What are the common problems that Nissan Rogue users have to face? We have compiled all the frequent problems that Nissan Rogue owners usually have to put up with. Before we dive into the details, here is a quick answer for you.
Nissan Rogue have had severe acceleration problems in the 2008 – 2015 models due to the fail-safe system in the CVT transmission. Furthermore, 2014 – 2021 Rogue have had problems with malfunctioning climate controls as well as unexpected emergency braking in models from 2017 onwards.
Now you know the crux of the matter, it’s time to get into the details. We have tried to answer all the questions you might have about the frequent problems in Nissan Altima. We have thoroughly scoured scores of sources and have compiled a list of common car complaints associated with Nissan Rogue. Let’s dive right in.
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1. Loss of Acceleration
The most common complaint about the Nissan Rogue is spontaneous acceleration loss. Drivers explain that the car stops accelerating despite how much they push the gas paddle.
This loss of acceleration was most common in the 2013 model but was also seen in the 2008 – 2013 and 2011-2015 models. Some users complained that the car would not accelerate, while others only faced this problem when climbing uphill.
Most commonly, these problems were caused by a faulty CVT transmission, which is prone to failure and can cause this power loss. Nissan did confirm this in a service bulletin in which they stated it was the CVT fail-safe kicking in.
These problems typically occurred when driving uphill, fast (65mph or higher), or in high ambient temperatures (96 degrees or higher).
Nissan did issue a technical service bulletin and a warranty extension from 60,000 miles to 120,000 miles (for 2003 – 2010 models) and from 60,000 to 84,000 miles (2014 – 2018 models). However, a recall wasn´t issued for these model years.
2. Liftgate Problems
Nissan Rogue have had their fair share of liftgate problems over the years, as has the Nissan Murano. The 2021 Rogue sport had a recall because of potentially separating liftgate hinges; these were pressed too hard during manufacturing. The 2018 – 2020 Rogue had an electrical issue in which the liftgate wouldn´t open, which often required the replacement of the backdoor control module (BCM).
Finally, the 2014 – 2016 Rogue had to deal with corrosion of the liftgate supports, which hadn´t had a proper anti-corrosion treatment. The rear liftgate supports were replaced under the recall.
3. Climate Control Problems
Nissan Rogue, unfortunately, has a troubled past when it comes to the climate control; click that link for an extended article about these problems. Users complained about several things:
- The system is not responding to the temperature settings
- Only very hot or very cold air
- Temperature differences between the driver and passenger side when the systems should sync
- Air not blowing out of the vents at all
In many cases, these problems are related to the 2014 – 2021 model years, which all seem to have climate control problems in one shape or another. Often, the solution was cleaning the cowl top cover because debris was stuck near the HVAC intake. In situations where the settings didn´t match the temperature coming out of the vent, replacing the front air control unit was sometimes a solution.
4. Door Lock Failures
Nissan Rogue have had door lock problems caused by malfunctioning Intelligent Keys or faulty door latches. 2016 – 2019 Rogue had problems with the Intelligent Key, whereas the manual switches still worked. This was due to the desynchronization of the Intelligent Key with the vehicle.
2007 – 2012 and 2014 model years had similar problems, also caused by the Intelligent Key. However, in most of these cases, this was due to the scratching of the battery, which disrupted the flow of electricity to the internals of the key. See the image below.
Furthermore, 2014 – 2016 had a technical service bulletin because of failing door lock hatches. These hatches would fail in freezing temperatures but would continue to function once the car was warmed up. Replacement of the door lock assembly was the only option here.
5. Faulty Brakes
Faulty brakes in any car can be a serious hazard. Nissan Rogue 2017-2018 models found themselves mired in multiple class action lawsuits because of the flawed Automated Emergency Brake system.
The aberrant brake problem is all the more common in 5th-generation Nissan Rogue models.
The users complain that the car would immediately apply brakes without any requirement to do so. This feature is supposed to become active if the car senses an imminent crash or an emergency.
In case of malfunctioning, this protective feature can cause the car to skid uncontrollably or stop abruptly, with cars coming from behind ramming into the back of your car.
The recall involved reprogramming the Advanced Driver Assist System, whereas the Automatic Emergency Brake system also needed to be updated. However, complaints have still been reported in the 2019 – 2021 models.
Furthermore, it´s good to know the Nissan Rogue has also had multiple other brake-related problems. Click that link to read more about that in another article.
