Nissan Engine Lawsuit: Owners Allege Defect Causes Stalling

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with KR15DDT and KR20DDET variable compression engines have a defect that causes sudden failure, posing safety risks to drivers and passengers.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who bought or leased a 2019–2023 Nissan Altima or Infiniti QX50 model, or a 2021–2023 Nissan Rogue.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware

Several popular Nissan and Infiniti models come with dangerously defective engines that can suddenly fail while driving, posing serious safety risks to drivers and passengers, a new lawsuit alleges. 

The complaint targets the KR15DDT and KR20DDET variable compression engines used in 2019–2023 Nissan Altima and Infiniti QX50 models, as well as 2021–2023 Nissan Rogues. 

According to the lawsuit, the variable compression system at the heart of these engines, which are marketed as an innovation meant to improve power and fuel efficiency, suffers from critical defects tied to faulty bearings and mechanical linkages. 

These issues allegedly cause loss of power, stalling, hesitation, knocking noises, and even full engine failure, sometimes without warning and regardless of whether the check engine light is on.

Drivers Say Their Cars Became Unsafe and Unusable

Four car owners from Florida, New York, and Illinois filed the proposed class action after they say they purchased or leased their vehicles based on assurances of safety, reliability, and warranty coverage. But shortly after taking their cars home, the plaintiffs experienced what they describe as a pattern of severe engine problems.

One Florida man says his 2023 Nissan Rogue began failing within days of purchase, leaving him stranded multiple times despite repeated visits to the dealership for repairs. A New York woman says her certified pre-owned Infiniti QX50 has required three full engine replacements and continues to break down, once while driving on a parkway with her son.

Other plaintiffs report dealership visits resulting in temporary fixes or outright dismissal of their complaints, while their vehicles continue to stall, lose power, or display persistent engine warning lights. In some cases, replacement parts were delayed for months. Despite extensive servicing, the plaintiffs say their vehicles remain unreliable and unsafe.

What The Lawsuit Says Nissan Knew

The lawsuit alleges that Nissan and its affiliates knew about the engine defect for years based on pre-production testing, customer complaints, repair data, and internal analyses, but that it failed to disclose the issue to buyers or offer a recall. Instead, the company is accused in the lawsuit of actively concealing the defect while continuing to market the vehicles as innovative and trustworthy.

The lawsuit also notes that the defect tends to emerge after the manufacturer’s standard warranties expire, leaving owners stuck with steep repair bills and no long-term fix. Plaintiffs say this amounts to fraud by omission and breach of multiple warranty laws.

A Pattern In The Auto Industry

This isn’t the first time Nissan has been sued over alleged safety issues. Earlier this year, the company was hit with a separate class action claiming that door locks on several models can randomly open at highway speeds or fail to open in emergencies. 

Other major automakers are also under legal fire. Ford is facing a lawsuit over faulty 12-volt batteries in certain Bronco Sport and Maverick models that allegedly cause sudden power loss. 

Kia is being sued for selling vehicles with defective piston oil rings that could lead to engine fires. Jeep owners have filed claims against Fiat Chrysler over a defect that may increase the risk of spontaneous combustion in certain Wrangler and Gladiator models. 

Meanwhile, VinFast, a newer electric vehicle maker, is accused of misleading consumers about charging times, leaving drivers stuck with impractical EVs.

The plaintiffs in this Nissan case are seeking to represent everyone in the U.S. who bought or leased vehicles equipped with the KR15DDT or KR20DDET engines. They want Nissan to stop selling the affected models without full disclosure, issue a formal recall, and fix the defect at no cost to consumers. 

They’re also asking for financial compensation for lost value, repair costs, and legal fees. They’re suing for fraud, unjust enrichment, and warranty violations, as well as other state and federal trade laws.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Becker, et al. v. Nissan of North America, Inc.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00845-UNA
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Kelly A. Green and Jason Z. Miller (Smith, Katzenstein & Jenkins, LLP)
• Abigail Gertner, Cody R. Padgett, and Nathan N. Kiyam (Capstone Law APC)
• Adam A. Edwards, Will A. Ladnier, and Virginia Ann Whitener (Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC)

Do you own a 2019–2023 Nissan Altima, Infiniti QX50 model, or 2021–2023 Nissan Rogues? Have you experienced any issues with the engine? Share your experience below.