Nissan Rogue typically are reliable cars. However, they did have their fair share of problems throughout the years.
In this article, we wrote extensively about all the common problems you´ll run into with a Nissan Rogue. Today, we´ll look specifically at the liftgate problems. Here is a quick summary:
Nissan Rogue have had several problems with the liftgate including: weak liftgate hinges (2021 Rogue Sport), faulty liftgate control module not allowing the liftgate to open (2018 – 2020), and liftgate support corrosion creating a situation in which the supports may suddenly break (2014 – 2016).
However, that certainly doesn´t tell us everything about the liftgate 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!
1. Separating Liftgate Hinges
Certain 2021 Rogue Sport manufactured between March 19 and April 29 2021 were recalled because the liftgate hinges were too weak. In total, this recall involved 13,200 vehicles.
During the shaft molding process, the movable mold was out of position, which means the shaft got pressed excessively and was, therefore, missing the strength needed to open the liftgate. Furthermore, in the event of a crash, the liftgate hinges may separate which is against safety regulations.
The solution involved having dealers replace the left and right liftgate hinges free of charge.
2. Liftgate Won´t Open Or Close
2018 – 2020 Nissan Rogue had a technical service bulletin issued in July 2020 because of problems with the liftgate not opening. Specifically, vehicles that were equipped with ¨Kick Motion Activated Liftgates´ had problems. The liftgate wouldn´t open or close when requested in the following ways:
- With the Intelligent Key.
- With the back door request switch, located on the back door.
- With the automatic back door switch, located on the instrument lower panel.
Furthermore, dealers also found that trouble code B2409 was stored in the computer of the system when this was scanned with an OBDII-scanner.
The solution to this problem was removing the back door control module and replacing it with a new one.
3. Liftgate Support Corrosion
2014 – 2016 model years of the Nissan Rogue were recalled in May 2016 because Nissan found that the rear liftgate supports were prone to corroding. This was because the anti-corrosion treatment they had received was insufficient.
According to Nissan, this could cause a sudden release of pressure, causing the supports to break and increasing the risk of injury with the liftgate falling on somebody. Incidents like that haven´t been recorded; nevertheless, Nissan took a healthy precaution.
The rear liftgate stays were replaced, but according to the documentation, this was quite a labor-intensive procedure. Therefore, don´t attempt to do this yourself and let a certified mechanic handle this.
What If These Don´t Work?
Now, if these recalls and service bulletins don´t apply to your Rogue, or if they didn´t fix the issue, there are other solutions you can try.
- In some models, there´s a switch near the left knee on the driver’s side. This switch allows you to turn the liftgate off. You could accidentally turn this switch on, so check this first.
- Another solution is that there´s a temporary glitch in the electrical system. Resetting the fuses is a good try. To do this, remove the left panel on the left side of the dashboard. You´ll see the fuse box, and you´ll also see a white ´block´. Pull this block out and start the car; you´ve now activated shipping mode (Check 1:08 in the video below to see how this is done). Put the block back and try the liftgate again.
- If none of this has worked, resetting the battery can be a good try. To do this, simply disconnect your battery (be careful and do it in the right order). Wait for 30 seconds and reconnect.
- If none of this has worked, replacing the liftgate control module is the only solution left. You´ll need to go to a mechanic to have this done. Expect to pay between $350 – $450, including labor.
The video below explains these steps in more detail and more visually.
Closing Thoughts
The Nissan Rogue, while generally a reliable car, has had its share of liftgate problems over the years. It’s essential to be aware of these common problems so that you can address them promptly if they occur.
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.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!