6. Passenger Air Bag Problems
Passenger side airbags come with a system called Occupant Classification System. OCS is instrumental in recognizing if the passenger seat is occupied or not, and then it deploys the airbag accordingly in case of a crash.
Unfortunately, the 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue models frequently struggled with airbag problems. This is primarily due to a faulty OCS in these cars.
Nissan had to recall millions of cars because of this problem which affected other Nissan cars besides Rogue, as well. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V244000.
7. Body Paint Problems
Users have complained that, even with normal usage, their Nissan Rogue has been prone to frequent paint fading. Users living in Southern states have been affected more by this problem as the stronger sunlight in these areas can easily damage the paint job on the car.
Nissan Rogue users have also complained of the clear coat peeling frequently. This problem was more pronounced in the 2011-2013 model, but Nissan has improved the paint job in the subsequent models.
Unfortunately, paint fading and clear coat peeling are not easy to fix, and the only proper solution is to get a new paint job. The good news is that most dealerships cover the paint issues in the extended warranty, and you should be golden if your car has the warranty intact. Otherwise, a paint job can cost between $1000-$1500.
8. Faulty Fuel Gauge Reading
Nissan Rogue models produced between 2008-2018 commonly had fuel gauge issues. The gauge gives erroneous readings, with users complaining that the car stops in the middle of the road, despite the meter showing a ‘full tank’.
The gauge can also give a false reading on the mileage leaving many users perplexed.
Car mechanics think the Fuel Level Sending Unit in these Rogue models has been faulty, leading to inaccurate readings. This issue is somewhat easier to fix since the straightforward solution is to replace the defective part. This can cost anywhere from $200-$400, excluding the cost of labor.
9. Electrical Problems
If you are in the market for a Nissan Rogue, you must watch out for electrical issues, like problems with the headlight or power windows. The 2014-2016 models frequently had this issue, and the basic problem was the corrosion of the electrical connector for the under-dash harness.
The users complained that they would see battery warning signs or other electrical issues like the inability to move the automatic seats forward or back.
Worried users who faced this issue first tried to get the battery replaced, but that did not solve the issue. Fortunately, Nissan issued a recall for this problem, and you can quickly get it fixed from the nearby dealership absolutely free of cost.
10. Sensor Problems
Especially the 2018 – 2019 Nissan Rogue had a couple of problems with the sensors of the vehicle. These models were first recalled for a problem with the air/fuel ratio sensor, which caused a persistent check engine light to be on. Luckily, this only involved the reprogramming of the ECM.
The 2018 model years were also recalled because of a manufacturing defect of the cylinder head, which caused problems with the spark plugs, which in turn meant that a large part of the exhaust system (including the air/fuel ratio sensor and the oxygen sensor) needed to be replaced because they were now malfunctioning.
However, overall these sensors weren´t a significant problem, and in general, oxygen and air/fuel ratio sensor problems are fixed relatively easily by keeping up with the maintenance schedule or cleaning the sensors.
11. Squeaky Steering Wheel
Nissan Rogue, especially the 2019 model, can make squeaky noise as you turn the steering wheel abruptly. Although it might not sound like a big deal, when you spend tens of thousands of dollars on a car, such problems make the driving experience subpar.
Although this squeaky steering wheel problem is more noticeable in cars with tens of thousands of miles on them, the newer ones are also not immune to it.
The lubricant that makes the steering wheel turn smoothly can be of low quality, and replacing it is not difficult. You can get any commercially available lubricant and DIY it!
What’s the Worst Year of Nissan Rogue
You must have come across the Nissan Rogue if you are out in the market looking for a reliable crossover SUV. This compact crossover is known for its fuel efficiency, comfort, and suave form factor. However, the Nissan Rogue also has its due share of problems. If we were to name one model as the worst of all, we would say the 2013 model Nissan Rogue is the worst.
We have perfectly justified reasons to crown the 2013 model with this title. The transmission problems and CVT failure were present in quite a several models from 2013, although this has plagued Nissans between 2008 – 2018 for a long time.
This is one of those problems that are not easy to fix. They are costly, sometimes costing you up to 30% of your car’s price. They are also notorious for breaking down repeatedly. The frequent air conditioning failure in the 2013 model is the last nail in the coffin.
If you are looking for a good Nissan Rogue, we suggest getting your hands on one of the newer models, preferably from 2019 onwards. Nissan has learned from the past generation’s mistakes and has made many improvements in these more recent models. However, climate control problems and emergency braking are still serious issues.
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.