Nissan VC-Turbo Engine Lawsuit: What Owners Need to Know About Failure and Injury Claims

Nissan VC-Turbo Engine Lawsuit: What Owners Need to Know About Failure and Injury Claims

Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine, a marvel of engineering promising both power and efficiency, has recently come under scrutiny. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Nissan, alleging that these engines are prone to failure and that the company knew about the defects as early as 2019. This has left many Nissan and Infiniti owners concerned about the reliability of their vehicles and their potential legal options. According to a recent recall report, a potential manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings may cause engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure. If you own a Nissan or Infiniti vehicle with a VC-Turbo engine, here’s what you need to know.

What is the VC-Turbo Engine?

The VC-Turbo engine is Nissan’s innovative attempt to combine the power of a turbocharged engine with the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine. Introduced in 2019, this engine can adjust its compression ratio on the fly, optimizing for either power or fuel economy depending on driving conditions. It was initially lauded as a breakthrough, with Nissan securing over 300 patents for its design.

The VC-Turbo engine works with a complex mechanism, with connecting rods and bearings that adjust the piston position dynamically. The engine can switch between high compressions settings under high loads or low compression for high performance.

Which Vehicles are Affected?

The lawsuit and related recalls primarily concern the following models equipped with either the 1.5L or 2.0L VC-Turbo engine:

  • Nissan Rogue: 2021–2023 models
  • Nissan Altima: 2019–2023 models
  • Infiniti QX50: 2019–2023 models
  • Infiniti QX55: 2022 models

It’s important to note that not all vehicles within these model years are necessarily affected. Nissan has stated that the bearing failures are linked to specific engine serial numbers.

What are the Alleged Problems?

The lawsuit claims that the VC-Turbo engines suffer from several defects, including:

  • Main bearing failures: This can lead to engine knocking, high-pitched whirring noises, rough idling, and vibrations.
  • Loss of power: Drivers may experience hesitation or stalling.
  • Sudden engine failure: In some cases, the engine may shut down completely while driving, posing a safety risk.

One plaintiff reported major engine problems beginning at just 157 miles on his Rogue. The automaker allegedly refused to cover diagnostics and repairs under warranty.

What Does the Lawsuit Allege?

The class-action lawsuit alleges that Nissan:

  • Knew about the engine defects since 2019 but concealed them from consumers.
  • Violated the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which protects consumers from deceptive warranty practices.
  • Breached its warranty obligations to customers.
  • Violated state consumer laws.
  • Denied warranty claims and forced customers to pay for costly repairs out of pocket.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages, including repair costs, diminished vehicle value, and other losses incurred by affected owners.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a Nissan or Infiniti vehicle with a VC-Turbo engine, here are some steps you should take:

  1. Check for Recall Notices: Nissan issued a recall in June 2025 for nearly 480,000 vehicles with VC-Turbo engines. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or your vehicle’s VIN to see if your car is affected.
  2. Monitor Your Vehicle: Pay attention to any unusual engine noises, vibrations, or warning lights. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, take your vehicle to a certified Nissan or Infiniti dealer for inspection.
  3. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of all repairs, maintenance, and communications with Nissan or Infiniti regarding your engine.
  4. Consider Legal Options: If you have experienced significant engine problems or incurred substantial repair costs, consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

The Recall: Is It Enough?

In June 2025, Nissan issued a recall for approximately 480,000 vehicles equipped with VC-Turbo engines, citing potential bearing failures. The recall involves inspecting the engine for metal debris in the oil pan. If debris is found, Nissan will replace the engine free of charge. If no debris is found, some vehicles will receive an oil change, while others will get a new oil pan and gasket, as well as an oil change.

However, the class-action lawsuit argues that the recall is inadequate, claiming that the repairs “amount to simply a few oil changes” for most owners and do not address the underlying defects. Plaintiffs in the suit also allege that Nissan has been denying warranty claims and leaving owners to pay thousands of dollars for out-of-pocket repairs.

Potential Injuries

While the lawsuit primarily focuses on engine failures and associated costs, it also raises concerns about potential safety risks. The lawsuit alleges that the engine defect can cause vehicles to lose power or stop without warning, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

If you have been injured as a result of a VC-Turbo engine failure, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

Legal Recourse

If you believe your Nissan or Infiniti vehicle has a defective VC-Turbo engine, you may have several legal options:

  • Join the Class Action Lawsuit: Contact the attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit to learn how to join the case.
  • File an Individual Lawsuit: If your damages are significant or you have suffered injuries, you may consider filing an individual lawsuit against Nissan.
  • Pursue a Warranty Claim: If your vehicle is still under warranty, file a claim with Nissan to cover the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide detailed documentation of the engine problems you have experienced.

Advice

  • Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all communication with Nissan, repair shops, and any expenses related to the engine issues.
  • Consult with Experts: Talk to mechanics and legal professionals who specialize in automotive defects to understand your rights and options.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with news and developments related to the lawsuit and recall.

Conclusion

The Nissan VC-Turbo engine lawsuit highlights the risks associated with complex automotive technology. While the VC-Turbo engine promised improved performance and fuel efficiency, it has instead left many owners with unreliable vehicles and significant repair bills. If you own an affected Nissan or Infiniti model, it is essential to understand your rights and take appropriate action to protect your interests. Contacting a qualified attorney can provide valuable guidance and help you navigate the legal process.