Nissan’s Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engines were hailed as a breakthrough when introduced in 2018—a marvel of engineering that dynamically adjusts piston compression for optimal power and fuel efficiency. Found in popular models like the Altima, Rogue, and Infiniti QX50, these 1.5-liter three-cylinder (KR15DDT) and 2.0-liter four-cylinder (KR20DDET) powerplants promised up to 248 horsepower and 29 mpg combined without sacrificing performance. But by mid-2025, what was marketed as cutting-edge innovation has become a symbol of corporate negligence, according to a sweeping class action lawsuit. Filed in July 2025, the suit accuses Nissan of concealing a catastrophic defect that leaves drivers stranded on highways, racking up repair bills in the thousands, and risking lives. As of November 2025, with over 480,000 vehicles recalled and legal battles intensifying, this case exposes the dark side of automotive ambition.
The Hidden Flaw: Bearings, Seizures, and Sudden Shutdowns
At the heart of the controversy is the VC-Turbo’s variable compression system, a mechanical wizardry that regulates piston strokes to balance efficiency and output. Plaintiffs allege a latent design or manufacturing defect causes malfunctions in the main bearings and lower-link components, leading to seizures that cascade into engine failure. Symptoms start subtly: knocking or high-pitched whirring noises, hesitation during acceleration, rough idling, and illuminated check-engine lights. But they escalate dangerously—loss of power mid-drive, stalling at intersections, or complete shutdowns on freeways, heightening crash risks.
Lead plaintiff Dennis Becker, a Florida resident, recounts a near-disaster: Just seven months after buying his 2023 Nissan Rogue in March 2024, the engine light flashed on October 17, 2025, and the vehicle abruptly lost power while merging onto a highway—error codes P2563 and P2565 confirming VC-Turbo failure. Other plaintiffs from New York, Illinois, and Florida report similar horrors: engines failing under 1,000 miles, repeated dealership visits yielding temporary fixes, and out-of-pocket costs exceeding $10,000 for full replacements. The lawsuit claims these issues stem from debris buildup in oil pans, eroding bearings over time and triggering a chain reaction of failures.
Affected models include:
- 2019-2023 Nissan Altima (2.0L VC-Turbo)
- 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue (1.5L VC-Turbo)
- 2019-2023 Infiniti QX50 (2.0L VC-Turbo)
- 2022 Infiniti QX55 (2.0L VC-Turbo, per recall overlap)
Nissan discontinued the 2.0L VC-Turbo in the 2025 Altima and phased out the QX50/QX55 lines, but the 1.5L persists in the Rogue—raising questions about ongoing risks.
The Lawsuit: Becker v. Nissan North America—Allegations of Deception
On July 8, 2025, Becker and three co-plaintiffs filed the 96-page complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. unspecified in public dockets), targeting Nissan North America Inc. and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. The proposed nationwide class action invokes the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, along with state laws like New York’s General Business Law, Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and Missouri’s Merchandising Practices Act.
Core Claims:
- Breach of Warranty: Defects emerge post-warranty (5 years/60,000 miles), with Nissan denying coverage until forced.
- Fraud by Omission: Nissan allegedly knew of the flaw since 2019 via pre-production tests, consumer complaints, and warranty data but concealed it to avoid recalls.
- Inadequate Remedies: Dealerships push oil changes or partial fixes, leaving root issues unresolved and owners vulnerable.
- Safety Hazards: Sudden failures without warning violate implied safety assurances, endangering drivers and passengers.
The suit seeks compensatory damages, punitive awards, and injunctive relief to extend warranties or mandate full engine swaps. As of November 2025, discovery is underway, with no settlement motions filed—though Nissan’s history of quick resolutions in similar cases (e.g., a $20,000 CVT payout finalized in July 2025) suggests negotiations may loom.
Recall Response: Too Little, Too Late?
Nissan’s troubles peaked on June 27, 2025, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Recall No. 25V-xxx, affecting ~480,000 vehicles (U.S. and Canada) for “potential engine failure due to rod bearing wear.” Notification letters mailed August 25, 2025, direct owners to dealers for free oil pan inspections: If metal debris is found, engines are replaced under warranty; otherwise, an oil change suffices.
Plaintiffs decry this as a band-aid: “The recall is not a repair for the Defect,” the complaint argues, claiming replacements use similarly flawed parts and reimbursements cap at meager amounts, ignoring diminished vehicle values or rental costs during downtime. NHTSA probes, initiated in 2023, uncovered hundreds of complaints mirroring the suit’s narrative—knocking, stalling, and fires in extreme cases. Nissan maintains the risk affects “a small number of units” and urges compliance, but critics point to the recall’s scope as evidence of systemic failure.
Nissan’s Defense and Broader Fallout
Nissan has not publicly commented on the litigation but echoes recall guidance: “Safety is our top priority; owners should visit dealers promptly.” Internally, the company faces scrutiny—VC-Turbo was a flagship tech, yet its discontinuation in key models signals doubt. This suit compounds Nissan’s woes: A separate 2025 brake pad degradation claim on Pathfinders and prior CVT settlements totaling millions.
Financially, repairs average $8,000-$12,000 out-of-warranty, per owner forums, eroding resale values by up to 20%. For a brand pushing electrification (e.g., 2026 e-POWER hybrids), this tarnishes trust amid slumping U.S. sales.
What Owners Can Do: From Recalls to Redress
If you own an affected model:
- Check Status: Use NHTSA’s VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) for recall eligibility.
- Document Issues: Log symptoms, photos, and repair invoices—vital for claims.
- File Complaints: Report to NHTSA (safercar.gov) to amplify pressure.
- Join the Class: Monitor updates via ClassAction.org or consult firms like McCune Law Group for opt-in guidance.
- Lemon Law Check: In states like California or Texas, individual suits may yield buybacks if repairs fail thrice.
The Road Ahead
As November 2025 closes, the Delaware court weighs class certification—potentially uniting thousands nationwide. This case isn’t just about engines; it’s a reckoning for how far automakers push unproven tech at consumers’ expense. Nissan’s VC-Turbo saga warns: Innovation without rigor breeds lawsuits, not loyalty. For drivers, it’s a reminder to scrutinize warranties and speak up—before the next whir turns to silence on the open road.
