Nissan Class Action Lawsuit Engine Defect: Affected Models, Symptoms, and How to Get Compensated
Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Ryan
A Nissan class action lawsuit targeting a serious engine defect was filed in July 2025, and it affects hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The lawsuit alleges that Nissan’s VC-Turbo engines have a manufacturing flaw that can cause sudden engine failure while driving — a genuine safety risk that Nissan allegedly knew about and concealed from buyers.
If you own a Nissan Rogue, Altima, or Infiniti QX50/QX55 from certain model years, your car may be part of this lawsuit. At CarMechan, we track Nissan reliability issues closely, and this one is serious. Here’s everything you need to know about the defect, the recall, and what options you have.
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Which Nissan Models Are Covered by the Engine Defect Lawsuit
The lawsuit targets Nissan’s VC-Turbo engines, specifically the KR15DDT 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and KR20DDET 2.0-liter 4-cylinder variable compression turbo engines. These were Nissan’s flagship technology engines, designed to automatically adjust their compression ratio for better fuel economy or power.
The class action covers these vehicles:
- Nissan Rogue — 2021, 2022, 2023
- Nissan Altima — 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 (VC-Turbo SR trim only)
- Infiniti QX50 — 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Infiniti QX55 — 2022, 2023
Nissan VC-Turbo engine defect lawsuit: affected models and model years at a glance
Verify your specific vehicle at nhtsa.gov/recalls using your VIN number
The separate Nissan recall (NHTSA Campaign No. 25V-437) covers slightly different year ranges, with some overlap. The recall was later expanded in early 2026 to include 2023–2025 Rogues, bringing the total recalled vehicle count past 767,000.
Worth knowing: Nissan quietly dropped the VC-Turbo engine from the Altima for the 2025 model year, and discontinued the QX50 and QX55 lines entirely.
You can check your vehicle’s recall status by entering your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
If your vehicle is on this list, it’s worth understanding exactly what went wrong.
5 Engine Problems Owners Are Reporting in the Lawsuit
The core issue is a defect in the engine bearings, specifically the main, A-link, C-link, and L-link bearings. According to the class action complaint filed in Delaware court, these bearings degrade over time and release metal debris into the engine oil. As metal particles circulate through the system, they cause increasing damage to internal components.
The five symptoms owners are reporting:
- Knocking or high-pitched whirring sounds from the engine, especially during acceleration or cold starts
- Hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, particularly when merging onto highways or accelerating from a stop
- Rough idling or engine sputtering, often felt as the car vibrating or “bucking” at low speeds
- Loss of power with dashboard warnings such as “Engine Malfunction,” “Power Reduced,” or “Service Now” alerts
- Sudden engine stall while driving, including complete loss of power with no warning
Beyond these symptoms, federal safety investigators found metal shavings in oil pans, 12 reported engine fire incidents, and multiple reports of damaged engine blocks after bearing failures.
The lawsuit also alleges that Nissan knew about this defect as early as 2019 but concealed it from consumers rather than issuing a timely recall or offering free repairs.
These symptoms don’t always mean immediate engine failure, but they should never be ignored.
Nissan’s Recall and Why Owners Say It’s Not Enough
Nissan did issue a recall, but many owners say it falls short of what they actually need.
What the Recall Covers
The recall, officially announced in June 2025 and covering nearly 444,000 vehicles initially, involves the following repair steps depending on which engine your vehicle has:
- Technicians inspect the oil pan for metal shavings or debris
- If debris is found, Nissan will repair or replace the engine at no cost
- If no debris is found in a 2.0L engine, the dealer performs an oil change
- If no debris is found in a 1.5L engine, the dealer performs an oil change, replaces the oil pan gasket, and updates the Engine Control Module (ECM) software
- Nissan also extended the warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of inspection
The NHTSA closed its federal investigation after Nissan issued the recall, but the class action lawsuit moved forward regardless.
Why Owners Say the Recall Isn’t Enough
The lawsuit argues that for most affected owners, the recall “amounts to simply a few oil changes.” Owners who already paid thousands of dollars out of pocket for engine repairs before the recall was announced are not being properly reimbursed. And the lawsuit claims that some engines receiving replacement parts under the recall are getting equally defective components.
If you’ve been dealing with Nissan powertrain headaches for a while, our breakdown of Nissan CVT transmission problem years shows this isn’t the first time Nissan’s technology choices have led to owner frustration.
That gap between what the recall offers and what owners actually spent is at the heart of the class action lawsuit.
