Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

Nissan Engine Class Action Lawsuit

Earlier this summer in July 2025, a group of plaintiffs came together and filed a class action lawsuit against Nissan for allegedly selling them vehicles that Nissan knew were defective but sold anyway.

Those vehicles are made defective by a design defect in Nissan engines: according to the lawsuit, the variable compression system is problematic and results in various engine problems from knocking noises to total engine failure while in motion.

In this article, we break down the new developments for this class action lawsuit and help you stay informed on how you can join if you have been impacted.

We also discuss the lemon law process and how it might offer a better resolution than a class action lawsuit.

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Common Engine Problems Reported by Drivers

The plaintiffs in the class action and other drivers of Nissan vehicles allege a number of engine problems stemming from the variable compression system.

The vehicles alleged to be impacted by these problems are the 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue, the 2019-2023 Nissan Altima, and the 2019-2023 Infiniti QX50.

According to drivers of those vehicles, common engine problems include knocking or whirring noises, hesitation when accelerating, rough idling, engine stalling, loss of motive power while driving, and sudden engine failure.

These problems range from frustrating to dangerous, and if the allegations in the lawsuit are proven, could mean a favorable outcome for the plaintiffs bringing the claim.

Has Nissan Issued Any Related Recalls or TSBs

Nissan has issued a recall related to the issues stated in the class action lawsuit. That recall was issued in July 2025, the same month the class action lawsuit was launched by the plaintiffs.

In that recall, Nissan included the 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, and the 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50.

There is significant overlap in these vehicles and the ones allegedly defective in the class action lawsuit, since the Rogue, Altima, and QX50 are the same model vehicles in each case, and the years for each vehicle are very similar as well.

The recall also included the 2022 Infiniti QX55. That recall was for an engine defect that impacted the engine bearings, resulting in the bearings degrading over time and potentially releasing metal debris into the engine oil.

Some of the symptoms of this problem, like knocking noises or losses of power and stalling, are the same in both the recall and the class action.

A driver who notices any problems with their engine, including strange noises or losses in motive power, should take their vehicle in to be inspected as soon as possible. Engine problems can be serious and dangerous, especially when they are severe.

Three Steps if You Want to Join the Nissan Engine Class Action Lawsuit

  • Verify Vehicle Problems
  • Research Online and Reach Out to Representing Counsel If Possible
  • Stay Up to Date and Wait

There are three basic steps anyone who believes they might be eligible to join the class action lawsuit can take. First, they should verify that their vehicle is one of the years and models alleged to be defective.

For example, you might own a 2020 Nissan Rogue that is giving you engine problems, but that vehicle is not currently part of the class action lawsuit, so you would not be eligible to join.

If your vehicle is part of the class action lawsuit because of its year and model, you can proceed to step two.

Step two is to do online research, like reading this article, to find out what to do next. Oftentimes, contacting the counsel that is representing the plaintiffs via a form is how potentially plaintiffs can be added to the lawsuit.

For this lawsuit, the law firms do not seem to have put out a contact form yet. The firms involved with the lawsuit are Smith, Katzenstein & Jenkins LLP, Capstone Law APC, and Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC.

The lawsuit is Becker, et al. v. Nissan of North America Inc., et al. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.

Step three, once you have successfully joined the class action lawsuit, is to stay up to date on new developments with the suit and wait for any new developments as they take place.

Class action lawsuits can take a long time to resolve, but as an ordinary member of the class you don’t have to be as active in the lawsuit. Staying informed is the best way to know what is going on as the lawsuit progresses.

Why Filing an Individual Lemon Law Claim Could Be a Better Option

When a consumer is stuck with a defective vehicle, two legal pathways are generally available: pursuing an individual lemon law claim or joining a class action lawsuit if one is available.

While both options aim to hold manufacturers accountable, a lemon law claim often provides more direct and meaningful benefits to the vehicle owner.

This is because lemon laws are specifically designed to address the unique problems caused by defective cars, while class actions typically focus on broader patterns of misconduct across many consumers.

One of the main advantages of filing an individual lemon law claim is the possibility of faster relief. In many cases, a successful claim can result in a buyback, replacement vehicle, or reimbursement for expenses.

By contrast, class action lawsuits can take years to resolve, as they involve complex procedures, certification of the class, and lengthy negotiations.

For someone who depends on their vehicle daily, waiting several years for a modest payout through a class action is often impractical.

Another key difference is the type of compensation available. Lemon law remedies are tailored to make the consumer whole again, often covering the purchase price, loan balance, registration fees, and sometimes attorney’s fees.

This means the consumer can walk away from the defective car without suffering a financial loss. In a class action, however, the settlement is typically divided among all participants, often resulting in small checks that do not come close to the actual cost of the defective vehicle.

For someone who spent tens of thousands of dollars on a car, this outcome can be deeply unsatisfying.

Lemon law claims also give consumers more control over their case. With an individual claim, the vehicle owner decides whether to accept a settlement or pursue litigation.

In a class action, the lead plaintiffs and attorneys make those decisions for the entire group, leaving individual consumers with little say in the outcome.

For people who want a solution that directly addresses their situation, an individual lemon law claim usually provides more certainty and flexibility.

For these reasons, pursuing a lemon law claim is often a more effective path than joining a class action. It ensures that consumers receive remedies designed to match the financial and practical impact of a defective vehicle, rather than being swept into a group settlement that may fall short of real relief.

Contact the Leading Experts in Lemon Law Today!

If your vehicle has ongoing defects that the dealer cannot seem to fix, you do not have to settle for a small payout from a class action lawsuit.

A lemon law claim can give you the chance to recover the full value of your purchase, a replacement vehicle, or reimbursement for your losses.

Don’t let the manufacturer dictate the outcome: take control of your case. The Lemon Law Experts would love to assist you in bringing your case and getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form on our website.

Citations

1.

Top Class Actions, Nissan class action claims engine defect in Altima, Rogue, Infiniti QX50, Top Class Actions. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/nissan-class-action-claims-engine-defect-in-altima-rogue-infiniti-qx50. Last accessed September 2, 2025.

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