1.5L VC-Turbo 3-Cylinder Engine Complete Assembly for 2021-2023 Nissan

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Verify the 1st digit of the VIN is 'J' (Japan-built).
• Verify the 4th digit of the VIN is 'B' (1.5L KR15DDT engine).
• Verify drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD) to determine if original AWD-specific brackets, oil pan, or intermediate shaft mounts must be transferred.
• Visually confirm the current engine is a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine matching the listing photos.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Nissan Consult III+ (or equivalent high-end professional bi-directional scan tool)
• Vacuum Coolant Refiller
• Engine hoist and load leveler
• Fuel line disconnect tools
• Precision torque wrench and angle gauge

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Engine Oil: 0W-20 SP (or SN) certified motor oil (capacity: 5.0 to 5.4 quarts / 4.7 to 5.1 liters)
• Oil Filter: New OEM-spec spin-on oil filter
• Engine Coolant: Nissan Genuine Engine Coolant L255N (blue pre-diluted coolant, capacity: 8.6 quarts / 8.15 liters)
• Spark Plugs: OEM NGK ILMAR8G8GS laser-iridium plugs
• Gaskets & Seals: Turbocharger-to-manifold gasket, turbocharger oil feed/return line copper crush washers, intake manifold gasket, oil pan gasket, valve cover gaskets, crankshaft seals
• Fasteners: Torque-to-yield (TTY) bolts (such as flywheel/flexplate bolts)
• New drain plug gasket

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: VCR Actuator Learning, ECM Software Update (Recall Flash), and Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn

The VCR actuator motor must be calibrated to the ECM to prevent limp home mode. The ECM must also be flashed with the latest recall software updates (Recalls 25V437 and 26V080) to prevent bearing failure. A Nissan Consult III+ or advanced professional scan tool with active Nissan software subscriptions is required.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• The Turbocharger Contamination Trap: If the original engine suffered bearing failure, metal shavings are trapped in the turbocharger oil passages. Reusing it without flushing or replacing will destroy the new engine's bearings.
• VCR Actuator Alignment: Do not manually rotate or tamper with the Variable Compression Ratio actuator motor arm on the side of the block before installation.
• Plastic Oil Pan Fragility: The oil pan is composite plastic with a metal drain plug insert that easily loosens or cracks if over-torqued. Tighten precisely to 25 ft-lbs (33.5 N-m) and do not use the pan as a lift point.
• Coolant Air Pockets: The engine is notorious for trapping air. You must use a vacuum-assist coolant refiller to prevent localized overheating and warped cylinder heads.
• VVT Solenoids: The three VVT solenoids can be difficult to access and the bolts are extremely tight from the factory. Handle carefully.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Reusing a contaminated oil cooler or turbocharger from a blown engine, which introduces metal debris into the replacement engine.
• Ordering for a US-built Rogue (VIN starting with 1, 4, or 5) instead of a Japan-built Rogue (VIN starting with J), leading to mismatched brackets, wiring harness routing, and sensor plugs.
• Skipping the post-install oil flush after the first 50 to 100 miles of operation.
• Neglecting the recommended 3,750 to 4,000-mile oil change interval.
• Ignoring the safety recalls and failing to update the ECM software, which can cause the replacement engine to suffer the same bearing failure.
• Over-torquing the plastic oil pan drain plug and cracking the pan.
• Skipping the mandatory ECM reprogram/relearn, assuming the engine is plug-and-play.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: