Common Nissan Rogue Problems

Nissan has faced, well, let’s just call it adversity in recent years. Thanks to poor sales and a former boss getting arrested and then fleeing Japan in a music equipment case with air holes, the company has floundered. One of the stark contrasts to the company’s downturn, though, has been the success of the Rogue compact crossover. 

The Rogue, which enters an all-new generation for 2021, has been and continues to be, one of Nissan’s best-sellers. Hundreds of thousands of Rogues have been sold and will continue to be sold into the near future. Sales success, however, doesn’t always mean reliability success, and the Rogue has its share of reliability issues. 

To better educate prospective customers, The Drive’s crack informational team has put together this guide of what issues, problems, and concerns you should be aware of before you buy a new or used Rogue.

Extraction specialists at the ready? Just kidding.

How Reliable Is the Nissan Rogue?

Although Nissan’s reliability reputation isn’t as good as Toyota’s, Honda’s, or Hyundai’s, the Japanese brand’s reliability is in good standing with most consumers. 

As with any machine, you need to properly maintain your Rogue or find a used example that was well-maintained by its previous owner. Issues can pop up, including those that would be both catastrophic to your car and your bank account. Let’s look at some of the most common issues that Nissan Rogue owners have faced throughout the years.  

Nissan Rogue: A Look At Common Problems

Here are some of the Nissan Rogue’s most common problems.

CVT Failure

A common customer complaint stems from the Rogue’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). As a result of a design failure, Nissan was forced to increase its initial drivetrain warranty on early CVT-equipped Rogues from 5-year/60,000-miles to 10-year/120,000-miles. 

Customer Complaint

Transmission issues are common for Rogue customers, including one that reported this tale. “Wife drove vehicle to doctors appointment, upon return had a hard jolt and seen rpms raise. When I came home she told me about it. I drove the vehicle to store (7 miles one way). One hard jolt when going up a hill at 50 mph and seen rpms go from 2100 to 3500. Continued on with no problem. When returning home on same hill, hard jolt, rpm raised again. Kept accelerator in same position, rpms came down. It started pulling hill, once again hard jolt rpms raised and check engine light came on. Towed vehicle to dealer, dropped off, by 11:00 a,m, as requested by dealership. Diagnosed as transmission failure, need rebuild.”

Common Repair Cost

Depending on what model year, and if you’re still under warranty, your transmission rebuild or replacement could cost upwards of $4,500. 

Suspension Noise

According to multiple NHTSA complaints, Rogue owners have experienced popping, shuddering, or other abnormal noises emanating from the crossover’s suspension. 

Customer Complaint

One complaint reads, “The 2016 Rogue sl AWD makes a popping noise when making sharper turns in either direction such as when pulling into or out of parking spaces. It also does it when backing out and cutting the wheel. The car is low mileage and should not have this type of issue.”

Common Repair Cost

The reason behind the noise is due to the suspension’s strut bearing assembly, which many customers reportedly had replaced at the dealership. Nissan quotes between $520 to $1,200 depending on which part of the strut assembly needs to be replaced or repaired. 

The 2013 Nissan Rogue

The 2013 Nissan Rogue deserves it’s own heading due to numerous issues associated with this model year. Customers have complained about transmission failures, body/paint issues, engine acceleration problems, and electrical issues. 

Customer Complaint

One customer complaint regarding the transmission failure read, “I bought this car in March 2016, in October of 2016 the transmission went out. Luckily it was under warranty so with a price tag of $4500 I only had to pay $450. It was given a warranty of 12 months or 12,000 miles. Now almost 3 years later the transmission went out in it again however this time it isn't under warranty. How can a 6-year-old car already be going on its third transmission? I have had to spend so much money fixing this car it has been ridiculous.”

Common Repair Cost

Depending on which issue your 2013 Nissan Rogue has, repairs could cost $100 to $4,500

FAQs About the Nissan Rogue

Is a Nissan Rogue a Good Car?

It absolutely can be. Nissan has been making good, cheap cars for ages and the last two generations of Nissan Rogue have been good. There are issues, as described above. However, it all depends on how you, or the last owner, maintains the Rogue. If you treat it right, it’ll be a great car. If you don’t, well, you’re out of luck and we aren’t picking you up from the side of the road.

How Long Do Nissan Rogues Last?

As with most modern cars, the Nissan Rogue is designed to last longer than 200,000 miles if maintained properly. Some owners have even kept their Rogues going for more than 200,000 miles by following the service schedule to a T.

Are Nissan Rogues Expensive to Repair?

They aren’t. The average annual repair for a Nissan Rogue out of warranty is $467, according to RepairPal. That’s marketably lower than other crossover SUVs in the Rogue’s class.

Should I Buy, Rent, or Lease a Nissan Rogue?

If it meets your needs, you like the exterior and interior styling, as well as have had it inspected by a certified mechanic (if you’re buying used), you can be confident in your purchase, rental, or lease of a Rogue. 

More Information

The Drive has put together a few more resources you can use to educate yourself about the Nissan Rogue. Check them out below:

RepairPal: Nissan Rogue Reliability

Autoguide: Common Nissan Rogue Problems to Look Out For

Motorbiscuit: Never Buy a Nissan Rogue From This Year