In July 2025, a class action lawsuit was filed against Nissan and its parent company alleging that certain vehicles were sold with defective engines and that the company failed to disclose known reliability problems to consumers. The lawsuit focuses primarily on Nissan’s variable-compression turbo engines, which were introduced as a technological breakthrough promising better performance and fuel efficiency.
Owners of affected vehicles reported engine knocking, loss of power, bearing wear, and in some cases complete engine failure, sometimes at relatively low mileage. Plaintiffs argue that Nissan knew about these issues years earlier through internal testing, warranty claims, and consumer complaints but continued to sell vehicles without warning buyers. The lawsuit asserts that this behavior violated consumer protection laws and breached warranty obligations.
The case gained national attention after Nissan issued a recall covering over 440,000 vehicles in the United States for potential engine bearing failures. Although the company offered inspections, repairs, and extended warranties, plaintiffs contend that these measures do not adequately compensate owners or fully resolve the defect. The legal dispute has become a focal point for broader questions about innovation, transparency, and accountability in the automotive industry.
The Variable-Compression Engine at the Center of the Case
Nissan’s variable-compression turbo engine was designed to automatically adjust its compression ratio based on driving conditions, delivering both efficiency and power. This required additional mechanical linkages and bearings inside the engine, increasing complexity compared to traditional designs.
The lawsuit claims that these additional components are prone to premature wear, particularly certain bearings that can degrade under load and cause engine damage. When these bearings fail, the engine may lose power, emit knocking noises, or seize entirely. Owners report that these failures can occur unexpectedly and without warning.
Plaintiffs argue that the defect is inherent to the engine’s design rather than isolated manufacturing errors. They claim Nissan continued to market the engine as reliable while knowing that the architecture itself posed a heightened risk of failure.
Scope of Affected Models
The lawsuit identifies several vehicle models and years equipped with the variable-compression engines:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | 2021–2024 |
| Nissan Altima | 2019–2023 |
| Infiniti QX50 | 2019–2023 |
| Infiniti QX55 | 2022 |
These vehicles span multiple segments, from family crossovers to sedans and luxury SUVs, increasing the reach of the alleged defect across Nissan’s product line.
Timeline of Events
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Early owner complaints and warranty claims emerge |
| 2023 | Regulatory investigation begins into engine failures |
| 2025 | Recall issued for over 440,000 vehicles |
| 2025 | Class action lawsuit filed alleging concealment |
This progression illustrates how consumer reports and regulatory scrutiny eventually led to formal legal action.
Recalls and Safety Implications
The recall announced in 2025 focused on inspecting engines for metal debris and replacing affected components where necessary. Nissan also extended warranties for certain vehicles.
Plaintiffs argue that the recall addresses only a portion of the affected population and does not reimburse owners who already paid for repairs or experienced diminished vehicle value. They also contend that the recall implicitly confirms the existence of a widespread defect.
From a safety standpoint, engine failure while driving can result in sudden loss of power, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly on highways or in traffic.
Consumer Impact
Owners report emotional distress, financial strain, and inconvenience from repeated dealer visits, unexpected breakdowns, and repair bills. For many families, the affected vehicles were significant financial investments meant to provide reliability and safety.
Some owners describe feeling misled by marketing claims that emphasized cutting-edge technology without acknowledging risks. The lawsuit seeks compensation not only for repairs but also for loss of value and diminished trust.
Expert Perspectives
Automotive engineers note that increased mechanical complexity can magnify the consequences of design flaws, while legal experts emphasize the importance of disclosure and accountability when risks are known.
Safety analysts point out that recalls often follow patterns of failure that emerge only after vehicles are widely used, making early transparency essential to consumer protection.
Takeaways
• The lawsuit alleges Nissan concealed defects in variable-compression engines
• Affected models include Rogue, Altima and Infiniti SUVs
• The defect involves premature bearing wear and potential engine failure
• A recall and warranty extension were issued but deemed insufficient by plaintiffs
• Legal claims include breach of warranty and consumer deception
Conclusion
The Nissan engine defect class action represents a collision between technological ambition and real-world reliability. While the variable-compression engine was designed to push efficiency forward, its alleged flaws have placed thousands of drivers at risk of costly and dangerous failures.
The case underscores the importance of transparency when innovation carries unforeseen risks. As the legal process unfolds, its outcome may influence how automakers balance rapid technological advancement with consumer safety and trust. For affected owners, the lawsuit is not just about compensation but about accountability and the expectation that manufacturers stand behind their products.
FAQs
What is the lawsuit about?
It alleges Nissan sold vehicles with defective engines and failed to disclose known risks.
Which vehicles are involved?
Primarily certain Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50 and QX55 models.
What is the alleged defect?
Premature bearing wear leading to engine knocking, power loss, or failure.
Has Nissan issued a recall?
Yes, inspections, repairs, and warranty extensions were announced in 2025.
Why is this important?
It highlights consumer rights and accountability in automotive manufacturing.
REFERENCES
- Reuters. (2025, July 2). Nissan to recall over 443,000 US vehicles citing engine failure, NHTSA says. Reuters. Reuters
- Reuters. (2025, July 21). NHTSA closes engine failure probe into 454,840 Nissan vehicles. Reuters. Reuters
- TopClassActions. (2025, Aug 14). Nissan class action claims engine defect in Altima, Rogue, Infiniti QX50. TopClassActions. Top Class Actions
- ClassAction.org. (2025, July 24). Nissan concealed engine defect in certain Rogue, Altima, Infiniti QX50 models. ClassAction.org. Class Action
- Road & Track. (2025, Aug). Nissan’s variable compression engines subject to class action lawsuit. Road & Track. Road & Track