- Case Background and Lawsuit
- Technical Problem Details
- Nissan's Response and Recalls
- Impact on Vehicle Owners
- Comparison of Affected Nissan Models
- Recommendations
Nissan, a Japanese automaker, is facing a growing legal crisis after a class-action lawsuit was filed by numerous vehicle owners over a serious issue in its VC-Turbo variable compression turbocharged engines that abruptly stall during driving despite company claims of fixes. This engine crisis threatens Nissan's reputation and highlights a design and manufacturing defect impacting safety and performance.
This article reviews the case summary, technical details of the engine problem, Nissan's responses, market and customer impact, and compares affected models and how the failures influence driving experience.
Case Background and Lawsuit
Filed in Delaware Federal Court, USA, on July 8, 2025.
Covers Nissan 2021-2023 Rogue, 2019-2023 Altima, Infiniti QX50 2019-2023.
Plaintiffs allege Nissan concealed manufacturing design defects in the VC-Turbo engine system.
The issue involves main bearing failures and other components causing rattling noises, vibrations, and sudden engine stalling without warning.
Technical Problem Details
Affected engines use VC-Turbo system which adjusts cylinder pressure to balance performance and efficiency.
Defects appear in bearings unable to withstand heat and high pressure, faulty software, and weak linkage parts.
Symptoms include knocking or high-pitched humming, delayed throttle response, RPM fluctuations, excessive oil consumption, and power loss.
Sudden engine stall while driving poses severe risk to drivers and pedestrians.
Nissan's Response and Recalls
Nissan announced recall of 480,000 vehicles in US and Canada starting June 2025.
Affected: Nissan Rogue 2021-2024, Altima 2019-2020, Infiniti QX50 2019-2022, QX55 2022.
Process includes oil pan inspection for metal debris, engine replacement if needed, oil and oil cover replacement, and control system reprogramming.
Despite the recall, affected owners complain fixes are inadequate and replacement parts are also defective.
Impact on Vehicle Owners
Multiple reports of costly repairs outside warranty coverage.
Complaints about lack of compensation for alternative transport or vehicle downtime.
Ongoing anxiety due to risk of sudden engine failure while driving.
Lawsuits demand financial compensation and free maintenance or full replacement.
Comparison of Affected Nissan Models
Recommendations
Nissan's VC-Turbo system defects severely affect safety and performance, leading to major lawsuits representing affected owners in the US.
Official recall is a critical step, but compensations seem insufficient per plaintiffs, possibly prolonging legal proceedings.
Nissan owners should monitor official updates and utilize repair and maintenance programs.
Nissan faces the challenge of regaining customer trust with comprehensive solutions beyond mere oil and cap replacements.
Nissan faces a critical legal challenge stemming from serious faults in VC-Turbo engines causing sudden stalls that endanger drivers. Despite recalls, many owners report inadequate fixes. The escalating lawsuits demand fair compensation, imposing pressure on Nissan to deliver thorough solutions to restore consumer confidence.