Common Nissan Rogue Problems

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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.

What Makes a Reliable Brand?

Reliability depends on a host of variables, but the two biggest structural supports are the development and manufacturing of a vehicle. When auto manufacturers spend the time and money developing a car and its manufacturing line, a car tends to last longer. Hastily designed, poorly manufactured, and cheaply constructed materials will all reduce a car’s longevity and reliability.

There’s also a work ethic variable that cannot be ignored. Honda and Toyota’s cultures of reliability-over-all embody that ethic and have thus kept each’s legendary reliability in the minds of consumers for decades. Lexus spent 15 years creating the perfect paint, for goodness’ sake. Add longer-than-normal warranties and good customer service, and it’s easy to see why these Japanese companies have enjoyed their strong standings for so long.

Yet, once a car leaves the dealership lot, outside factors impact a car’s durability.

What Impacts a Car’s Reliability

Short answer, you. The longer answer is a car’s reliability and longevity are inextricably tied to how you take care of your vehicle, your maintenance schedule (if you have one), your conservative or brash driving habits, and whether or not you live in climates where extreme weather could affect the car’s construction.

Preemptive maintenance like regular oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotation, and fuel system cleaners, along with keeping the exterior and underside of your car clean, will all increase the life expectancy of your car. Keeping it out of the harsh desert or tropical sun, as well as away from the rust-inducing salted roadways of winter, will also extend its life.

And lastly, keeping the Mario Andretti driving antics to a minimum will keep your brakes, engine, tires, and chassis under-stressed and happy for far longer compared to hitting every trip to the grocery store like it’s the Indy 500.

Nissan Rogue Specs

Vehicle Type: Compact Crossover

Doors: 4

Engine options: 1.5 L KR15DDT I3-T, 2.5 L PR25DD I4

Total internal combustion range: 435 miles

Is the Nissan Rogue Reliable?

As detailed above, reliability is generally something that depends on the person, the car, and the situation, so we can’t make a definitive statement that the Rogue is reliable or unreliable. 

To better assess its reliability, however, we’ve assembled several data points from numerous sources to present you with as much information as possible. Let’s start with common problems, as told by comments listed in the Rogue’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) archives.

The Nissan Rogue NHTSA History

As collected by the NHTSA, these are the Nissan Rogue’s issues throughout the years.

2021

Recall: Incorrect Wheel Nuts May Cause Wheel Separation, Fuel Hose May Disconnect From Fuel Tank

Complaints: 5

2020

Recall: NA

Complaints: 35

2019

Recall: No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111

Complaints: 160

2018

Recall: No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111

Complaints: 393

2017

Recall: Insufficient Seat Frame Weld/FMVSS 207/210, Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error

Complaints: 275

2016

Recall: Insufficient Seat Frame Weld/FMVSS 207/210, Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error, Front Passenger Seat Welds/FMVSS 202/207, Air Bag May Not Deploy Due to Software Issue, Rear Lift Gate may Fall if Lift Gate Stays Corrode

Complaints: 214

2015

Recall: Shift Selector may Move from Park/ FMVSS 114, Doors May Not Fully Latch/FMVSS 206, Incorrect Wheel and Tire Size on Labels/FMVSS 110, Front Hub Assembly Bolts May Loosen and Fall Off, Insufficient Seat Frame Weld/FMVSS 207/210, Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error, Front Passenger Seat Welds/FMVSS 202/207, 

Complaints: 288

Common Nissan Rogue Problems and Repair Costs

As with other car brands, not all of Rogue models are built to the same exacting standards as the reliable vehicles mentioned above. Here’s a quick rundown of problematic Rogue offerings, including the issues, customer complaints, and repair costs that will help you make the best decision when purchasing your next car.

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.

JD Power Consumer Reliability Score

According to JD Power, this score, “Measures the level of defects, malfunctions and design flaws experienced by vehicle owners. Covers the entire vehicle from engine to infotainment system. A higher rating means fewer problems.”

2021: 82/100

2020: 82/100

2019: 83/100

2018: 82/100

2017: 84/100

2016: 80/100

2015: 82/100

2014: 78/100

2013: 79/100

2012: 81/100

FAQs About the Nissan Rogue

You’ve got questions, The Drive has answers!

Q: Is a Nissan Rogue a Good Car?

A: 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.

Q: How Long Do Nissan Rogues Last?

A: 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.

Q: Are Nissan Rogues Expensive to Repair?

A: 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.

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

A: 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