Nissan recalling 809,000 SUVs for key defect that can turn off engine while driving

Nissan is recalling more than 809,000 small SUVs, including more than 96,000 in Canada, because a key problem can cause the ignition to shut off while they're being driven.

The recall covers certain Rogues from the 2014 through 2020 model years, as well as Rogue Sports (which are called Qashqais in Canada) from 2017 through 2022.

Nissan says the SUVs have jackknife folding keys that may not stay fully open. If driven with the key partially folded, a driver could touch the fob, inadvertently turning off the engine.

This can cause loss of engine power and power brakes, and the air bags might not inflate in a crash.

The company says it's not aware of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.

A spokesperson with Nissan Canada told CBC News in an emailed statement that 70,237 affected Rogues were sold in Canada, along with 26,663 Qashqais. Across the U.S. and Canada, a total of more than 809,000 vehicles are impacted.

Nissan hasn't come up with a fix yet. Owners will be notified in March with an interim letter telling them not to attach anything else to the key ring. Then they'll get another letter telling them to take their SUVs in for repairs. The automaker says owners with keys that won't stay in the open position should contact their dealers.