Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
SUV · Gas · 17 versions · owner report
Ranked #2 of 26 compact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
Combined, EPA 2026
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain.
5 problems reported (2 very frequent, 1 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Complete transmission failure, whining noises, judder, and high replacement costs. Cited as a widespread, well-known industry issue.
Persistent anxiety about long-term durability, even for newer models. Requires strict, frequent fluid service intervals.
Concerns about the long-term viability of the complex, turbocharged three-cylinder engine with variable compression. Fear of costly engine replacement.
Isolated report of brand-new all-season tires wearing to 30-40% tread in under 20,000 km (12,500 miles), with dealer service blamed.
Isolated mentions of bizarre electrical problems leading to other system failures, and poor dealer service regarding warranty claims.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best version." Discussion indicates the current generation (2022+) is preferred for its redesigned interior and updated features over older models. There is no specific trim level repeatedly endorsed; focus remains almost entirely on powertrain generation.
Owners compare it most often with the Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5.
Is the Rogue right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain. For models from approximately 2011-2020 equipped with the 2.5L four-cylinder and traditional CVT, sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by widespread and severe concerns over CVT transmission reliability, which is described as a notorious, well-known failure point. Long-term owners of these generations report transmissions failing between 67,000 and 130,000 miles, with associated high repair costs and dealer warranty disputes. For the current generation (2022+), which introduced a new 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged VC-Turbo engine and updated CVT, sentiment is mixed but more nuanced. Newer owners praise the vehicle's comfortable, refined interior, smooth ride, and modern features, with some expressing strong satisfaction. However, significant apprehension persists regarding the long-term reliability of the new, complex engine and the CVT's reputation, despite manufacturer claims of improvements. The consensus indicates the Rogue can be a comfortable and feature-rich choice, but potential buyers are universally advised to proceed with caution due to powertrain risk.
Positioned as a comfortable, well-equipped, and often discounted compact crossover. It is frequently compared unfavorably to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester in terms of perceived long-term reliability, resale value, and, for Subaru, all-weather/light off-road capability. The Rogue is acknowledged to offer a more comfortable and appealing interior/ride than some rivals at its price point, but this is counterbalanced by deep-seated concerns over powertrain durability. It is seen as a value-oriented alternative to premium options like the Audi Q3, but without the associated brand cachet or expected build quality.
For older generations (pre-2022), an extended warranty is strongly recommended if purchasing used. For any generation with a CVT, meticulous and frequent transmission fluid changes are cited as critical: specifically every 30,000-40,000 miles (or 48,000-64,000 km) using high-quality fluid. For the current generation, AWD is noted as capable for winter conditions. There is a specific warning to verify the manufacturing date and check for open recalls, particularly for 2022-early 2023 models which had a known engine bearing issue.
Suitable for buyers who prioritize interior comfort, features, and upfront value over long-term reliability confidence and strong resale value. Not recommended for buyers who plan to keep the vehicle beyond 100,000 miles without a comprehensive warranty. Essential to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection for used models, with specific focus on CVT health. For new models, research model year-specific recalls (especially for 2022-2023) and consider an extended warranty. Aggressively negotiate price, as high dealer inventory and diminished reputation can lead to significant discounts. Test drive competing vehicles from Honda, Toyota, and Subaru to compare.
The Rogue's owner experience is almost entirely defined by its powertrain history. The reputation of the pre-2022 CVT is so severe it negatively impacts perception of all Nissan vehicles. For the current generation, Nissan made significant changes, including a new engine and updates to the CVT (such as a sturdier chain). Owner discussions indicate the 2022 and early 2023 model year had a confirmed batch of engines with bad bearings, which Nissan addressed in later production (2025-2026). However, the fundamental concern about the complexity of the 1.5L VC-Turbo engine remains a major point of debate. Resale value is consistently noted as poor compared to key Japanese competitors. Analysis based on owner discussions spanning models from 2011 to 2026.
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Nissan Rogue years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2025 | 190 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2024 | 212 | 4 | engine |
| 2023 | 733 | 6 | engine |
| 2022 | 265 | 6 | engine |
| 2021 | 290 | 10 | unknown or other |
| 2020 | 152 | 1 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2019 | 336 | 3 | service brakes |
| 2018 | 609 | 3 | service brakes |
| 2017 | 599 | 5 | unknown or other |
| 2016 | 541 | 7 | power train |
| 2015 | 1,072 | 9 | power train |
| 2014 | 862 | 10 | power train |
| 2013 | 610 | 1 | power train |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2026 · tires:temporary/emergency spare tirecampaign 25V912000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Rogue vehicles. The incorrect-size spare tire may have been installed, which does not match the tire size and inflation pressure information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2026 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 26V419000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Rogue vehicles. The instrument panel may not display the transmission gear selection indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
2025 · back over preventioncampaign 24V748000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Rogue and 2025 INFINITI QX80 vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2025 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 26V080000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. Increased temperatures can break down the engine oil, which may cause the engine bearings to seize and become damaged, leading to engine failure.
2025 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:throttlebody/manifoldcampaign 26V081000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The gears in the electronic throttle body assembly may break.
2024 · back over preventioncampaign 24V748000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Rogue and 2025 INFINITI QX80 vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V437000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 26V080000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. Increased temperatures can break down the engine oil, which may cause the engine bearings to seize and become damaged, leading to engine failure.
2024 · fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:throttlebody/manifoldcampaign 26V081000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The gears in the electronic throttle body assembly may break.
2023 · seats:critical fastenerscampaign 23V268000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The driver's powered seat may not be fully secured to the seat frame, causing the seat frame welds to detach from the rear inboard seat bracket.
2023 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 23V374000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The fastener in the rear seat belt anchor attachment points may not have been tightened properly and can loosen over time.
2023 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V154000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
2023 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 24V156000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Rogue vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may have been incorrectly manufactured, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies," and 210 "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V437000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 26V080000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Rogue vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. Increased temperatures can break down the engine oil, which may cause the engine bearings to seize and become damaged, leading to engine failure.
69 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Enthusiast code: T34
1.5T e-POWER Hybrid
Hybrid · 225 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2026