How to Find Out If You Qualify for the Nissan Engine Lawsuit
Checking your eligibility takes just a few steps:
- Verify your vehicle matches the class action models. The lawsuit covers the 2021–2023 Nissan Rogue, 2019–2023 Nissan Altima (VC-Turbo trim), 2019–2023 Infiniti QX50, and 2022–2023 Infiniti QX55. If your model year falls outside these ranges, you may not be eligible for the class action, even if you are experiencing engine problems.
- Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. This confirms whether your specific vehicle is part of the official recall. Being in the recall does not stop you from also participating in the class action.
- Document everything now. Gather every repair receipt, dealer work order, symptom log, and written communication with your dealership. The more documentation you have, the stronger your position will be when the settlement opens.
- Contact the law firms handling the case. The firms are Smith, Katzenstein & Jenkins LLP; Capstone Law APC; and Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC. As of early 2026, a formal contact form has not been published, but you can reach out directly to these firms to register your interest.
One important alternative to consider: a lemon law claim filed individually may get you better compensation than a class action. Class action payouts are typically split among thousands of claimants, while a lemon law claim focuses specifically on your vehicle and your costs. Under lemon law in many states, you may qualify for a full vehicle repurchase or replacement, and attorneys usually work on a contingency basis with no upfront cost.
Even if the settlement is months away, documenting your issues now puts you in the strongest position.
What Could You Get from the Nissan Engine Defect Settlement
No final settlement has been reached as of early 2026. The case is still active, with class certification expected and settlement negotiations reportedly underway.
Based on how similar automotive class action settlements have played out, potential outcomes could include:
- Reimbursement for out-of-pocket engine repair costs paid before the recall
- Extended warranty coverage for engine components
- Engine replacement for severely affected vehicles
- Possible vehicle buyback for the most serious cases
As a point of reference, a separate Nissan CVT class action settlement involving 2015–2018 Muranos and 2016–2018 Maximas resulted in up to $5,000 in repair reimbursements or a $1,500 new vehicle voucher for qualifying owners.
The VC-Turbo engine lawsuit involves far more vehicles and more serious defects, so the potential compensation could be larger. But class action payouts are almost always smaller on a per-person basis than what you could recover through an individual lemon law claim.
There is no upfront cost to join a class action. The law firms involved work on contingency, meaning they only collect fees if the case wins.
What Nissan Owners Should Do Right Now
The Nissan class action lawsuit engine defect case is active and growing. Nearly 444,000 vehicles were initially recalled, and that number has since expanded past 767,000. If your Rogue, Altima, or Infiniti QX50/QX55 is on the affected list, you have real options.
Start by checking your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Schedule the free recall inspection at your dealer, and document every symptom and repair along the way. Contact the plaintiff law firms to register your interest in joining the class action.
The recall is a starting point, not the finish line. Owners who stay informed and keep good records will be in the best position when the settlement process opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan models are included in the engine defect class action lawsuit? The class action covers the 2021–2023 Nissan Rogue, 2019–2023 Nissan Altima (VC-Turbo SR trim), 2019–2023 Infiniti QX50, and 2022–2023 Infiniti QX55. These vehicles are equipped with either the 1.5-liter KR15DDT or 2.0-liter KR20DDET VC-Turbo engines. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your specific vehicle’s status.
What are the symptoms of the Nissan VC-Turbo engine defect? The most common symptoms include engine knocking or whirring sounds, hesitation when accelerating, rough idling, dashboard warnings like “Power Reduced” or “Engine Malfunction,” and sudden loss of power while driving. In severe cases, the engine can stall completely without warning, creating a serious safety risk.
Is Nissan’s recall the same as the class action lawsuit? No, they are separate. Nissan’s recall offers free inspections and repairs or oil changes depending on the condition of your vehicle. The class action goes further, seeking financial compensation for owners who paid out of pocket for repairs before the recall, and arguing the recall’s remedies are insufficient for most owners.
How do I join the Nissan engine class action lawsuit? First, confirm your vehicle is an eligible model and year. Then document all symptoms and repair records. Contact the law firms handling the case: Smith, Katzenstein & Jenkins LLP, Capstone Law APC, or Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC. There is no upfront legal cost to join a class action.
What compensation can I get from the Nissan engine defect lawsuit? No settlement has been finalized yet as of early 2026. If a settlement is reached, potential compensation could include reimbursement for past repair costs, extended warranty coverage, or engine replacement. Owners with serious engine damage may also qualify for a vehicle buyback, particularly through a separate lemon law claim.
