Nissan, Infiniti Lawsuit Investigation: Engine Problems in Rogue, Altima, QX50, QX55?

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed against Nissan in light of complaints about engine problems in certain 2017-2024 Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, Infiniti QX50 and Infiniti QX55 vehicles.

Specifically, drivers of these vehicles have reported problems ranging from knocking noises and vibrations to loss of power, fires or complete engine failure. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into nearly 455,000 Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima and Infiniti QX50 vehicles after identifying “elevated” engine failure rates.

Safety Investigation into Nissan Altima, Rogue, Infiniti QX50

On December 13, 2023, the NHTSA opened an investigation into certain vehicles equipped with Nissan’s KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines, which include Nissan Rogue, Nissan Altima, Infiniti QX50 and QX55 models. The agency said it received reports of engine failure, loss of power, engine knock or noise, or metal chunks and shavings in the cars’ oil pans. After analyzing data from drivers, NHTSA identified “elevated … engine failure rates” in 2021-2023 Nissan Rogues, 2019-2021 Nissan Altimas and 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50s equipped with the automaker’s variable compression engines. Further, the agency reported that Nissan knew about the issue and has attempted to address it with “multiple manufacturing processes changes over time.”

There hasn’t been a recall yet, and the NHTSA noted that it may expand its investigation to include more vehicles if needed.

Drivers Complain About Noises, Fires, Vibrations, Stalling

Owners and lessees of certain Altima, Rogue, QX50 and QX55 vehicles have complained in online forums about various problems with the vehicles’ engines, including rattling noises, vibrations, shaking and jerking, and humming during acceleration in cold weather.

One driver said their 2021 Nissan Rogue “exploded into flames” without any warning after pulling off the highway.

Consumers have also filed reports with the NHTSA about their vehicles stalling, making knocking and other noises, or completely failing while driving. Below is a sampling of these complaints [sic throughout]:

I was driving on I-5 (nighttime) when the engine suddenly lost all power. I was able to pull over to the shoulder, but it was dangerous. The dash displayed something along the lines of: Engine malfunction power decrease”
— 2021 Nissan Rogue complaint, NHTSA.gov

The car just shut down while it was on and I was in it. Luckily I was at a stop. This is the second time it has happened in 6 months. It would be scary if it happened if it happened on the freeway. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle.”
— 2021 Nissan Rogue complaint, NHTSA.gov

As I was accelerating to merge onto the toll way from 45 mph to 70 mph, I switched to sports mode and reached almost 74 mph. At that point white smoke started coming from the exhaust and the engine started to severely knock. After a few minutes the check engine, oil and high temperature lights came on, on the dash. The vehicle indicated that I pull over and stopped driving. After towing into the dealership, I was told the engine and turbo system had to be changed. After 2 business days I was informed the engine is on back order and I have been on a loaner for a month as of this report.”
— 2023 Nissan Rogue complaint, NHTSA.gov

The contact owns a 2022 Infiniti QX50. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently while driving from a complete stop.”
— 2022 Infiniti QX50 complaint, NHTSA.gov

How a Class Action Lawsuit Could Help

A class action lawsuit against Nissan could help compensate owners and lessees for engine repairs and replacements and potentially force the automaker to provide a permanent fix for the reported issues.

What You Can Do

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