Why did my 2021 Nissan Rogue VC-Turbo engine fail?

Short answer: Some 2021–2025 Rogues with the 1.5 VC-Turbo have had serious engine problems, including bearing damage and sudden failure. Check your VIN for Nissan's engine recall and do not keep driving a knocking engine.

Symptom: A new knock, metal glitter in the oil, a sudden loss of power, the engine shutting off, or the dealer saying the engine needs to be replaced.

What to check first

1. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and on Nissan's recall site for any engine or bearing campaign.
2. If the engine knocks, loses oil pressure, or makes a new metallic noise, stop driving and have it towed.
3. Ask the dealer to inspect the oil and pan for metal debris if they are doing the recall inspection.
4. Keep every work order if you are asking Nissan for an engine replacement or goodwill.

Likely causes

1. Crankshaft bearing damage with metal in the oil. Nissan has recalled a large group of vehicles over a bearing defect that can send metal through the engine and lead to engine damage or failure. Owners describe knock, loss of power, or a ruined engine. Check your VIN.
2. Catastrophic engine failure. Some 2022 Rogue owners have posted about sudden engine failure and asked Nissan about a buyback or warranty engine replacement.
3. Other engine damage (coolant mixing, head issues). A few discussions also mention coolant and oil mixing or a head-gasket type failure. Those are diagnosed separately from the bearing recall, so get a written finding.

What it usually costs

Recall inspections and recall repairs are free if your VIN is included. Engine replacement outside a recall or warranty is a major expense; owners in these threads were dealing with Nissan warranty or buyback talks rather than posting a DIY price.

Is it safe to keep driving?

If the engine is knocking, losing oil pressure, or has metal in the oil, do not drive it. A failed engine can lock up and leave you stuck in traffic.

DIY or shop?

Checking the oil level and looking for a milky or glittery look is DIY. Anything beyond that is a dealer diagnosis.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Related recalls: NHTSA lists these recalls touching this area of the Nissan Rogue: 25V437000 (2021-2024 model years, engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical); 26V080000 (2023-2025 model years, engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical); 26V081000 (2024-2025 model years, fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:throttlebody/manifold). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 1166 keyword-matched complaints for Nissan Rogue 2021–2025 (of 1773 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-08; keywords: engine, bearing, oil, metal, seize, knock, failure, replace). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2022 VC Turbo Rogue Catastrophic Failure - Nissan buyback? on Reddit r/Nissan, a 2022 VC-Turbo Rogue owner described a catastrophic engine failure and asked whether Nissan would buy the vehicle back.
• In Engine Malfunctions on Reddit r/NissanRogue, Rogue owners discussed engine malfunctions on the newer turbo models, including failures serious enough to put the SUV in the shop.
• In Is the new rogue 1.5l turbo engine reliable? Anyone with the new having any engine or transmission problems so far? on Reddit r/NissanRogue, owners compared notes on whether the 1.5 turbo Rogue engine was holding up and shared engine and transmission problems they had seen.
• In Nissan recalls over 440,000 vehicles. See the impacted models. (Now It's official) on Reddit r/NissanRogue, Rogue owners discussed Nissan's large recall covering a bearing defect that can damage the engine, and they pointed people to check their VIN.

Quick tip

On a used 2021–2023 Rogue, ask for proof the recall inspection was done and be wary of any unexplained engine tick or oil that looks metallic.

Vehicle focus: Nissan Rogue (2021–2025 redesign) with the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo. Older Rogues with the 2.5 and a CVT are a different vehicle.

Safety / mechanic note

An engine that seizes on the highway can cause a crash. Verify with a mechanic.