Major Recall Alert: Nissan and Chevy Van Owners Told to Check for Sudden Engine Shutdown Risk

The Nissan recall affects more than 173,000 vans across the United States after safety regulators warned that a fuel-pump wiring defect could cause engines to stall without warning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the advisory in October 2025 and said the issue poses a potential hazard to drivers, commercial fleets, and other road users.

Major Recall Alert

Key Fact	Detail
Vehicles Affected	173,301 Nissan NV200 and Chevrolet City Express
Model Years	NV200 (2013–2021), City Express (2015–2018)
Primary Hazard	Fuel-pump wiring abrasion can cause sudden engine stall
Recall Launch	Owner notifications begin Dec. 3, 2025
Fix	Rerouting or replacing wiring and components

The recall is expected to remain active into 2026 as dealerships process thousands of affected vans. Nissan said it will continue working with regulators to ensure repairs are completed promptly. Safety officials urged owners to respond quickly, stressing that proactive action remains the best way to reduce the risk of unexpected engine shutdowns.

Background: Why Nissan Initiated the Recall

The recall began after Nissan found that wiring connected to the Fuel Tank Temperature (FTT) sensor could be misrouted during assembly. Over time, the wire may rub against the fuel pump’s electrical connector. This abrasion can damage the insulation, increasing the likelihood of an electrical short.

If that short occurs, the fuel pump fuse may blow. Without an active fuel pump, the van can lose propulsion immediately.

In a regulatory filing, Nissan North America said the defect “may result in engine shutdown while in motion,” adding that the loss of power “increases the risk of a crash, especially at highway speeds.”

The engine stall risk affects both Nissan NV200 models and the Chevrolet City Express recall, since General Motors sold the City Express as a rebadged version of the NV200 under a manufacturing arrangement with Nissan.

The Scope of the Nissan Recall

The recall covers the following:

Nissan NV200 (2013–2021)

A popular commercial van used heavily by delivery companies, small businesses, taxi services, and municipal fleets.

Nissan NV200 Taxi (2014–2017 and 2019)

These models operate extensively in dense urban centers such as New York City and Chicago.

Chevrolet City Express (2015–2018)

This van was built by Nissan and sold by General Motors, meaning GM owners must also participate in this recall.

Automotive analysts say the large number of model years included reflects both the long production cycle of the NV200 and the high-mileage usage typical of commercial vehicles.

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Drivers should address this one thing now or face a £5000 repair bill https://t.co/qjWhFd9CQv pic.twitter.com/DNxZckhqLH

— Worcester News (@worcesternews) November 19, 2025

Owners Report Early Warning Signs

Although Nissan has not documented severe crashes or deaths in its regulatory filings, several owners reported symptoms consistent with the defect before the recall was announced. Complaints to NHTSA included:

• sudden loss of acceleration
• engine sputtering
• unexpected shutdown during light or moderate traffic
• difficulty restarting the engine

One delivery driver in Phoenix told NHTSA investigators that his NV200 “died in the middle lane of the freeway without warning,” though he managed to coast to the shoulder.

Another owner in New Jersey reported “intermittent hesitation for months” before the engine stalled completely.

These reports contributed to Nissan’s internal investigation, which began after an uptick in warranty claims.

Regulatory Response and Timeline

The NHTSA safety notice posted in October 2025 instructed owners to verify whether their vehicles are included. Safety officials emphasized the need for urgency, citing the elevated risk of a stall in high-speed or congested driving conditions.

Key dates:

• October 2025: NHTSA publishes recall details
• December 3, 2025: Nissan expects to mail owner notifications
• 2026: Repairs continue nationwide
• 2027: Final recall audit expected

A spokesperson for NHTSA said the agency “will continue to monitor repair rates to ensure owner safety,” noting that commercial vehicles often see slower recall compliance because they remain in constant service.

How the Repairs Will Work

Nissan and General Motors will provide free repairs at authorized dealerships. The fix includes:

• inspecting the FTT sensor harness
• rerouting the wiring to prevent abrasion
• replacing the harness if insulation damage is found
• replacing the fuel pump or fuse components if they show wear

Service appointments may take from 1–3 hours depending on the level of repair required.

Commercial fleet operators with hundreds of units may receive scheduling priority at some dealerships, though this will vary by region.

Comparison With Similar Recalls in Recent Years

Vehicle stalling caused by fuel pump or electrical issues is not unique to Nissan. The industry has witnessed several large safety actions over the past decade:

• Toyota (2020–2021): Millions of vehicles recalled for faulty Denso fuel pumps.
• Ford (2019): Over 100,000 vehicles recalled for engine wiring problems that could cause stalling.
• Honda (2015–2017): Models recalled after fuel-feed issues led to unexpected shutdowns.

Dr. Marcus Lee, an automotive engineering professor at the University of Wisconsin, said these cases highlight “the sensitivity of modern fuel systems and the importance of secure wiring paths to prevent vibration-related wear.”

He noted that commercial vans are particularly vulnerable due to extended idling times and high annual mileage.

Economic and Industry Impact

The recall is likely to have financial implications for small businesses and fleet operators, many of whom rely heavily on NV200 vans for daily operations.

Impact on small businesses

Courier companies and local contractors often run older NV200 models past 200,000 miles. A stalled engine or out-of-service van can disrupt delivery schedules and reduce operational efficiency.

Impact on automakers

Although Nissan has not publicly disclosed the projected cost of the recall, analysts estimate that parts and labor for 173,000 vans could amount to tens of millions of dollars. “Fuel system recalls are among the more expensive categories,” said Lily Harper, an auto industry analyst with the Center for Automotive Research.

Global Implications

While the recall currently affects U.S. vehicles, Nissan may face pressure to evaluate NV200 units sold internationally. The NV200 is widely used in Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including as the official taxi model in several cities.

Global regulators typically monitor U.S. recalls and may request data from Nissan to determine whether similar risks exist abroad.

What Drivers Should Do Now

Safety officials recommend immediate action:

1. Check your VIN on the NHTSA recall tool.
2. Schedule a service appointment once letters are received.
3. Watch for warning signs: uneven acceleration, loss of power, or dashboard lights.
4. Avoid high-speed travel if symptoms appear.
5. Keep documentation of any repair delays or part shortages.

Drivers who experience a stall should pull over safely, activate hazard lights, and contact roadside assistance.

FAQ About Major Recall Alert