Nissan Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Following Massive Recall of VC-Turbo Engines Over Bearing Failures
Nissan is confronting significant legal and safety challenges stemming from its VC-Turbo variable-compression engines, which power a range of popular models including the Nissan Rogue, Altima, and Infiniti QX50 and QX55. In June 2025, the automaker issued a recall for nearly 444,000 vehicles in the U.S. alone due to defective bearings within these engines. The recall affects primarily 2021–2024 Nissan Rogues, 2019–2020 Altimas, and 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50s, along with some 2022 Infiniti QX55s.
The defects pertain to bearings and related components such as the main bearing and A-, C-, and L-link bearings that reportedly fail under heat and pressure generated by the variable compression system. This system is pivotal in adjusting piston strokes to optimize power and fuel efficiency on the fly, a technology Nissan spent two decades developing and securing over 300 patents.
Despite the technological innovation, affected vehicles have exhibited serious symptoms, including knocking or high-pitched engine noises, delayed throttle response, rough idling, power loss, and in extreme cases, sudden engine stall while driving. Such failures pose significant safety risks to drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation documented over 1,800 incidents linked to these engines, including at least a dozen crashes and fires. Nissan has extended warranty coverage to address the issue and promises free repairs or engine replacements as needed.
However, dissatisfaction with Nissan’s handling of the problem led to a class-action lawsuit filed in Delaware federal court in July 2025. Plaintiffs allege Nissan knowingly sold vehicles with defective engines and concealed the true risks from customers. The lawsuit claims inadequate repairs and replacements, accusing Nissan of using “equally defective parts” and providing limited reimbursement, leaving many owners with unresolved performance and safety issues.
Individual accounts in the lawsuit describe engines stalling without warning despite multiple repairs, including complete engine replacements, highlighting ongoing struggles for many owners.
Nissan’s promise to inspect and repair affected vehicles at authorized dealerships aims to mitigate risks, but the lawsuit underscores lingering consumer frustration and the potential for lasting reputational damage.
The unfolding legal case and recall highlight the risks inherent in cutting-edge engine technologies and underscore the importance of rigorous quality control and responsive customer support.
Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine recall and ensuing class-action lawsuit represent a critical moment for the automaker, emphasizing the need for transparency and proactive steps to address serious engine defects affecting thousands of drivers nationwide.
