusual engine noises, and, in extreme cases, a seized crankshaft. A sudden engine stall at high speed poses a direct threat of a traffic accident.

Nissan’s Two-Pronged Solution

The recall campaign, registered under the number S2026M0024V, is set to begin on February 27, 2026. The manufacturer will conduct a free software update for all affected vehicles. This new firmware will provide more effective temperature management and prevent the oil from overheating. Additionally, all engines will be inspected for signs of wear. If any internal components are found to be damaged during the inspection, Dongfeng Nissan will replace the entire engine with a new one at no cost to the owner. This comprehensive approach, including the potential for a full engine replacement, indicates the manufacturer acknowledges the potential severity of the defect.

Context: Not the First Challenge for the X-Trail

While this recall addresses a specific cooling system flaw, the Nissan X-Trail model line has faced reliability concerns in the past. Owners and experts have previously reported issues with its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and other powertrain components across different generations. Furthermore, the Dongfeng Nissan joint venture is no stranger to large-scale service campaigns, having recalled over 1.18 million vehicles, including the X-Trail and Qashqai, in late 2023 for a separate issue.

A Look Ahead: Navigating a Competitive Market

This recall comes at a challenging time for Nissan. The mid-size SUV market is fiercely competitive, with strong rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, and a growing number of formidable models from Chinese domestic brands such as Chery. A safety-critical recall concerning potential engine failure can significantly damage consumer trust and brand reputation. The efficiency and transparency with which Dongfeng Nissan handles this campaign will be crucial in mitigating long-term damage and maintaining its foothold in one of the world’s most important automotive markets.