If you're a Nissan or Infiniti owner, there's important news you should be aware of. In one of the automaker’s largest recalls in recent years, Nissan has announced a widespread safety campaign affecting nearly 443,899 vehicles equipped with its innovative VC-Turbo engine. This recall covers multiple models and model years, including the popular 2021–2024 Nissan Rogue, the 2019–2020 Nissan Altima, and select Infiniti QX50 and QX55 models.
This article dives deep into everything affected vehicle owners need to know about the Nissan VC-Turbo engine recall, from the root cause of the issue to what steps you should take next.
What Is the Nissan VC-Turbo Engine?
The VC-Turbo engine—short for Variable Compression Turbo—is a groundbreaking piece of automotive engineering developed by Nissan. It was designed to offer both high performance and fuel efficiency by adjusting the compression ratio on the fly, depending on driving conditions. Initially praised as a technological marvel, this engine became a key selling point across several Nissan and Infiniti models.
However, despite its promise, the VC-Turbo engine bearing defect has raised serious concerns among drivers and industry experts alike. The core problem lies in the manufacturing defects found in the engine bearings, which are essential for smooth operation. If these components fail, they can lead to anything from minor engine issues to complete engine failure—a major safety risk for any driver.
You can learn more about the technical design of the VC-Turbo engine on Nissan’s official technology page.
Which Vehicles Are Affected by the Recall?
Popular Models Included in the Campaign
The Nissan VC-Turbo engine recall affects a wide range of vehicles, including:
- 2021–2024 Nissan Rogue – One of Nissan’s best-selling SUVs
- 2019–2020 Nissan Altima – A top-performing sedan
- 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50 – The luxury brand’s compact SUV
- 2022 Infiniti QX55 – A stylish crossover variant
This broad inclusion highlights that the engine bearing defect is not isolated to a single model or production year, but rather a systemic issue affecting various segments of Nissan’s lineup.
How to Check if Your Vehicle Is Recalled
Owners can verify whether their vehicle is impacted by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) online recall checker. Alternatively, contacting your local Nissan dealer or Infiniti dealership directly will also provide confirmation.
You can check if your car is part of this recall using the NHTSA tool here: Check for Nissan VC-Turbo recall status.
Recall number 25V437 has been assigned to this campaign, and official owner notifications are scheduled to begin on August 25.
What Caused the Nissan VC-Turbo Engine Problems?
Understanding the Engine Bearing Defect
At the heart of this recall is a manufacturing defect in the engine bearings, which play a crucial role in reducing friction and ensuring the longevity of the engine. When these bearings are improperly manufactured, they may wear down prematurely or even disintegrate over time.
As a result, metal shavings can accumulate in the oil pan, signaling early signs of internal damage. In more severe cases, this could lead to catastrophic VC-Turbo engine failure, leaving drivers stranded and at risk of accidents.
A detailed explanation of the defect can be found in the official NHTSA recall report here: Nissan VC-Turbo recall documentation (PDF).
What Happens During Engine Failure?
When an affected engine begins to fail, symptoms may include unusual knocking noises, reduced power, or even total engine shutdown. Continued operation under these conditions can worsen the damage and potentially create dangerous driving situations.
That’s why Nissan advises all affected owners to stop driving immediately if they notice any abnormal engine behavior and contact an authorized service center right away.
What Repairs Will Nissan Perform?
Diagnostic Oil Analysis & Repair Process
Nissan’s repair strategy involves a detailed diagnostic process led by certified technicians. The first step is to inspect the oil pan for the presence of metal shavings—an indicator of internal bearing damage.
For vehicles with clean oil pans:
- 2.0L VC-Turbo engines will receive a simple oil change
- 1.5L VC-Turbo engines require additional work, including sump gasket replacement and ECU reprogramming
If metal debris is found, a full engine replacement may be necessary, though Nissan will evaluate each case individually to determine the most appropriate solution.
All repairs will be conducted free of charge to vehicle owners.
More details about the repair procedures can be found on CarComplaints.com, a resource frequently used by drivers to track ongoing issues and recall progress.
What Does This Mean for Nissan Owners?
Financial and Reputational Impact
While the recall comes at a challenging time for Nissan—amid financial strain and an aging product lineup—the company’s proactive approach helps mitigate long-term damage. Industry analysts estimate that less than 2% of recalled vehicles will experience actual bearing failure, suggesting the overall impact may be manageable.
Still, for individual owners, this recall reinforces the importance of staying informed about automotive safety issues and taking immediate action when problems arise.
Conclusion
The Nissan VC-Turbo engine recall serves as a timely reminder of how critical quality control is in modern automotive manufacturing. With nearly half a million vehicles affected across multiple models and brands, it's clear this issue spans beyond a single production error.
Affected owners should act promptly by checking their VIN using the NHTSA recall tool or reaching out to their nearest Nissan or Infiniti dealership. Whether you drive a Rogue, Altima, QX50, or QX55, understanding the scope of this recall and following the recommended steps is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your driving experience remains safe, reliable, and up to the standards expected from a global automaker like Nissan.
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