Nissan Concealed Engine Defect in Certain Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50 Models, Class Action Lawsuit Claims

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Nissan knowingly concealed an apparent defect plaguing the VC-Turbo engines found in 2021-2023 Rogue, 2019-2023 Altima and 2019-2023 Infiniti QX50 vehicle models. 

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The 96-page Nissan lawsuit says that although the vehicles are touted as innovative, safe and reliable, the KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines—otherwise known as VC-Turbo engines—found in the models at issue suffer from a design defect in the variable compression system, which regulates piston strokes and impacts the cars’ ability to run.

According to the suit, the apparent defect stems from the failure of certain bearings that are unable to withstand the heat and pressure of the variable compression system, faulty software, lower-link malfunctions and shoddy materials and workmanship, among other factors. 

The case alleges that the “widespread and dangerous” Nissan engine defect can cause a knocking or “high-pitched whirring” sound, hesitation when accelerating, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, power loss and sudden engine failure when driving, all of which can pose a significant safety risk to motorists and pedestrians. 

“The Engine Defect has been documented to occur without warning, with [drivers] taken by surprise when the engines in the Class Vehicles suddenly lose power or stop completely,” the complaint says. “Even if no collision results, Plaintiffs and [consumers] incur thousands in out-of-pocket costs to repair or replace the damaged engine and/or engine components.” 

The filing contends that Nissan has long known about the issue and intentionally concealed the nature and extent of it from consumers. The lawsuit challenges the automaker’s recall effort, adding that Nissan has not made suitable repair or replacement offers to drivers or properly reimbursed consumers for costs they incurred in connection with the alleged engine defect. 

Indeed, the filing asserts that the automaker regularly denies the existence of the defect until after limited warranty coverage expires, or otherwise requires payment from vehicle owners for repairs, diagnostics or alternative transportation, even while the vehicles are under warranty. 

As the complaint tells it, the variable compression system in Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine—hailed as the “first of its kind in mass production”—supposedly generates higher power and provides better fuel efficiency than standard compression systems. The filing points to the system’s novelty as a root cause of the alleged engine issue, arguing that parts suppliers and Nissan employees assembling the engines lack experience and expertise with the unfamiliar and complicated system. 

One plaintiff, a Florida resident, purchased a new 2023 Nissan Rogue in March 2024, believing, based on Nissan’s representations, that the car would be safe and reliable, the lawsuit says. The next month, a warning light reading “Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service Now” illuminated on the consumer’s dashboard, and the vehicle quickly lost power, coasted to a stop and would not restart, the suit relays. 

Despite numerous repairs, including a software update and several replaced parts, the plaintiff’s vehicle continued to lose power during operation and, to date, has not been fixed, the case claims.

Another plaintiff, a New York resident who bought a pre-owned 2019 Infiniti QX50 in February 2022, says she noticed a “high-pitched whirring sound” coming from the engine compartment while the car was idling, accelerating, braking or turning, and at times felt the engine sputtering or “bucking” before dying.

According to the consumer, the vehicle has continued to experience engine failure while driving despite having had three complete engine replacements to address the issue.

The complaint says that Nissan announced a recall on June 27, 2025 for vehicles with the KR15DDT or KR20DDET variable compression turbo engines. Per the filing, the recalled vehicles have production dates between October 6, 2017 and August 1, 2024, and include 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50 vehicles, 2021-2024 Nissan Rogues, 2019-2020 Nissan Altimas and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles. 

The suit contends, however, that the remedies available through the recall are insufficient and “amount[] to simply a few oil changes” for most consumers, while the rest will receive “equally defective parts” as part of a replacement provision. Nissan’s reimbursement efforts are also limited and do not compensate customers adequately, the case alleges. 

The lawsuit looks to represent all individuals or entities that purchased or leased vehicles equipped with KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines in the United States.

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