Nissan is once again in the spotlight as a growing number of car owners report serious issues with the company’s VC-Turbo engines. A new class action lawsuit has been filed, claiming that certain Nissan and Infiniti models contain hidden engine defects that can lead to sudden power loss, stalling, or complete engine failure. These allegations surfaced soon after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation and Nissan announced a large-scale recall. The issue centers on the VC-Turbo engines (KR15DDT and KR20DDET), which power popular models like the Nissan Rogue, Altima, and Infiniti QX50.
According to reports, affected engines suffer from internal component failures, especially related to rod and main bearings. When these parts fail, metal debris circulates in the oil system, causing the engine to seize or, in rare cases, catch fire. The class action lawsuit claims Nissan knew about this problem from customer complaints and internal testing but failed to alert owners or fix it in time. For thousands of drivers, this has turned into an expensive and stressful experience.
The situation has raised major concerns for Nissan owners who rely on these vehicles for daily use. The lawsuit aims to hold the company accountable and secure compensation for repair costs, engine replacements, and reduced vehicle value. With the investigation ongoing and legal action heating up, understanding this issue is crucial for every Nissan driver affected by the VC-Turbo engine defect.
What Exactly Is Wrong with the VC-Turbo Engines?
The main issue behind the Nissan class action lawsuit is linked to serious mechanical problems found in Nissan’s VC-Turbo engines, mainly the KR15DDT and KR20DDET models. These engines were designed to deliver high performance and fuel efficiency by automatically adjusting compression ratios. However, many owners claim that this advanced design has a hidden flaw that causes engine bearing failure, leading to costly repairs and safety risks.
The affected components include the rod bearings and main bearings, which help the engine’s internal parts move smoothly. When these bearings fail, metal fragments can spread through the oil system, causing engine knocking, oil contamination, and sudden loss of power. In severe cases, the engine may completely seize or even catch fire.
Drivers of popular models like the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, and Infiniti QX50 have reported these issues across several model years. After receiving hundreds of complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation, and Nissan later announced a major recall affecting more than 440,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. According to technical findings, the root cause appears to be bearing detachment and oil debris buildup, which can lead to sudden engine failure while driving.
The problem has raised serious concerns about the long-term reliability of Nissan’s VC-Turbo technology. As the investigation continues, more details about the engine defect, recall process, and repair procedures are expected to come to light.
Which Models and Years Are Affected?
The Nissan engine defect and related class action lawsuit primarily involve vehicles equipped with the company’s VC-Turbo engines, specifically the KR15DDT and KR20DDET variants. These engines are used in several popular models across both the Nissan and Infiniti brands. According to official recall notices and consumer reports, the issue affects vehicles produced between 2019 and 2024, though investigations are still ongoing to determine if other model years may also be impacted.
Among the affected vehicles are the Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, Infiniti QX50, and Infiniti QX55. These models share the same engine architecture that has been linked to bearing detachment, oil contamination, and engine failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall covers approximately 454,000 vehicles in North America, including both U.S. and Canadian markets. Owners of these models are urged to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Nissan’s recall portal or the official NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm whether their car is included.
The affected vehicles include:
- Nissan Rogue (2021–2023 models)
- Nissan Altima (2019–2024 models)
- Infiniti QX50 (2019–2024 models)
- Infiniti QX55 (2022–2024 models)
While these are the primary models cited in the recall and legal filings, ongoing reviews may reveal additional vehicles equipped with the same VC-Turbo engine technology. Nissan has stated that owners of impacted vehicles will receive recall notices, and authorized dealers will perform free inspections and repairs as part of the official recall campaign.
Timeline: From Investigation to Recall and Class Action
The story behind the Nissan engine defect lawsuit began with a wave of owner complaints about sudden power loss and unusual engine noises in vehicles equipped with the VC-Turbo engine. In late 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started reviewing these reports after identifying a pattern of similar failures. Many owners described the same symptoms — engine knocking, warning lights, and sudden stalling — often followed by complete engine failure.
As the complaints increased, Nissan conducted its own internal testing and confirmed that some engines suffered from rod bearing and main bearing detachment. This discovery prompted the company to issue an official recall in June 2025, covering over 440,000 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles across the U.S. and Canada. Nissan dealers were instructed to inspect the oil pans for metal debris and replace damaged engines free of cost. The company also began offering extended warranty coverage for certain models.
