Nissan Titan Class Action Alleges ‘Serious Defects’ Cause Engine Failure, Exhaust Leak

Nissan Titan Defective Fuel Tank Class Action Lawsuit Overview:

• Who: A Texas couple has filed a class action against Nissan North America Inc.
• Why: The couple says 2016-2019 Nissan Titan vehicles suffer from serious defects that have caused the engines to fail and exhaust fumes to be leaked into the passenger side of the trucks
• Where: The lawsuit was filed in Tennessee federal court. 

Nissan’s Titan vehicles have a “serious defect” that causes engine failure, as well as carcinogenic exhaust fumes to leak into the passenger side of the trucks, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiffs James Losapio Jr. and Kathleen B. Losapio filed the class action complaint against Nissan North America Inc. on Feb. 3 in a Tennessee federal court, alleging breach of warranty. 

According to the Texas couple, as many as tens of thousands of customers who purchased or leased model year 2016–19 Nissan Titan full-size diesel-powered pickup trucks should be liable for compensation. They allege that the Nissan Titan vehicles contain two “dangerous defects.” 

Firstly, the vehicles feature a diesel exhaust fluid filler tube located too close to the fuel filler tube. 

“The misplacement of the diesel exhaust fluid filler tube can be catastrophic for the vehicles because if diesel exhaust fluid contaminates the fuel system it can cause irreparable engine damage that necessitates thousands of dollars in repairs,” they say.

Secondly, the vehicles allegedly suffer from a defective exhaust system and HVAC system that allows diesel exhaust fumes to enter the passenger cabin of the vehicles, the lawsuit states.

The couple says that on numerous occasions they have experienced exhaust and diesel fuel fumes entering the passenger cabin. 

“According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration diesel exhaust is a mixture of particulates that can cause a variety of health issues from ‘irritation of the eyes and nose, headaches and nausea to respiratory disease and lung cancer,’” the lawsuit states.

Plaintiffs Say Fuel Tank Sensor Failed To Detect Presence Of Diesel Exhaust Fluid Until Permanent Damage Occurred

According to the lawsuit, the Losapios bought their Titan in 2017. They said, after driving their vehicle for less than 4 years and for fewer than 16,000 miles, their fuel system was contaminated with diesel exhaust fluid. 

They said their fuel tank sensor failed to detect the presence of the diesel exhaust fluid in the fuel tank until permanent damage had occurred. 

“As a result, due to the [Defect], Plaintiffs’ vehicle requires over $23,000 in repairs,” the lawsuit states.

The couple is suing for breach of warranty, unjust enrichment and violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. They are seeking damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

Last year, Nissan agreed to pay $277.7 million as part of a settlement resolving claims certain vehicles were equipped with a defective continuously variable transmission.

Do you have a Nissan? Let us know your experience in the comments! 

The plaintiffs are represented by J. Luke Sanderson of Wampler Carroll Wilson & Sanderson PC and Eugene Y. Turin and Steven R. Beckham of McGuire Law PC.

The Nissan Titan Fuel Tank Class Action Lawsuit is Losapio et al. v. Nissan North America Inc., Case No. 3:22-cv-00072, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Recall Check: Ford Recalls 200K Cars Due to Brake Light Issue, Rollaway Risk
• Mazda Brake Defect Class Action Lawsuit Investigation
• Acura Infotainment System Class Action Settlement
• Geico Escapes Some Claims in Excessive Premiums Class Action