Nissan is at the center of controversy. Thousands of owners of vehicles with VC-Turbo engines have filed a class action lawsuit against the brand. The accusation is serious: the company has known about engine failures since 2019 and still kept selling the cars.
This is an unprecedented situation: cars that could suffer a serious engine failure put on the road without warning. To date, nearly 450,000 vehicles (450,000) have been recalled, but the legal dispute is just beginning.
The affected owners claim that these failures aren't isolated cases and that Nissan's lack of information has put the safety of drivers and passengers at risk. The controversy is growing as more owners discover that their vehicles could be in danger, creating uncertainty and distrust toward the brand. Meanwhile, automotive experts warn that these types of mechanical defects can cause costly damage and unexpected accidents if they're not detected in time.
What fails in the VC-Turbo engine
The VC-Turbo engine was supposed to be a revolution, its variable compression system adjusts the piston position to optimize performance and efficiency. In theory, great. In practice, problematic.
The mechanism uses connecting rods and bearings that must move precisely; if they fail, the engine produces metal shavings and the oil becomes contaminated. The result: a sudden failure. One day you're driving normally, the next, the engine may become unusable. This risk affects popular models like Infiniti QX50, QX55, Nissan Rogue, and Altima.
Drivers stand up and fight
The affected owners claim that Nissan ignored the problem for years. The lawsuit covers those affected and everyone who owns a 1.5 or 2.0 liter VC-Turbo car.
The plaintiffs report that the brand even rejected warranty claims related to these engines. This has created distrust and anger among customers, who feel that their safety was put in the background in favor of sales.
What's at stake
For Nissan, the implications are enormous. The company faces not only possible multimillion-euro fines, but also a blow to its reputation and drivers' trust. People's safety is at stake: an engine that fails without warning can cause serious accidents.
Nissan insists that the cases are isolated and that recent models have already been fixed. However, the number of affected cars and the massive recall raise legitimate doubts. Meanwhile, drivers must stay alert and check their vehicles to avoid unpleasant surprises.