Nissan Rogue Best and Worst Years Include 2017’s Top Safety Pick Plus Award, and 2014’s Nine Recalls

Haroun Adamu
Feb 10, 2022

The Nissan Rogue’s repeating airbag and engine problems define worst years for the 2014 to 2016 models. But things took a turn in 2017, which was one of its best years, when the SUV was named a Top Safety Pick Plus winner by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2018 Nissan Rogue - Photo by Nissan

Key Points

  • If you’re in the market for a used Nissan Rogue, the 2013, 2015, and 2017 model years are your best bet due to their fewer recalls, and reliability awards.
  • The 2010 to 2016 Rogue models are subject to reported transmission and acceleration problems.
  • The 2017 Rogue stands out as one of the best model years due to its superior reliability. It was also awarded Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
  • The 2018 Nissan Rogue is easily a winner, but numerous complaints point to the base Rogue SUV’s problematic forward collision avoidance system that activates without real impact threat.

2014 Nissan Rogue SV - Photo by Nissan

Worst Years for the Nissan Rogue Include 2014’s Nine and 2015’s Eight Recalls Over Serious Vehicle Control Problems and Stalling Engines

The 2014 to 2016 Rogues stand out for many reasons. Nissan seemed to have figured out a way to minimize the transmission failure reports seen in previous years.

However, NHTSA reports of malfunctioning SRS lights and undeployed airbags persist, in addition to other problems. For starters, air conditioning/heater unit complaints are rife for 2014, coupled with body/paint chipping.

According to many reports, 2015 models are not spared from the A/C issues either. And they also suffer broken interior accessories, such as the seat belts developing issues after some time.

The A/C complaints continued into 2016, in addition to a suspension defect that caused noises while turning or pulling into tight spaces.

Perhaps, the most stand-out aspect of the 2014 to 2016 years is the drastic increase in recalls. Aside from the newer models, 2013 has had only one recall — so, it’s a bit surprising that the following year (2014) sets a record high nine recalls, of which some were due to stalling engines from fuel pump failure.

The 2015 and 2016 Rogue model years had lesser recalls, with eight and six, respectively — software issues resulting in airbags not deploying were implicated in both years.

Despite the many reports and exceptionally high complaints, there are no recorded investigations for any of the three years, proving that even the worst Nissan Rogue years are not in any way unredeemable.

2018 Nissan Rogue – Photo by Nissan

Most Complained-about Nissan Rogue Models Add More Worst-year Contenders with Multiple Reports of Transmission Issues

The 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Nissan Rogues have over 1300 complaints between them. Over half are due to powertrain problems like loss of acceleration and transmission failure — similar issues plagued older Rogues and did not subside until 2017.

Several users reported replacing their CVTs to solve the problem, costing them between $1900 to $3500 in the process, depending on the model.

Despite the numerous transmission problem reports, Nissan only made an average of two recalls, excluding 2013, which had just one. The NHTSA recalls covered relatively minor issues like electrical short from water seepage and overheating batteries in 2010.

Investigations have also been very few for that period, with only 2013 recording a single inspection by the Office of Defects Investigation — and it yielded no negative results. According to the report, the ODI identified no safety-related defect trend and closed the investigation as a result.

The 2018 year model is a bit of a mixed bag. It remains one of the best Nissan Rogues to date, but only if you pick the right one. For instance, the 2018 Rogue Sport and Hybrid barely have any NHTSA complaints or recalls.

However, the Rogue SUV has a whopping 437 complaints. More than two-thirds are about a hyperactive forward collision-avoidance system and the service brakes. Many drivers report that their vehicles stopped abruptly with no apparent signs of a potential forward impact.

