Nissan said in its announcement that a failed engine can lead to a “loss of motive power" and increase the risk of a crash.

Nissan is recalling more than 480,000 vehicles across the U.S. and Canada because of potential manufacturing defects that could cause engine failure.

The Nissan Altima, Rogue, and the Infiniti QX50/QX55 are models that have or had the complex variable-compression engine with bearings that could fail. Dealers will inspect the engines, and in cases where it's necessary, they will replace the engine for free.