Today, we´ll look specifically at the numerous oxygen and air/fuel sensor problems in the Nissan Rogue. Here is a quick summary:
The 2018 – 2019 Nissan Rogue were recalled because of a check engine light that went combined with air/fuel-ratio sensor trouble codes. Also, the 2018 Rogue had a faulty cylinder head which caused spark plug to malfunction and required the replacement of the oxygen and air/fuel ratio sensor.
However, that certainly doesn´t tell us everything about the oxygen or air/fuel sensor problems on a Nissan Rogue. Below, we´ll give you a detailed look at the potential issues, what caused them and how you can fix them. Read on!
Symptoms Of A Failing O2 And Air/Fuel-Ratio Sensor
Before jumping into the problems that the Nissan Rogue can have with the oxygen or air/fuel ratio sensor, you must know what symptoms you can expect with these sensors. These are typically as follows:
- Check engine lights are prevalent symptoms of the failure of these sensors.
- Problems with the burning of fuel or fuel economy. Think of decreased MPG, rough idle or engine stalling, and poor performance overall.
- Potentially failed emission tests.
- Catalytic converter failure if symptoms aren´t handled properly because of a faulty fuel mix.
If you experience any of these symptoms, the following problems are probably what´s causing it in the Nissan Rogue.
Problems With The Sensors
Overall, the Nissan Rogue hasn´t had many problems with the oxygen and/or air/fuel ratio sensors. However, these sensors are known for failing from time to time, so even a vehicle that doesn´t have an official recall can experience these problems. We´ll start with two official points and finally, also discuss other potential issues.
1. Check Engine Lights With A/F Sensor Fault Codes
In December 2019, Nissan issued a service bulletin for all versions of the 2018 – 2019 Rogue (including the hybrids) due to a persistent problem with an illuminated check engine light. Using an OBDII scanner, technicians found a bunch of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) regarding the A/F sensor.
This check engine light and the problem with the A/F sensor didn´t affect the car’s driveability, but they were annoying. The solution was simple and involved reprogramming the ECM software, which did fix the problem for most owners.
2. Emission Recall
Nissan also issued an emission-related recall for the 2018 Rogue shortly after each other. The first recall, issued in March 2020, was due to what seemed to be a manufacturing fault in the cylinder head. In turn, this would mess up the functioning of the spark plugs. Bad spark plugs can confuse your vehicle’s internal computer, causing O2 sensor trouble codes.

If the spark plugs were faulty or suffered, the long engine assembly, exhaust manifold, and three-way catalyst, air/fuel ratio sensor, and oxygen sensor would all be replaced.
3. Other Potential Problems Causing Sensor Failure
Besides the official service bulletins and recalls, other potential problems can cause an oxygen sensor to go bad. The first one will be that the oxygen sensor has become contaminated. This is because an oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust system because it needs to measure the amount of oxygen being discarded into the atmosphere to know if the air/fuel ratio is correct.
However, this means an oxygen sensor becomes contaminated with combustion byproducts like sulfur, lead, and fuel additives. Over time, the sensor can´t work correctly anymore because of this contamination.
The primary way you can prevent problems with your O2 sensor is by following the maintenance schedule of the Rogue. Specifically the replacement of the air filter (responsible for filtering the air intake) and the spark plugs (responsible for giving the spark at the right time to combust the fuel).
If you experience problems with the oxygen sensor, cleaning it first can be a cheap way to see if you can fix your problems. You also want to ask your dealership when the last time the sensor was cleaned and the larger Nissan dealerships will likely just handle it for you.
Watch the video below to find out more.
Closing Thoughts
While the Nissan Rogue is known as a generally reliable, you may come across certain issues with its oxygen sensor and it’s one of the common problems across Nissan Rogue generations. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure your safety and your vehicle’s security and functionality.
If you are facing any oxygen sensor issues with your Nissan Rogue, you may also want to know about other possible issues you may come across, like issues with door locks and climate control problems as well as transmission, and liftgate.
Here you can learn not only about the issues you may face with your Nissan Rogue but the type of fuel suits this vehicle best.
Remember, staying proactive and addressing any issues as soon as they arise will help ensure the longevity and safety of your Nissan Rogue. Happy driving!
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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