2017 Nissan Rogue - Photo by Nissan

Best Nissan Rogue Model Years Include 2013’s Least Amount of Recalls and 2017’s IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Award

Nissan managed to end the Rogue’s transmission woes in 2017, and this fix would carry on to later years. However, 2017 stands out as one of the best Nissan Rogues due to its superior reliability. It was awarded Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

This vehicle safety rating is the organization’s highest designation, given only to cars equipped with optional Forward Emergency Braking that earn “Advanced” or “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention, amongst other tests.

The 2013 Rogue may not have won any dependability awards, but its single recall since launch tells you all you need to know.

According to the NHTSA, the recall was due to a water seepage problem that caused an electrical short in the harness connector. But it is a relatively less serious issue compared to 2014’s stalling engines.

The 2015 model gets an honorable mention, despite recording the second-highest recalls of the decade. Despite this, Kelley Blue Book named the 2015 Nissan Rogue one of 10 best AWD vehicles under $25k. KBB praised the Rogue’s Around View Monitor and optional heated seats before highlighting the cozy interior and optional fold-flat third-row seating.

The Nissan Rogue has Suffered a Few Setbacks Over the Years, but it’s Still a Reliability Champ

Despite several dependability concerns, the Rogue shows that it’s still a highly decorated model in Nissan’s lineup.

If you’re buying a used Rogue from 2010 to 2013, you should look out for transmission issues and see if replacements have already been made.

For 2014 to 2016, check it’s been part of a recall, especially for a stalling engine or undeployed airbags.

The 2019 to 2022 Nissan Rogue models are still pretty new and have few complaints. But 2013, 2015, and 2017 remain excellent picks due to few recalls and dependability awards.

