Nissan Recalls 443,899 Models for Potential VC-Turbo Engine Failure
The mass recall involves failed bearings in the complex VC-Turbo engines found on the Nissan Altima and Rogue as well as the Infiniti QX50 and QX55.
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.
UPDATE 7/21/25: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it has closed its multi-year investigation into Nissan’s defective VC-Turbo engines. The government agency’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) said it found that Nissan has taken the proper steps to correct the problem with the engines’ internal components, which was addressed in a mass recall that was issued in June. After the vehicles are inspected by a dealer, Nissan said it will extend the powertrain warranty on the entire recall population to 10 years and 120,000 miles.
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.
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.
