Nissan Recalls 444K Models for Potential VC-Turbo Engine Failure

Car and Driver

3 days ago

Nissan is recalling 443,899 models for VC-Turbo engines that could possibly fail.
The Nissan Altima, Rogue, and the Infiniti QX50/QX55 are models that have or had the complex variable-compression engine with bearings that could fail.
Dealers will inspect the engines, and in cases where it's necessary, they will replace the engine for free.
Nissan's novel variable-compression-ratio engine is at the center of a massive recall that involves nearly 444K models. The Nissan Rogue is the brand's most popular model in the United States, and as a result, it accounts for the majority of the recall population (348,554 total units). The Nissan Altima, as well as the Infiniti QX50 and QX55, are also among the models that are being recalled.
According to a recall report that Nissan submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 26, 2025, the issue involves bearing failures. The report specifically identifies the engines' main bearing and the A-, C-, and L-links, which may be defective and could cause engine damage or failure. As a result, Nissan is recalling 2021–2024 Rogues and 2019–2020 Altimas (5685 total units); 84,536 Infiniti QX50s (2019–2022) and 5124 QX55s (2022) are also part of the recall.
Marc Urbano
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Car and Driver
Marc Urbano
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Car and Driver
Nissan's VC-Turbo engine is the only one in production that can vary its compression ratio. It's designed to optimize either torque or fuel economy on the fly, and it took Nissan two decades and 300 patents to bring it to life. A turbocharged 2.0-liter version of the VC-Tfirst appeared on the 2019 Infiniti QX50 and then migrated to the Nissan Altima. The Rogue adopted a variable-compression 1.5-liter turbo three for the 2021 model year, and it remains the compact SUV's only engine.
Nissan states that the bearing failures occur gradually rather than instantly, so drivers will likely have clues that their engine is on the fritz. Along with vehicle warning lights and messages, Nissan says drivers may hear an unusual engine noise or feel the engine running rough. Ideally, people who own vehicles involved in the recall will bring them into their dealer to address the issue before sustaining any damage or failure.
Dealers will inspect oil pans for specific metal debris. If nothing is found in the three-pot VC-T, a technician will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the vehicle's ECU. Only the engine oil will need to be changed if no debris exists in the turbo four's oil pan. If there is debris where it's not supposed to be, Nissan says that it will replace either engine free of charge. A reimbursement plan will be available for owners whose warranty has expired. Dealers will be notified by July 15; owners will begin to be notified on Aug. 25, 2025.
Eric Stafford
Managing Editor, News
Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si. Read full bio