Despite the recall, many car owners argued that Nissan acted too late and failed to warn consumers in time. By mid-2025, a class action lawsuit was filed in Delaware federal court, claiming that Nissan knowingly sold vehicles with defective VC-Turbo engines and did not provide adequate repairs or compensation. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for repair expenses, engine replacements, and diminished vehicle value.
This timeline shows how a technical issue evolved into a full-scale legal battle, highlighting growing concerns over Nissan’s engine reliability and quality control. As investigations continue, the case could set an important precedent for how automakers handle emerging engine defects and consumer safety complaints.
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What Nissan Says and the Recall Remedy
Nissan has acknowledged the VC-Turbo engine defect and launched an official recall to address the issue. According to the company, a small number of engines may experience bearing wear or detachment, which can cause abnormal noise, reduced performance, or engine stalling. Nissan claims it is taking proactive measures to ensure customer safety and prevent further damage.
As part of the recall process, Nissan has directed its dealerships to inspect the oil pan and internal components for signs of metal debris or wear. If technicians find evidence of bearing damage, they will replace the engine assembly at no cost to the owner. The company has also announced an extended warranty for some affected models, offering coverage for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and market region.
In official statements, Nissan emphasized that the recall is a safety precaution and that the failure rate remains relatively low. However, the company has not denied that engine bearing defects exist in certain batches of KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines. It has pledged to continue monitoring customer reports and cooperate fully with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Despite these efforts, many vehicle owners remain frustrated. Some say their engines failed before receiving any recall notice or that dealers initially refused warranty coverage. These experiences have fueled the class action lawsuit, which argues that Nissan should have disclosed the defect earlier and offered repairs before widespread failures occurred.
Legal Claims: What Plaintiffs Allege
The Nissan class action lawsuit accuses the automaker of selling vehicles with defective VC-Turbo engines while knowing about the potential risks. According to the plaintiffs, Nissan and its affiliated companies concealed the engine defect and failed to warn customers about the danger of sudden power loss or engine failure. The lawsuit claims that Nissan received numerous internal reports, dealer repair records, and customer complaints long before issuing any recall, yet continued to market these vehicles as reliable and fuel-efficient.
The plaintiffs further allege that the engine bearing defect makes the affected vehicles unsafe to drive. When the rod or main bearings wear out, the engine can seize without warning, creating a serious risk of accidents. The legal filing states that Nissan violated consumer protection laws, warranty obligations, and product liability standards by not repairing or replacing engines in a timely manner.
In addition to compensation for repairs and diminished resale value, the lawsuit seeks refunds, extended warranties, and punitive damages. It also calls for broader disclosure of the defect and potential expansion of the recall to include all vehicles equipped with KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines. The case has been filed in Delaware federal court, but similar claims may arise in other states as more affected owners join the litigation.
Law firms involved in the case argue that this lawsuit could become one of the largest automotive defect class actions in recent years, comparable to previous Nissan CVT transmission settlements. If successful, it could lead to significant financial compensation for thousands of Nissan and Infiniti owners impacted by the VC-Turbo engine defect.
How This Affects Nissan Owners
For thousands of drivers, the Nissan VC-Turbo engine defect has become more than just a mechanical issue — it’s a costly and stressful experience. Owners of the Nissan Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50, and QX55 have reported problems ranging from engine knocking to sudden loss of power while driving. In many cases, the only fix is a complete engine replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars if not covered by warranty.
The class action lawsuit aims to protect consumers by demanding compensation for repair costs, towing expenses, lost vehicle value, and time spent dealing with repeated mechanical issues. It also seeks to ensure that Nissan extends warranty coverage to all affected vehicles and improves its communication about known defects.
Owners are encouraged to take action by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website or Nissan’s official recall page. If your vehicle is included in the recall, contact an authorized Nissan or Infiniti dealership to schedule a free inspection. If your car has already experienced engine failure or related symptoms, it’s important to keep records of all repairs, receipts, and communications with Nissan. These documents can be valuable if you decide to join the class action or file a separate claim.
Beyond the financial impact, the issue raises serious safety concerns. An engine failure at high speeds can increase the risk of collisions, making it essential for drivers to stay alert to warning signs such as engine noises, vibration, or dashboard alerts. Until permanent repairs are made, drivers are advised to seek immediate professional inspections to prevent further damage or potential safety risks.
