Nissan VQ40 Engine Timing Chain Problems Lead to Consumer Complaints

February 28, 2013

Nissan VQ40 Engine

Seeger Weiss is investigating claims for a class action lawsuit for defective VQ40 engines in their 2005-2010 Pathfinder, Xterra, and Frontier.

The VQ40 engine contains a primary timing chain and two secondary timing chains. The timing chains can degrade prematurely causing their protective surfaces to wear. This defect can cause engine failure, even while the vehicle is in operation, resulting in serious injury or even death.

Consumers have complained that repairs cost between $1,500 and $2,500. Even worse, Nissan is unwilling to cover the cost, and instead, the consumer is left to front the bill.
Nissan acknowledged the defect when it released a series of Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) to U.S. dealers warning of the defect and instructing the dealers as to how to repair the problem. In the TSB’s, Nissan expressly stated that the secondary timing chain emanates a “buzzing/whining noise” and instructed dealers to replace the chain.

Yet Nissan never notified the public of the defect. Instead, they opted to release a press release in 2009, which stated that the VQ family of vehicles actually contained a “silent timing chain.” This characterization seems to contradict Nissan’s claims in their TSB’s that the chains experience “buzzing/whining noise.”

We are investigating the situation and the discrepancies in Nissan’s statements. To further our investigation, we ask anyone who owns or leases a 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra, or Frontier to contact us to discuss your claim. All initial attorney consultations are free of charge.

Seeger Weiss, LLP is a leader in consumer class action lawsuits. With experienced lawyers and locations throughout the United States, our firm strives to provide the highest quality of service to our clients. We treat each case with careful attention to ensure that consumers get the justice they deserve. Seeger Weiss has office locations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

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