Nissan Rogue Sport
SUV · Gas · 4 versions · owner report
Ranked #9 of 29 used compact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
Combined, EPA 2022
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, dominated by significant and recurrent concerns over powertrain reliability.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCVT transmission failure
Complete failure requiring replacement or overhaul, often around 100,000 miles; includes reports of whining, sluggish acceleration, and delayed throttle response from a stop.
- Very frequentEngine reliability issues / recall
Catastrophic engine failure related to faulty bearings in the 2.5L and VC-Turbo 1.5L 3-cylinder engines, leading to a major safety recall (NHTSA 25V-437); owners report sudden loss of power, unsafe highway conditions, and ongoing concerns despite recall repairs.
- RecurrentSevere fuel economy degradation
Real-world MPG significantly below EPA estimates; reports of 12-19 MPG in city driving and only 22-23 MPG on combined highway/city trips against ratings of 25 city/32 highway.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRadiator cooling fan failure
Premature failure of the radiator coolant fan, leading to A/C failure and engine overheating; noted as a common issue on 2017-2020 models with low mileage, sometimes requiring repairs over $1,000.
- RecurrentPoor engine performance
Sluggish acceleration, rough idling with excessive vibration (noted on 3-cylinder engines), and hesitation when starting from a stop.
- RecurrentMiscellaneous mechanical and electrical problems
Includes repeated start issues, mass airflow sensor and throttle chamber failures, oil consumption, and various interior component failures (e.g., lock actuators, HVAC systems).
The version owners recommend
SL Trim: The highest trim level is specifically noted for including the 360-degree surround-view camera system, which multiple owners cite as a critical, relied-upon feature, especially for urban driving. It also includes other premium amenities like a panoramic moonroof, leather interior, and advanced driver aids. The consensus indicates that if one were to purchase this model, getting the fully-loaded SL trim maximizes the feature content that represents the vehicle's primary appeal.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Forester.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, dominated by significant and recurrent concerns over powertrain reliability. The vehicle is acknowledged for offering a comfortable, quiet, and smooth ride with a well-equipped interior, particularly in higher trims like the SL, which includes valued features such as the 360-degree camera. However, this is heavily overshadowed by very frequent reports of catastrophic CVT transmission failures, severe engine issues leading to a major recall, and other persistent mechanical problems like radiator fan failures. Owner satisfaction appears highly conditional on avoiding these major failures, with those experiencing problems reporting extreme frustration, safety concerns, and financial loss. The consensus suggests it is a vehicle with appealing surface-level attributes but fundamentally compromised by unreliable core components.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a value-oriented, feature-rich compact SUV but consistently ranked below key Japanese competitors due to reliability perceptions. It is noted for offering a quieter, smoother ride and more features for the money compared to a Toyota RAV4, which some owners found louder and less refined to drive. However, it is universally considered inferior to the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 in terms of long-term reliability, resale value, and overall build quality. The CVT transmission is a primary differentiator, with owners actively avoiding Nissan because of it while considering competitors. It is also compared to newer models like the Nissan Kicks, which some view as a more modern and better-value successor.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific recommended configurations beyond trim level. One owner mentioned performing transmission fluid drain-and-fill services every 30,000 miles instead of the recommended 60,000 miles to prolong CVT life, using Nissan NS-3 or equivalent fluid.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase by the majority of owner feedback due to pervasive reliability concerns. If considering, it is strongly advised to avoid models from the affected years (primarily 2017-2021) or to secure a comprehensive extended warranty that explicitly covers the CVT transmission and engine. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, with a specific focus on transmission health and checking for open recalls. For owners experiencing issues, reporting problems to the NHTSA is recommended. Budget-conscious buyers are directed toward more reliable competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Mazda CX-5, even at a higher initial cost, due to lower long-term ownership risk.
Remarks
The model years 2017-2021 appear to be the primary focus of owner discussions, with the "Rogue Sport" nameplate reportedly under consideration for discontinuation in the U.S. market as of 2019. The pervasive negative reputation is driven by two core, widespread problems: the historically unreliable JATCO CVT transmissions and the more recent, severe engine issues prompting a massive safety recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The recall remedy, as of late 2025, is reported to be only an ECM reprogramming rather than a physical engine replacement, which does not alleviate owner safety concerns. This combination of high-cost, high-frequency failures fundamentally undermines the vehicle's value proposition, regardless of its feature content or driving comfort. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and problem reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2022Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2021 | 35 | 3 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2020 | 58 | 1 | engine |
| 2019 | 100 | 2 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2018 | 94 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2017 | 74 | 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.
Recall notices10 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2022 · electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sendercampaign 23V093000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
2021 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 21V555000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, reducing the protection offered to an installed child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · structure:body:door:hinge and attachmentscampaign 21V525000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The liftgate hinges can separate from the vehicle during a rear end crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
2021 · electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sendercampaign 23V093000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
2020 · electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sendercampaign 23V093000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2019 · electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sendercampaign 23V093000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2018 · electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sendercampaign 23V093000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
2017 · electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sendercampaign 23V093000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
Specifications
2.0 Xtronic
2.0L 4-cylinder · 141 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2020–2026