Recalls were issued for the 2011 Nissan Rogue over issues with loss of power steering and electrical shorts. However, an overheating CVT is the compact SUV’s most common problem, and its most serious issue is a faulty airbag sensor.
Key Points
- Some affected 2011 Nissan Rogues faced a problem with the water infiltration system in the driver’s side footboards due to a mixture of snow/water and salt seeping through the carpet and leading to electrical shorts once the moisture reached the wiring harness connector.
- Acceleration loss is reportedly a common problem with the 2011 Rogue. The problem stems from a lack of adequate cooling for the CVT and is fixed by replacing the fluid cooler and installing a transmission oil cooler.
- A faulty passenger airbag sensor has led to a concerning issue for 2011 Rogue owners. Although you can reset the code, the problem is likely to return and render the passenger airbag inoperative. The lone permanent fix is quite expensive at over $2,000.
- A recall over the electric power steering unit in some 2011 Rogues affects only 7,365 vehicles. The problem is relatively minor and can be remedied free of charge.
2011 Rogue’s Two Recalls Address Power Steering Assist Failure, and Electrical Short that Can Cause a Vehicle Fire
The 2011 Nissan Rogue currently has two relatively minor recalls on the books with the NHTSA. Nissan issued one recall due to affected vehicles potentially experiencing an electrical short in the harness connector due to a mixture of snow/water and salt seeping through the carpet on the driver side floor near the harness connector. The damage to the wiring harness connector accounts for various electrical issues in the 2011 Rogue. The recall adds a waterproof connector to all vehicles, but total harness replacement is only available in specific “salt states.”
The second recall for the 2011 Rogue concerns the electric power steering (EPS) assist control unit on certain vehicles. Approximately 7,365 units were affected, and the problem arises from an improperly installed EPS circuit board may create additional stress on the solder, leading to breakage and EPS failure.
Common Consumer Complaints Reveal Potential Loss of Acceleration Power Due to an Overheating CVT
An extensive problem for the 2011 Nissan Rogue is its acceleration loss. The NHTSA site and several enthusiast forums offer numerous reports of drivers who experienced a total loss of acceleration power while driving. It took Nissan a while to diagnose the problem, but the issue is believed to be due to an overheating transmission. Thankfully, a service bulletin from 2016 provides a fix.
The CVT utilized by the 2011 Rogue had a defect where it could easily overheat, and the CVT would go into failsafe mode. This is simply one in a long list of CVT troubles for Nissan since the turn of the century. Dealerships will repair the issue by installing an oil cooler and replacing the CVT fluid cooler. Nissan says the issues typically arise from vehicles driving in certain conditions, including:
- High speed or high rpm driving for extended periods
- Ambient driving temperatures of 96ºF or more
- Steep hill climbs over six miles
Nissan’s fix appears to have done the trick. Although, it’s worth noting Nissan did not extend warranties for 2011 Rogue owners with a CVT problem. Over 10 years out from release, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be paying out-of-pocket should an overheating CVT problem arise.
Faulty Airbag Occupant Sensor Presents Dangerous Situation
Another reported issue with the 2011 Rogue concerns a faulty passenger airbag sensor. Drivers have reported their 2011 Rogues displaying a passenger airbag warning light indicating the airbag is off even when passengers are seated.
Unfortunately for owners, Nissan did not offer a recall fix or warranty extension to cover the issue. Some complaints state the problem surfaced at around 90,000 miles, well past the original factory warranty. Others report dealers providing a quote of $2,000 to $3,000 to fix the issue, due to the entire passenger seat requiring replacement. Some owners have opted to simply clear the code, only to find the issue returning shortly after.
2011 Nissan Rogue is a Mixed Bag with Few Problems, but One Potentially Dangerous Issue is Expensive to Fix
The 2011 Nissan Rogue is relatively problem-free. The two most serious issues do have a fix, but they will cost you. The passenger-side airbag problem is rare but serious and demands consideration. And while the CVT problems are seemingly common, there’s certainly a possibility of running into the issue, and it should be given some thought before purchase. If you opt to permanently fix the faulty passenger seat occupant sensor, the 2011 Rogue makes for a decently reliable and safe vehicle.
Photos: Nissan
