A major engine recall has been issued for nearly half a million Nissan and Infiniti vehicles due to the risk of catastrophic engine failure linked to their advanced VC-Turbo powertrains. The issue affects popular models like the Nissan Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50, and QX55, all of which feature Nissan’s revolutionary variable-compression engine. If you own or are considering buying one of these vehicles, here’s what you need to know.
What Is the VC-Turbo Recall About?
In June 2025, Nissan filed a recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involving 443,899 vehicles equipped with VC-Turbo engines. These engines are built to dynamically adjust compression ratios for better fuel economy and torque—an engineering breakthrough. However, the affected engines have been found to contain defective main bearings and linkage components, which can lead to:
- Engine knocking
- Reduced performance
- Eventual engine failure
The issue stems from potential manufacturing defects in main bearings and other internal components, such as the A-, C-, and L-links. These parts may prematurely wear out and leave metal debris in the oil pan, creating an urgent mechanical risk.
Affected Nissan and Infiniti Models
The recall primarily affects vehicles from model years 2019 to 2024, with the Nissan Rogue making up the majority of the impacted population.
Breakdown of Affected Models:
| Model | Model Years | Units Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | 2021–2024 | 348,554 |
| Nissan Altima | 2019–2020 | 5,685 |
| Infiniti QX50 | 2019–2022 | 84,536 |
| Infiniti QX55 | 2022 | 5,124 |
This recall covers both the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder VC-Turbo engine found in the Rogue and the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo 4-cylinder in the Altima and Infiniti models.
How to Check If Your Nissan Is Affected
The best way to find out if your vehicle is part of this recall is to run a free Nissan recall check by VIN. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains all the key details needed to confirm recall eligibility.
Use our Nissan Recall VIN Lookup to instantly see open safety recalls, including this engine issue.
You can also check any vehicle for active recalls using our Vehicle Recall Check by VIN — perfect if you’re buying used or reviewing your service records.
What Happens During the Recall Inspection?
Dealers will perform a multi-step inspection depending on the engine type:
For 1.5L VC-Turbo (Rogue):
- Inspect the oil pan for metal debris
- If debris is found: Replace the engine
- If clean: Replace the oil, oil pan gasket, and reprogram the ECU
For 2.0L VC-Turbo (Altima, QX50, QX55):
- Check for debris in oil pan
- If debris found: Engine replacement at no charge
- If clean: Change oil only
Even if no current issue is detected, Nissan will extend the powertrain warranty on affected units to 10 years or 120,000 miles, giving owners peace of mind.
Signs Your Nissan Engine May Be Failing
The defect does not usually cause instant breakdown but deteriorates over time. Nissan warns owners to watch for:
- Check engine light or dashboard alerts
- Unusual engine noises (knocking or ticking)
- Rough idling or reduced power
- Oil pressure warning
If any of these signs appear, you should immediately schedule a diagnostic with a Nissan-certified dealer.
What If You Already Paid for Repairs?
If you previously paid out-of-pocket to repair a failed VC-Turbo engine, Nissan will reimburse you as long as your vehicle falls within the affected VIN range. The company’s reimbursement plan will be made available through dealers.
- Dealer Notification Date: July 15, 2025
- Owner Notification Start: August 25, 2025
You can also download the official recall notice via the NHTSA.gov website using your VIN.
Will This Affect Resale Value?
It might, depending on whether:
- You complete the recall repair and get documentation
- Your VIN is publicly listed as having an open recall
- You plan to trade or sell the vehicle to a dealer who checks the recall status
However, for many owners, having the extended powertrain warranty in writing will boost confidence during a resale.
About the VC-Turbo Engine
Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine was the first mass-market motor capable of changing its compression ratio in real time — toggling between fuel economy and performance.
It debuted in the 2019 Infiniti QX50 and later appeared in the Altima and Rogue. While technologically innovative, its complexity may have contributed to long-term durability concerns, which are now being addressed through this recall.
Final Thoughts
This massive recall underscores the importance of regularly checking your vehicle for safety defects — especially when cutting-edge technology is involved. Fortunately, Nissan is taking proactive steps, including free engine replacements, warranty extensions, and dealer-led inspections.
If you’re driving a Rogue, Altima, QX50, or QX55, don’t wait. A quick VIN lookup can prevent thousands in repair costs and help avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Use our Free Vehicle Recall Lookup — check by VIN to uncover hidden safety risks, warranty extensions, or critical service alerts.
FAQ – Nissan VC-Turbo Recall (2025)
Which Nissan models are affected by the VC-Turbo recall?
Nissan Rogue (2021–2024), Altima (2019–2020), Infiniti QX50 (2019–2022), and QX55 (2022).
Is the engine replaced for free?
Yes. If metal debris is found in the oil pan, Nissan will replace the entire engine free of charge.
How do I check if my VIN is part of the recall?
Run your VIN through our Nissan recall checker or visit NHTSA.gov.
Will I get a warranty extension?
Yes, Nissan is extending the powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for affected vehicles.
