Nissan Variable Compression Engine Problems: Can You File a Claim?
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Owners of certain Nissan vehicles have reported problems with the vehicle’s engine that are leading to engine knocking noises, seizure, and outright failure.
Drivers report their vehicles suddenly stopping in the middle of the road, hearing concerning noises coming from the engine like shuddering and knocking, and in some cases, the engine lighting on fire and causing the car to burn. Because of these problems, attorneys are looking into filing a class action lawsuit against Nissan.
However, it’s important to mention that affected owners may be able to file a lemon law claim and receive a refund or compensation if their Nissan or Infiniti has had repeat repairs performed to address issues with its variable compression engine.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
|---|---|
| Nissan Altima | $50,584 |
| Nissan Rogue | $56,177 |
| Infiniti QX50 | $76,281 |
*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.
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Nissan VC-Turbo Engine Investigation
Specific engine types are under investigation by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, for displaying the described problems. These engines include the
1.5-liter KR15DDT and 2.0-liter KR20DDET engines. It is currently estimated that about 454,840 vehicles are equipped with these engines and therefore are at risk of displaying the defect.
Consumers also reported finding metal pieces and shavings in their oil pans, which are a product of the engine’s defects. Besides that, the already-mentioned knocking, seizing, and combusting are the primary symptoms of the defect that consumers have reported so far.
Which Vehicles Have Nissan 3 and 4-Cylinder Engine Problems?
As discussed, the vehicles impacted by this defect are the 2019-2021 Nissan Altima, the 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue, and the 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50. Of those vehicles, the Altima and QX50 are equipped with four-cylinder engines, while some years of the Rogue are equipped with three-cylinder engines. The four-cylinder engines tend to be the 2.0-liter ones (KR20DDET), while the three-cylinder engines tend to be the 1.5-liter ones (KR15DDT).
Legal Options for Affected Nissan and Infiniti Owners
Currently, there is no class action lawsuit against Nissan or Infiniti for selling these defective vehicles. As the investigation develops, the potential for a class action lawsuit will become more clear.
Currently, consumers who have struggled with their defective Nissan or Infiniti and have attempted multiple warranty repair attempts may be best served by filing a lemon law claim against the manufacturer.
Lemon law claims in California are based on a vehicle having a defect that the consumer has attempted to have repaired a reasonable number of times.
Once a reasonable number of attempts have been made, the vehicle is considered a lemon, and the consumer can file a claim. Usually, a reasonable number of attempts means between two and four, depending on the severity and nature of the defect.
A consumer who brings a lemon law claim against a manufacturer and wins has their reasonable attorney’s fees covered, which means the suit comes at no cost to them.
These attorney’s fees do not come out of the settlement amount but are completely separate. Once a consumer wins their case, they will be offered either a replacement vehicle or a refund by the manufacturer.
A refund will see the consumer get all of the money they spent on the vehicle back, including the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and interest, while a replacement involves the customer getting a replacement vehicle of similar make and model.
Depending on availability, this will likely be a current-year model car. With both remedies, the manufacturer is able to deduct a usage fee for when the vehicle was driven trouble-free.
The consumer is also entitled to receive the reimbursement of any incidental or consequential damages related to the lemon such as tow car or rental car expenses while the vehicle was out of service for repairs.
Advantages of Filing a Lemon Law Claim
Although there is no class action lawsuit available to consumers, you should still be aware of the differences between joining a class action lawsuit and filing an individual lemon law claim. While both have advantages and disadvantages, a lemon law claim will generally yield a larger sum for the consumer.
However, it also takes significantly more input from the consumer because they are bringing their own case as opposed to joining a large one with many plaintiffs all handled by the same legal team.
Finally, class action lawsuits generally take a long time to resolve because of the complex litigation they involve. An individual lemon law claim by comparison is typically shorter and may result in the consumer being compensated much quicker.
Why Work with the California Lemon Law Experts
The Lemon Law Experts know California’s lemon law exceptionally well. We have been working with clients and helping them resolve their lemon issues since 2009, so we have a lot of experience and have seen many different situations.
Our team of attorneys is dedicated and devoted to representing clients first: we understand that dealing with a defective vehicle is often very stressful, and we want to help relieve some of that stress by taking on your case and representing you. Thousands of clients with millions of total settlement dollars have utilized our service and been satisfied: we believe you will be too.
Additionally, manufacturers hire very skilled legal teams of their own to try and defeat claims brought by consumers. By hiring an experienced lemon law attorney like ours, you increase your chances of winning your case significantly.
Nissan Engine Failure? Call the Lemon Law Experts Today!
If you have heard suspicious or worrisome noises coming from your Nissan or Infiniti’s engine, or experienced other symptoms, you may be suffering from a defective vehicle. Contacting the Lemon Law Experts will allow you to get a free case evaluation from an attorney who has handled many cases just like yours before.
Armed with this evaluation, you can decide whether or not to bring a claim. If you do, we would love to represent you and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out our online form!
Have a Lemon? We Can Help...
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