Photos: Nissan

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jessica S on January 15, 2022
2012 Nissan Rogue - research before purchasing
This has not been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I purchased the vehicle as a certified pre-owned from a local, reputable dealership. When we purchased the vehicle, it had a clean carfax history, complete maintenance report history and only 52k miles. Just short of having the vehicle for 60 days, the transmission completely went out in the vehicle. The dealership worked with us, and even though it was slightly out of warranty, the agreed to replace the transmission (would have been 5.5k out of pocket). 5 months later, we had to pay out $1,200 to repair the A/C unit and mounting system as it went bad and completely quit working. I was fine with leaving it alone until we got closer to summer and warmer temps, but was told the repair needed to happen immediately because the same component that holds the A/C unit in place also controlled my power steering. While driving the car, it still has a 'shudder' to it that can be felt multiple times while sitting at a stoplight. The dealership explained this is because of the CV transmission (continuous variable). Have not been impressed so far with the Rogue in the Nissan family.
accountCircle Paula B on December 5, 2021
My super computerized. Fun, luxurious, accommodating 2017 Rogue.
I have had no problems with my Rogue at all. I do scheduled maintenance on a regular basis. I drive about 15, 000 miles a year so I am not easy on it. I love the way my Rogue handles it is equipped with so many driver conveniences and warnings that make it fun and safe. It has warning lights that show you if something is too close on each side and also front and back.. If you fail to correct this it will then start to beep repeatedly. The seats are very comfortable to me, especially the driver's seat, which has three seat positions. It also moves back when you turn off the engine and remembers your preferred driving position and automatically goes back to it when you turn on the engine. The steering wheel scopes and adjusts up and down. The back seats are set higher than the front seats so the back passengers have a panoramic view out of all windows.
accountCircle Char Lee S on February 7, 2022
2017 Nissan Rogue special features.
I love my Nissan Rogue, I do have the sport model which would be perfect for a college student commuting or used as a business vehicle. It comes with a "eco" mode option to help you get the most out of your gas mileage. What I like most is the intuitive all wheel drive which helps during the Montana winters. The seats are comfortable during long car rides and have attachments for car-seats, the seats in the back also fold down leaving some room for bigger trips. Rides smoothly on dirt roads and also comes with a back up camera (very useful when backing out of tight spaces). Up front below the dashboard are charger ports for USB chargers, comes in handy when all the smoker ports are full of other plugins.
accountCircle Ashley M on July 27, 2021
2013 Nissan Rogue cute reliable and SUV feel.
I purchased this car back when I was living in Pennsylvania for the fact that it had all wheel drive and I am a health care worker. When I got it the price of the car had me sold. After own this car for two years I have had little to no issues with it. I currently live in north Carolina and my family is still back home in Pennsylvania so I travel home often. It is the perfect size as well it is not such a large SUV but it still has the SUV feel to the car. The car is also fantastic on gas and gives you more of a sedan feel as you fill up your gas tank and are driving around. When I am due for a new car I will most likely get a newer version of this car that is how pleased I am with it!
accountCircle Judy B on July 19, 2021
2014 Nissan Rogue is a piece of junk so I really can't give you any highlights on it.
Have had problems with the car. Brand new car and the fuel pump went out three months after I had it. Had to put new tires on it after only 25, 000 miles. Had to put new windshield wipers on it after only about 10, 000 miles. The paint already has spots of rust on even though it is in a garage. Every time I take it to the dealership they have excuses. Now they r saying I need new rotors because there bad. I really thought that a Nissan was a good car but I will never buy one again. The back plastic keeps coming undone and I have to keep smacking it back in place. I think it's nothing but junk and if I could get my money back on it I would.
accountCircle Kay on January 24, 2024
Love hate CVT Transmission
I purchased my 2014 Nissan Rogue select used with 33,000 miles….i commuted to work an hour away for 4 years, highway miles. I have absolutely loved this car, as much it is the base model that has no soundproofing/insulation in the doors. I have maintained this car as to the standards…oil changes, transmission flush, some undercarriage necessities…if they said it was necessary, I fixed it…my car has passed every years inspection, with no charges…now with 122,000 miles the transmission needs to be repaired/replaced…plus tie rods…$6000…. Would you fix it ?! Could you use it for parts? And how much is this car worth?
accountCircle Debbie O on August 11, 2021
Be warned! Airbag issue costly repair
I have a 2010 Rogue that I love. However, recently the passenger occupancy sensor went bad causing the airbag light to come on. The cost to fix this was over $2,000! The service manager at the Nissan dealership told me to contact Nissan and was pretty confident that Nissan would help with repair costs as other year model Rogues have been recalled for this same problem. I was simply told by customer service that it was out of warranty and they wouldn't help. End of discussion. This is a safety issue, not a maintenance issue. I will soon buy a new car, but at this point I've bought my last Nissan.
accountCircle Lesley H on October 26, 2021
