Nissan and Infiniti Recall Over 400,000 Variable-Compression-Engine Vehicles in the U.S.

Motor Trend

3 days ago

Nissan North America is recalling 443,899 vehicles over a potential engine failure that could increase the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects select models equipped with either the 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo or the 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo engines. Impacted vehicles include certain 2021–2024 Nissan Rogue, 2019–2020 Nissan Altima, 2022 Infiniti QX55, and 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50 models.
Nissan is recalling 443,899 vehicles, including Rogue, Altima, QX50, and QX55 models, due to potential engine failure. Dealers will inspect and repair affected engines for free. The recall affects certain models from 2019-2024, with notifications starting August 25.
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According to Nissan, the engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that could lead to engine failure, significantly increasing the risk of a crash if that failure were to happen underway. As part of the recall, dealers will inspect the oil pan for signs of metal debris.
If debris is found, the engine will be repaired or replaced as needed. For vehicles equipped with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, if no debris is found, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket and engine oil, and reprogram the engine control module. In the case of vehicles with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, only an oil change will be required if no debris is found. All necessary repairs, including full engine replacements, will be performed free of charge.
In late 2023, the NHTSA launched a preliminary evaluation following multiple owner complaints about the VC-Turbo engine in some Nissan and Infiniti models. Drivers reported a complete loss of power due to engine failure. While the issue is serious, no crashes or injuries related to the defect have been reported so far.
Nissan says bearing failures typically develop gradually, giving drivers early warning signs. These may include unusual engine noises, rough idling or performance, and dashboard warning messages.
This recall comes at a challenging time for Nissan. The automaker has faced ongoing financial struggles on a global scale, including a recently abandoned merger effort with Honda. The addition of a major recall affecting its best-selling model, the Rogue, could further impact consumer confidence and deter potential buyers. Worse, the VC-Turbo is one of Nissan's more innovative technologies of late (it also appears in Infiniti models, as this recall makes clear), helping the brand live up to its "Innovation that Excites" tagline. It can vary its compression ratio (hence the "VC" in the name) on the fly, allowing finer control over combustion to prioritize fuel economy or power as needed.
It's worth noting that Nissan has addressed the bearing issue for 2025 Rogue models, which are not affected by the recall.
Nissan will begin notifying affected owners by mail starting on August 25. Once notified, customers are encouraged to schedule a service appointment at their local Nissan dealership. To check whether your vehicle is included in this or any other recall, visit the NHTSA's recall lookup tool and enter your vehicle's VIN or license plate number here.