Nissan Engine Failure Recall Affects Nearly 450,000 Models

1.2%, or 5,326 of 443,899 recalled Nissan vehicles are estimated to be affected by an engine bearing defect.

The 2025 Nissan VC-Turbo Engine Failure issue involves defective engine bearings in vehicles equipped with VC-Turbo engines.

As these bearings degrade over time, they may release metal debris into the engine oil, increasing friction and wear.

This gradual deterioration can lead to internal engine damage, and in severe cases, complete engine failure—posing a significant safety risk, especially if it occurs while driving.

Nissan is urging all affected owners to have their vehicles inspected and serviced to prevent further complications.

As the bearings degrade they can release metal particles into the engine oil, increasing friction and wear.

If left unaddressed, the problem can lead to significant internal engine damage and, in extreme cases, complete engine failure—posing a serious safety hazard.

What’s Causing the VC‑Turbo Engine to Fail?

The VC-Turbo engine failures affecting certain recalled Nissan and Infiniti models have been traced to a manufacturing defect involving several key engine bearings.

Specifically, the issue centers on the main, A-, C-, and L-link bearings, which may not have been produced to proper specifications.

Over time, these defective bearings can deteriorate, leading to serious internal engine problems. As they break down, they may release metal debris into the engine oil, increasing friction and accelerating wear throughout the engine.

This degradation can ultimately cause significant internal damage—and in the most severe cases, total engine failure.

Nissan reports that this type of failure typically doesn’t occur without warning. Most vehicles will exhibit symptoms before a breakdown, such as unusual engine noises, rough running conditions, illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), or warning messages appearing on the dashboard.

Engine failure while driving is especially dangerous, as it may cause a sudden loss of power, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Although Nissan estimates the defect affects only about 1.2% of the engines in question, all impacted vehicles should be promptly inspected to prevent potentially hazardous outcomes.

Which Nissan and Infiniti Models Are Affected?

The recall impacts a range of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles that were built with VC-Turbo engines. These models span several production years and include some of the brands’ most popular crossovers and sedans.

If you own one of the vehicles listed below, your car may be subject to inspection or repair under this recall:

Nissan Models:

• 2021–2024 Nissan Rogue
• 2019–2020 Nissan Altima

Infiniti Models:

• 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50
• 2022 Infiniti QX55

What Are the Warning Signs of Engine Bearing Failure?

Bearing failures usually develop gradually rather than occurring all at once, giving drivers the opportunity to notice several early warning signs.

These may include unusual noises coming from the engine compartment, rough engine performance, illuminated malfunction indicator lights (MIL), and warning messages displayed on the instrument cluster.

Watch for these key symptoms, which may indicate early bearing wear or internal engine damage:

• Knocking or rumbling noises: Often heard during acceleration or cold starts, these deep metallic sounds suggest internal friction or loosened components.
• Low oil pressure: A dashboard warning light or gauge reading may appear as damaged bearings begin to disrupt normal oil flow.
• Metal shavings in engine oil: Discovered during oil changes, these particles point to internal wear and should be taken seriously.
• Check Engine Light (CEL) or rough performance: Misfires, rough idling, or poor engine response may trigger warning lights and signal deeper issues.
• Loss of power or stalling: As bearing failure progresses, the engine may struggle to maintain performance or shut down unexpectedly.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should stop driving and have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

You should also check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website to see if your car is included in the recall.

If it is, contact your dealership promptly to arrange for an inspection or repair. Taking action early can help prevent more serious damage and ensure your safety.

How Nissan Will Repair the VC‑Turbo Defect

Nissan has developed a comprehensive repair plan to address the VC-Turbo engine defect, with actions tailored to each vehicle’s condition.

The process begins with a thorough inspection by trained technicians who will examine the engine oil pan for metal shavings or debris, which indicate bearing wear or internal damage.

They will also perform a diagnostic scan to detect any engine fault codes or irregularities.

If metal debris is found in the oil pan, Nissan will repair or replace the engine at no cost to the owner. If no debris is detected, the repair procedure depends on the engine type:

• For 2.0L engines, the vehicle will receive an oil change to remove any potential contaminants.
• For 1.5L engines, the service will include an oil change, oil pan gasket replacement, and reprogramming of the Engine Control Module (ECM) to enhance engine monitoring and performance.

Vehicle owners can visit NHTSA recall lookup tool to enter their VIN and confirm whether their vehicle is affected.

They can also contact Nissan or Infiniti customer service for additional information. Owners whose vehicles are included in the recall should schedule an inspection at their local dealership promptly to ensure any defects are addressed before they lead to more severe engine damage.

Nissan will begin notifying affected vehicle owners starting August 15, 2025. All inspections, repairs, or replacements will be provided free of charge.

In the meantime, owners are encouraged to check their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and contact their local Nissan or Infiniti dealership to schedule an inspection if their vehicle is part of the recall.

Has Nissan Had Similar Engine Failures Before?

Yes, Nissan has dealt with similar engine failure issues in the past—particularly involving its VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engines. Since its introduction, the VC-Turbo engine has faced reliability concerns.

The 2.0L variant, used in models like the Infiniti QX50 and Nissan Altima, has prompted numerous warranty claims and consumer complaints.

Nissan has received more than 1,000 warranty claims related to bearing failures, and at least four fire incidents have been reported, though no injuries have been confirmed.

Part of the recurring issue lies in the complexity of the VC-Turbo design itself. The system allows for variable compression ratios, which boosts efficiency and performance, but it also introduces additional mechanical stress on internal components—particularly the crankshaft and bearings—making the engine more vulnerable to long-term wear and failure.

When to Contact a Lemon Law Attorney

If your Nissan or Infiniti vehicle continues to experience engine issues even after undergoing the recall repair, it may be time to consider your legal options.

Each state has specific Lemon Law criteria, but generally, if the vehicle remains unsafe, unreliable, or out of service for an extended period due to repeated repairs, you may be eligible for compensation or a buyback.

If your Rogue, Altima, QX50, or QX55 continues to experience symptoms like stalling, rough performance, or check engine warnings even after inspection or engine replacement, it could strengthen your case under state or federal lemon laws.

Lemon law settlements vary depending on the facts of each case, including repair history, warranty coverage, and state-specific regulations.

If you’re experiencing ongoing problems, consulting a lemon law attorney can help determine whether you’re entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash settlement based on your vehicle’s specific repair history:

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
Nissan Rogue	$57,356
Nissan Altima	$49,585
Infiniti QX50	$77,016
Infiniti QX55	$90,505

Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

Let the Lemon Law Experts Fight for You!

The widespread recall involving Nissan and Infiniti vehicles equipped with VC-Turbo engines underscores the serious risks tied to internal engine defects, especially when those problems lead to sudden power loss, stalling, or potential engine failure.

Despite Nissan’s efforts to address the issue through inspections and repairs, some vehicles may continue to exhibit symptoms even after recall service is completed.

If your Nissan Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50, or QX55 continues to experience performance problems, warning lights, or drivability concerns after a recall-related repair, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim. Legal fees are often paid by the manufacturer if your claim is successful.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have been helping consumers take action against manufacturers when vehicles fail to meet performance and safety standards.

If you’ve experienced repeated engine-related issues with your Nissan or Infiniti—even after service—contact our team for a free consultation.

We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the resolution you deserve. Contact our team today!