Nissan VC-Turbo Engine Recall: What Owners Need to Know (2025 Update)
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 one of these vehicles — or you’re thinking about buying a used model — it’s crucial to understand what this recall covers, how to check your VIN, and what repairs or protections you may be entitled to.
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 designed to dynamically adjust compression ratios for better fuel economy and torque — a significant engineering breakthrough.
However, some of these engines have been found to contain defective main bearings and linkage components, which can lead to:
The defect stems from potential manufacturing issues in the main bearings and internal linkage components (including the A-, C-, and L-links). Premature wear can leave metal debris in the oil pan, starving the engine of proper lubrication and creating a serious risk of mechanical failure if not addressed.
Affected Nissan and Infiniti Models
The recall primarily covers vehicles from model years 2019 to 2024, with the Nissan Rogue making up the majority of affected units.
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 used in the Altima and Infiniti models.
How to Check If Your Nissan Is Affected
The fastest and most accurate way to confirm whether your vehicle is part of this recall is to run a free Nissan recall check by VIN. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the key details needed to match your car against official recall records.
✅ Not sure if your Nissan is recalled?
Use our Nissan Recall VIN Lookup to instantly see open safety recalls, including this VC-Turbo engine issue.
You can also check any vehicle for active recalls using VinCheckPro’s Vehicle Recall Check by VIN, which is especially helpful if you’re reviewing a used car before purchase or confirming whether past recall repairs were completed.
What Happens During the Recall Inspection?
Dealers will perform a multi-step inspection and service procedure, which varies slightly depending on the VC-Turbo engine type.
For 1.5L VC-Turbo (Nissan Rogue)
- If no debris is found:
For 2.0L VC-Turbo (Altima, Infiniti QX50, QX55)
- Inspect for metal debris in the oil pan
- If the oil pan is clean: replace the engine oil only
Even if no immediate damage is detected, Nissan will extend the powertrain warranty on affected vehicles to 10 years or 120,000 miles, providing extra protection for owners concerned about long-term reliability.
Signs Your Nissan Engine May Be Failing
The defect typically develops over time rather than causing an instant breakdown. Nissan urges owners to watch for early warning signs, including:
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop driving as soon as it’s safe and schedule a diagnostic appointment with a Nissan-certified dealer. Continuing to drive may increase the risk of complete engine failure.
What If You Already Paid for VC-Turbo Engine Repairs?
If you previously paid out-of-pocket to repair a failed VC-Turbo engine, Nissan may reimburse you as long as your vehicle falls within the affected VIN range and the repair is related to the recall condition.
Key dates:
Owners will receive mailed notifications with instructions on how to submit reimbursement claims. You can also download the official recall notice through NHTSA.gov by entering your VIN.
Will This Recall Affect Resale Value?
It can — but not always negatively. The impact often depends on:
On the positive side, having documentation of completed recall work plus the extended powertrain warranty can boost buyer confidence, especially in a competitive used car market.
About the Nissan VC-Turbo Engine
Nissan’s VC-Turbo engine was the first mass-market engine capable of changing its compression ratio on the fly — switching between high efficiency and high performance modes depending on driving conditions.
It debuted in the 2019 Infiniti QX50 and later rolled out to the Altima and Rogue. While it’s a technological milestone, its added complexity has raised long-term durability concerns, which Nissan is now addressing through this recall campaign and warranty extensions.
Final Thoughts
This large-scale recall highlights how important it is to regularly check your vehicle for open safety recalls, especially when it uses cutting-edge technology under the hood. The good news: Nissan is offering free engine replacements when needed, extended warranties, and dealer-led inspections to protect owners.
If you drive a Nissan Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50, or QX55, don’t ignore this update. A simple VIN search could save you from unexpected breakdowns and thousands of dollars in potential repair costs.
🚗 Want to verify any vehicle for open recalls?
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 Infiniti QX55 (2022) equipped with VC-Turbo engines.
Is the engine replaced for free?
Yes. If metal debris is found in the oil pan during inspection, Nissan will replace the entire engine at no cost to the owner.
How do I check if my VIN is part of the recall?
Run your VIN through our Nissan recall checker or visit NHTSA.gov and enter your VIN to see all open safety recalls.
Will I get a warranty extension?
Yes. For affected vehicles, Nissan is extending the powertrain warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles, providing additional long-term coverage.
About the Author
Ryan Cole
Ryan Cole is a European car specialist who has spent years working on German and other Euro brands in independent repair shops. From high-mileage diesel wagons to turbocharged hot hatches, he knows how maintenance—or the lack of it—shows up both in service records and in expensive repairs later on. On VinCheckPro.com, Ryan helps buyers understand how to read a VIN report alongside maintenance history, especially for used European cars.