Nissan’s revolutionary VC-Turbo engine, long marketed as a marvel of efficiency and performance, is now at the heart of a massive global recall involving 443,899 vehicles. Filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 26, 2025, the recall cites potential bearing-related engine failures in several Nissan and Infiniti models built between 2019 and 2024.
The issue involves key internal engine components that may degrade over time and eventually lead to complete engine failure, prompting Nissan to take immediate action across multiple nameplates. If issues are found on any engines, Nissan will replace it for free.
Affected Models
The recall spans four distinct models across the Nissan and Infiniti brands. The breakdown includes:
- Nissan Rogue (2021–2024) – 348,554 units
- Nissan Altima (2019–2020) – 5685 units
- Infiniti QX50 (2019–2022) – 84,536 units
- Infiniti QX55 (2022) – 5124 units
The Nissan Rogue, being the brand’s best-selling model in the U.S., accounts for the bulk of the recall population, representing nearly 80 percent of the total units affected.
The VC Turbo Engine
Nissan’s VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine has been a headline-grabbing innovation. Capable of dynamically altering its compression ratio from 8:1 (performance) to 14:1 (efficiency), the engine uses advanced linkages, specifically A-links, C-links, and L-links, to shift piston positions in real-time. It took two decades of development and over 300 patents to bring the technology to production.
This engine first appeared in the 2019 Infiniti QX50 in a 2.0-litre form, later making its way into the Nissan Altima and eventually the Nissan Rogue, which received a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder variant in 2021.
However, Nissan’s recall report identifies failures in the engine’s main bearings and compression-link mechanisms, which may result in internal wear, abnormal engine operation, or, if left unaddressed, complete engine seizure.
Why This Matters
This recall is significant for multiple reasons. Not only is the VC-Turbo engine the first of its kind in mass production, but it also underpins some of Nissan’s and Infiniti’s most prominent products. The recall calls attention to the engineering complexity and potential reliability risks tied to pioneering mechanical systems in the mainstream market.
For a company in the midst of realigning its global product portfolio and moving toward greater electrification, this setback threatens both brand trust and long-term loyalty, particularly in markets where Nissan’s VC-Turbo engines have been heavily promoted.