2017 Nissan Rogue great car for snow and bad weather.
The Nissan Rogue is a great and reliable car. One of the main reasons I decided to lease this car was because it is good in the snow. I am a nurse and need to go into work rain or shine. This car had gotten me to and from work in some pretty bad weather safely. I have had two Rogues and the only issue I had with one of them was that my transmission blew in the first one for basically no reason. However, Nissan got it fixed pretty quickly. Otherwise I have not had any other issues. Gas is pretty good with this car as well. I drive a lot to work and for an SUV the gas mileage is good.
accountCircle Sarah M on November 13, 2021
2013 Nissan Rogue hits the road!
First and foremost, it drives very smoothly and as I travel from Columbia to Summerville often, the gas mileage is great. It has helped me save a lot of money. The rear-view camera is super helpful when backing up. There is a USB port and an Aux port which both allow you to connect your phone and play music. Sometimes the USB port short circuits and will not register your phone, however. The back is also very spacious. When I put the seats down, I can fit a good majority of the things I take to and from school with me. The seats are comfortable, and it always stays cool.
accountCircle Rob Allen on October 9, 2021
2015 Rogue CVT Failure
The CVT will fail soon after warranty expires, particularly early with the AWD models. Just do a quick search and you will see countless Rogue owners with transmission replacement stories.This issue is known to Nissan but they will not lift a finger to assist with the repair. My CVT failed on a long trip two weeks ago, the CVT will need to be replace at a cost of $4,900. Nissan knows the CVT fails just out of warranty and will not support their customers who chose their product over another. I will never purchase another Nissan...ever.
accountCircle carol m on October 11, 2021
2017 Rogue a great crossover size car, for a great price and features.
I love the style of the car. I went to test drive it because Nissan had a solid reputation of high quality, at a low cost. But I primarily went in because I saw the new Rogue on the road and thought it was beautiful. I do love the outside, and appreciate that Nissan uses real leather in their seats. I got a great deal on the fully loaded model with leather, navigation, heated seats and steering wheel, and nice big rims.
accountCircle Cyndi on January 9, 2022
Disappointed in 2011 Rogue
I Used to absolutely love my rogue (except for the lack of wireless connectivity and the outdated GPS system) but I have had nothing but problems in the last couple of years with this vehicle. I have less than 55000km on it and the a/c pump has gone, the blower housing is on its way out, and the 4x4 coupler is going. Not impressed at all!
accountCircle Victor C on February 8, 2022
2015 Nissan Rogue a nightmare buy.
It has had numerous problems since initially bought. The front seat make a rattle noise when you drive. The two charging stations in the car sometimes don't work, the air conditioning is not very cold. The gas mileage is nowhere close to what the sellers sticker said. The gaskets in the motor went bad leaking oil at 20, 000 miles.
accountCircle Stephanie M on September 14, 2021
Would buy again - 2013 Nissan Rogue.
The Rogue gets good gas mileage for an SUV and has been extremely reliable. Outside of routine maintenance (oil change, new tires) it is had no mechanical issues. It handles well and the all-wheel drive is a lifesaver in adverse weather conditions. It is fairly compact for an SUV but can easily fit our car seat with room to spare.
accountCircle Nicole A on November 20, 2021
I hate 2014 Rogue and would never get another nissan again
Worst car ever. 5 years old and transmission is going. I have been complaining to nissan about this for years and they said it's fine. Now I have to replace it. Also makes a clicking noise that no one knows what it is. Transmission slips from the second I got it
accountCircle Lee B on July 13, 2021
Disappointed in the Nissan rogue.
I have found that the 2011 Nissan rogue has a manufacturing issue that causes it to overheat. This issue has been made known by many rouge owners with no recall or solution to the problem. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this vehicle to consumers.
accountCircle Lloyd on October 23, 2021
2011 Nissan Rogue Transmission
As far as mechanical, the cvt transmission is junk, constantly whining noise went out at 100,000 miles. Engine noise on start up. This car is maintained regularly. I will never buy a rogue or cvt car again.
accountCircle Nicole N on August 8, 2021
2013 Nissan rogue sv review.
Very reliable and comfortable car with nice features (Sirius radio, Bluetooth, sunroof). Seats 5 adults comfortably with plenty of trunk space. No real per performance issues over the past couple of years.
accountCircle Debra W on September 22, 2021
2012 will need a new transmission and it will cost you a small fortune.
Nissans have a reputation for terrible transmissions. We spent $4000 on a new one last year, and it is not worth that much. I would not recommend Nissans to my worst enemy.
accountCircle Steven R on November 11, 2021
2012 Rogue transmission is unreliable and prone to failure.
The CVT transmission is unreliable. The transmission went out at 94k miles and it cost $3200 to replace it with a used one. I would not recommend the Rogue to anyone.
accountCircle Pedro R on August 21, 2021
2017 Nissan Rogue is overall amazing! Gets me everywhere and looks cool!
Gas mileage is great! Seat warmers are awesome! Spacious truck but back seats can feel a bit tight. 360 degree camera is awesome! Leather makes the car flashy!
accountCircle Chris on February 12, 2023
Very happy with my 2020 rogue
Very reliable. I have not heard anything about this year rogue. I bought it 14 months ago and have put 50000 miles on it so far. Very comfortable and reliable.
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