Nissan once generated significant excitement in the automotive world with its variable-compression engine technology. Branded as the VC-Turbo, this innovative system was designed to offer the best of both worlds: performance and efficiency. By altering the engine’s compression ratio on the fly—lowering it for power and raising it for fuel economy—it promised to revolutionize internal combustion engines. However, the complex nature of the mechanism has led to reliability issues that have now caught the attention of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The result: a sweeping recall affecting nearly 444,000 vehicles.
As reported by CarBuzz, this recall involves both Nissan and Infiniti models equipped with either the 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the 1.5-liter three-cylinder versions of the VC-Turbo engine. The affected models include the 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50, 2022 Infiniti QX55, 2021–2024 Nissan Rogue, and 2019–2020 Nissan Altima. While the Infiniti and some Altima models use the larger 2.0-liter engine, the Rogue is equipped with the smaller 1.5-liter version. The issue at the core of this recall is a bearing failure within the engine’s “multi-link mechanism”—the very system responsible for changing the compression ratio. A manufacturing defect has been identified as the root cause, leading to concerns over potential engine damage or failure.
To its credit, Nissan has attempted to address the issue over the years by making adjustments in the production process. These changes appear to have improved the situation, as newer models—including recent versions of the Infiniti and Altima, as well as the new Nissan Murano—are not affected by this recall. Still, the number of vehicles involved is significant, and the implications for Nissan are considerable.
According to the NHTSA, the recall process will begin with dealers inspecting the engine oil pans for signs of metal shavings. If no debris is found, a simple oil change will suffice for the four-cylinder engines, while the three-cylinder variants will also receive a new oil pan and a software update. However, if metal particles are discovered, the engine may need to be completely replaced.
Despite Nissan stating that the failure rate is below 1%, the potential consequences are severe. A bearing failure could lead to a full engine breakdown, requiring costly repairs. This recall comes at a difficult time for Nissan, which is already working on cutting $3.4 billion in costs over the next two years. Having to replace thousands of engines would be a substantial financial burden.
What adds a bitter twist to the story is that the VC-Turbo engine never quite fulfilled its original promise. Although it represented a major technological achievement—one that competitors couldn’t replicate—the practical benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and performance were limited. Meanwhile, the industry has shifted dramatically toward electrification and hybridization, leaving Nissan trying to catch up. Ironically, its once-groundbreaking engine has now become a liability. The recall notices are scheduled to be sent out to customers on August 25, 2025, marking another chapter in the story of a bold but ultimately flawed innovation.