Market and Industry Implications
The Nissan engine defect lawsuit has sparked widespread discussion within the automotive industry about product reliability, transparency, and customer trust. For a brand known for innovation and advanced technology, the VC-Turbo engine failure controversy poses serious reputational risks. Consumers expect long-term durability, and recurring mechanical issues can quickly weaken confidence in both the Nissan and Infiniti names.
From a business perspective, large-scale recalls and class action settlements can cost automakers millions of dollars. Beyond direct repair expenses, they often lead to declines in resale value, potential drops in customer loyalty, and negative publicity that affects new vehicle sales. Analysts have compared this case to Nissan’s previous issues with CVT transmission failures, which resulted in multiple settlements and warranty extensions.
Industry experts also believe this lawsuit could push manufacturers to strengthen their quality control systems and improve the way they handle early consumer complaints. It highlights how quickly technical problems can escalate when not addressed transparently. As investigations continue, the outcome of the Nissan VC-Turbo engine defect case may influence how other carmakers approach recalls, engine testing, and communication with customers in the future.
What to Expect Next
The Nissan class action lawsuit over the VC-Turbo engine defect is still in its early stages, and several key developments are expected in the coming months. Legal experts anticipate that the court will first decide whether the case qualifies for class action certification, which would officially allow affected Nissan and Infiniti owners to join the lawsuit as a group. If certified, the case could expand to include more model years and additional claims from owners across the U.S. and Canada.
Meanwhile, Nissan continues to cooperate with the NHTSA investigation and carry out inspections under its ongoing recall program. More recall updates or technical bulletins could be issued as engineers analyze failed engines and refine the repair process. Some industry sources suggest that Nissan may consider offering broader warranty coverage or even settlement offers to reduce future litigation costs and rebuild consumer confidence.
For vehicle owners, staying informed is crucial. Drivers should regularly check Nissan’s recall website and the NHTSA recall lookup tool for updates. Keeping detailed records of maintenance and repair visits will also help if future claims or reimbursements are made available.
The outcome of this lawsuit may set an important precedent for how automakers handle emerging engine defects and consumer safety complaints. Whether it ends in a settlement or proceeds to trial, the case underscores a growing demand for transparency and accountability in the automotive industry.
Conclusion
The Nissan VC-Turbo engine defect controversy has become one of the most talked-about issues in the automotive world. What started as a few owner complaints quickly turned into a nationwide recall and a full-scale class action lawsuit. The claims against Nissan highlight serious concerns about engine reliability, quality control, and consumer protection. As investigations continue, thousands of affected Nissan and Infiniti owners are waiting for clear answers and fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Nissan class action lawsuit about?
The lawsuit claims that Nissan sold vehicles with defective VC-Turbo engines that can suffer from bearing failure, leading to engine stalling, power loss, or complete engine failure. Plaintiffs allege that Nissan knew about the problem but did not alert customers or offer timely repairs.
2. Which Nissan and Infiniti models are affected?
The lawsuit and recall mainly involve the Nissan Rogue (2021–2023), Nissan Altima (2019–2024), Infiniti QX50 (2019–2024), and Infiniti QX55 (2022–2024) models equipped with KR15DDT or KR20DDET VC-Turbo engines.
3. What are the signs of the engine defect?
Common symptoms include engine knocking, metallic noises, oil contamination, dashboard warning lights, and sudden power loss. In some cases, the engine may seize or fail completely.
4. How can I check if my car is part of the recall?
You can check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Nissan’s official recall website or the NHTSA recall lookup tool. Both will show whether your car is included in the recall or subject to inspection.
5. What is Nissan doing to fix the issue?
Nissan is offering free inspections and engine replacements through authorized dealerships. In addition, the company has announced an extended warranty for certain models, covering up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.
6. Can I join the class action lawsuit?
If you’ve experienced engine problems in an affected Nissan or Infiniti model, you may qualify to join the class action lawsuit. Owners are encouraged to contact a consumer protection law firm handling the case for eligibility details.
7. Is it safe to drive my car before repairs?
If your car shows signs of engine noise, stalling, or warning lights, you should stop driving and schedule an inspection immediately. Continuing to drive could increase the risk of engine failure or safety hazards.
8. What should I do next?
Monitor recall updates, keep records of all repair and communication history, and contact your local Nissan or Infiniti dealer for guidance. Staying proactive can help you secure timely repairs and protect your legal rights.
