--- title: "Nissan’s Variable-Compression Engine Failures Are Under Federal Investigation" description: "The NHTSA is looking into engine failures of two Nissan and Infiniti engines that use the brand's VC-Turbo technology." date: "2023-12-18" modified: "2023-12-18" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissans-variable-compression-engine-failures-are-under-federal-investigation" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "Nissan" - "Rogue" - "suv/crossover" --- # Nissan’s Variable-Compression Engine Failures Are Under Federal Investigation ![]() Nissan made a lot of noise when its variable-compression turbo engines hit the market a few years back, snagging awards and headlines left and right. However, those two power plants—the 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder—are now under scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The federal entity is opening an investigation involving over 450,000 [Nissan Rogue](), Nissan Altima, and [Infiniti QX50 ]()models, which use those two engines. According to the NHTSA, owners are reporting knocking sounds, loss of power, metal bits in their oil pans, and even total failures. Nissan has made changes to the engines' main bearings and L-links since they've been on sale to address potential engine damage; however, a recall hasn't been issued yet. ![]() **Infiniti** ![]() **Nissan** Instead, the NHTSA is opening an investigation to see what the issue could be. While no direct signs are pointing to Nissan's variable compression technology that can vary the piston's top-dead-center and bottom-dead-center positions to maximize both power and efficiency, those are the only two engines to use the tech. If the VC-Turbo tech does indeed turn out to be the culprit, it would be a cruel twist of irony for Nissan. Both of those engines made [Wards' 10 Best Engines list]() specifically because of their variable compression abilities. I hate to make a blanket statement that complexity equals problems, but sometimes, it does. Trust me, a guy who's dealt with several BMW Vanos systems in the past. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0An3RbXcPg&pp=ygUPbmlzc2FuIHZjLXR1cmJv The NHTSA will continue to look into this issue and, if necessary, there could be a recall in the future. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()