There are a lot of good reasons to recommend the Nissan Rogue, and a lot of problems to look out for. Nissan makes some reliable, efficient vehicles, but problems with the transmission tend to plague the automaker, and the Rogue is no exception.
So, what problems do you need to look out for with a Nissan Rogue?
To list some of the big ones in brief:
- Transmission failure
- Forward collision avoidance may malfunction
- Suspension may fail
- Assorted structural issues
Now, what exactly do these problems entail, and how can you get them taken care of? Read on and find out.
4 Big Problems with the Nissan Rogue
Transmission May Go out
The Nissan Rogue uses a CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, which allows for “shiftless transmission.” It’s fun to drive, but prone to sudden failure starting at around 50,000 miles. The transmission may begin jerking and slipping, shift unexpectedly, or just drop out entirely.
Changing the transmission fluid every 40,000 miles or so can help prevent these problems, but there’s no way to guarantee that your CVT will never go out, and should that happen, the only fix is to completely replace the transmission.
Forward Collision Avoidance May Malfunction
Forward collision avoidance, in which your car automatically brakes when it detects a potential collision ahead, has saved a lot of lives. When it malfunctions, as it has in several Nissan Rogues, it will flash the warning lights and apply the brakes for no reason.
Unfortunately, the only way to fix this problem is with a software update, which you can’t get without a recall, so file any complaints you have with the NHTSA. In the meantime, check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to disable automatic braking if you are having this problem.
Suspension May Fail
This problem seems especially common in the 2014, 2015 and 2016 Rogues. It starts with a popping noise when you make sharp turns, and eventually, the front suspension completely gives out, leaving you essentially taking the full force of every bump.
The only fix for this problem is to replace the suspension, and there are no recalls in place. This is not as expensive a fix as replacing a transmission, fortunately, but you’re still going to want to check to see if your warranty covers it.
Assorted Structural Issues
Some Rogues seem to have been released with major “build quality” issues. We’ll cover them all at once here: The front hood may flap up and down at high speed, the trunk may pop open, the door latches may come loose, and in more than one instance, a Rogue’s sunroof exploded out of its frame.
Short of duct-taping loose doors shut, the only fix that works here is to take it into the shop and have the faulty latches and sunroof replaced. Our advice: If you’re buying used, take it for a test drive, and check the doors, windows, sunroof and latches at highway speeds.
Do Your Research and Buy Smart
The question is not just whether or not this is a good car, but whether it’s a good investment. Four-wheel drive sounds great, CVT sounds great, and heated seats sound great. But if the car won’t even run past 50,000 miles, what good is any of that going to do you?
When you do your research, there are a few questions to keep in mind:
- What are the most common problems for this make and model?
- How common are those problems? Do they affect one car out of 1,000 or one car out of 10?
- How severe are those problems? An AM/FM radio that gets bad reception is annoying, but brakes that stop working are dangerous.
- How easy is it to fix those problems? Will the warranty cover it, are there any recalls issued for it, and what does this automaker’s customer service record look like?
Here’s how to get those questions answered: Vehicle History.
