Nissan Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Variable Compression Engines

Nissan is currently under legal scrutiny regarding its innovative variable compression engines, which were initially hailed as a breakthrough in combustion technology. However, following a June 2025 recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it has come to light that Nissan’s three- and four-cylinder variable compression engines are susceptible to severe rod bearing failures. This revelation has led to a group of dissatisfied customers taking legal action against the Japanese automaker.

In a complaint filed in a federal district court in Delaware in late July, various plaintiffs representing owners of 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, 2022 Infiniti QX55, 2021-2024 Nissan Rogue, and 2019-2020 Nissan Altima vehicles have accused Nissan of negligence. The complaint specifically targets the 1.5-liter KR15DDT three-cylinder and 2.0-liter KR20DDET four-cylinder engines, both of which were part of the 450,000 unit recall and subsequent lawsuit. Allegations suggest that Nissan was aware of the flaws in its engine technology from the outset but failed to alert customers about the potential for malfunctions.

The complaint alleges, “Defendants’ knowledge of the Engine Defect comes from, among other things, pre-production testing, numerous consumer complaints, warranty data, dealership repair orders, and internal analyses of complaint and production issues.” Despite being aware of the issues, Nissan reportedly denied the existence of the Engine Defect until after the expiration of the five-year/60,000-mile Nissan New Vehicle Limited Warranty Powertrain Coverage.

The lawsuit not only accuses Nissan of delaying payments to affected owners but also highlights cases where engine failures occurred prematurely. One such incident involved a Florida man driving a 2023 Nissan Rogue, whose engine failed catastrophically after only 157 miles, leaving him stranded on the side of the road. Additionally, a plaintiff from New York claims that even after a full engine replacement on her Nissan Altima, the problem persisted.

The variable compression engine’s mechanics are as intriguing as they are complex. The engine has the ability to transition between high compression settings during heavy loads and lower compression ratios for enhanced efficiency under lighter loads. This feat is achieved through a system of connecting rods that modify the position of the pistons. Regrettably, this dynamic movement could potentially accelerate wear and tear on the bearings of both the adjustment mechanism and the crankshaft.

Nissan acknowledged the bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo engines in a June recall filed with NHTSA. The recall mentioned a potential manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings that could lead to engine damage and potential failure.

The class-action lawsuit against Nissan seeks various forms of reparation, including a broader recall notice for additional model years of previously recalled models. Despite the recall, Nissan continues to offer VC-series engines in multiple models, asserting that only a fraction of vehicles – approximately 1.2% of the almost 450,000 units – are at risk of experiencing engine failure. The plaintiffs additionally seek compensation from Nissan, though the exact amount remains undisclosed.