Is my Infiniti QX50 engine knock or power loss part of the VC-Turbo recall?

Short answer: It could be. Nissan recalled 2019–2022 QX50s with the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (variable compression turbo) engine because the engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure (NHTSA 25V437). Owners describe knocking, a loss of power and, in the worst cases, metal in the oil and a dead engine. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer does the recall work for free. Keep every oil-change receipt, because owners say warranty claims were questioned over maintenance.

Symptom: A knock or rattle from the engine, a sudden loss of power or the car going into limp mode, the engine stalling while driving, or a shop finding metal shavings in the oil.

What to check first

1. Run your VIN for recall 25V437 at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on Infiniti's site. Owner letters went out in April 2026.
2. If it starts knocking, stop driving it. A failing bearing can destroy the engine quickly.
3. Gather your oil-change receipts before you go in. An owner on the QX50 forum had a claim denied over oil-change timing.
4. Ask the dealer exactly what the recall includes for your car, and get any inspection results in writing.

Likely causes

1. Defective engine bearings (recall 25V437). Nissan says the bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure. The recall reprograms the engine computer.
2. Engine damage after a bearing failure. Once bearings fail, owners describe metal in the oil and an engine that needs replacing.
3. Heat-related power loss or turbo problems. Car Talk members also suggested checking oil level and quality, fuel grade, and debris blocking the intercooler when power drops on hot days.

What it usually costs

The recall work is free. On the QX50 forum, an owner whose engine failed outside coverage said they were quoted roughly $30,000. That's why the paperwork and the recall status matter so much on this engine.

Is it safe to keep driving?

If you hear knocking or the car loses power, no. Get off the road and have it towed. A bearing failure can stall the engine in traffic. If the car runs normally, get the recall done as soon as you can. Verify with a mechanic or dealer.

DIY or shop?

Dealer. Recall work and any engine replacement are dealer jobs, and doing your own engine work can complicate a warranty claim.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 25V437 (2019–2022 QX50, 2022 QX55, 2019–2020 Altima and 2021–2024 Rogue with VC-Turbo engines): the engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure. Dealers reprogram the engine control module. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 168 keyword-matched complaints for Infiniti QX50 2019–2022 (of 236 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-20; keywords: engine, knock, bearing, metal, loss of power, lost power, stall, seiz).

What owners report

• In 2019 Infiniti qx50 engine dead!! on the Infiniti QX50 Forum, a Canadian owner's 2019 QX50 stalled at about 60 km/h (37 mph) and the shop found metal shavings in the oil. The warranty claim was denied over oil-change timing, and the quote to fix it was roughly $30,000. Another owner described knocking followed by a loss of power and was quoted an engine rebuild.
• In 2019 Infiniti QX50 - Loss of power when hot on Car Talk, an owner said the car lost power on hot days with no check engine light. Members pointed out the VC-Turbo engine depends heavily on oil quality and pressure, asked about oil-change timing, the correct full-synthetic oil and premium fuel, and suggested checking the intercooler for debris.

My take

My advice as a former finance manager: on a used QX50 with this engine, I'd want the service records and the recall status in hand before signing anything. An extended warranty is only as good as the oil-change receipts behind it.

Vehicle focus: 2019–2022 Infiniti QX50 with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine (the recall also covers the 2022 QX55, 2019–2020 Altima and 2021–2024 Rogue with VC-Turbo engines).

Safety / mechanic note

A failing engine bearing can stall the engine without warning. Verify with a mechanic.