The Nissan Rogue is a high-volume compact SUV, but CVT transmission complaints and several federal complaint spikes make year selection critical. This guide ranks Rogue years through 2026 using NHTSA complaints and recalls, CarComplaints data, and our years to avoid methodology.
Related: Nissan Murano years to avoid, Toyota RAV4 years to avoid, Ford Escape years to avoid.
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2008–2010
- 2013–2018
- 2023
- Best years
- 2020
- 2022
- 2024
- Top failure
- Second-gen CVT overheating and failure (2013–2018); 2023 third-gen complaint spike (756 NHTSA complaints)
- Always do before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall checker; on 2014–2018 cars, verify CVT warranty extension eligibility and transmission fluid history
Recalls by year
How we rated the best and worst Nissan Rogue years
We weight NHTSA complaint volume and recall severity first, then CarComplaints transmission categories and owner forums. The second-generation Rogue (2014–2020) with Jatco CVT is the longest-running problem era in owner data. The third-generation redesign (2021+) improved in 2020–2022, but 2023 shows a new complaint spike (756 NHTSA complaints) that buyers should not ignore.
| Nissan Rogue generation | Best Rogue years | Worst Rogue years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (2008–2013) | No standout year | 2008–2010, 2013 |
| 2nd generation (2014–2020) | 2020 | 2014–2018 |
| 3rd generation (2021–2026) | 2022, 2024 (2025, 2026 too new to judge) | 2023 |
Every Nissan Rogue model year ranked
| Model year | Generation | Verdict | Notes (NHTSA unless noted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1st generation | Avoid | 429 complaints, 5 recalls (air bags, tires) |
| 2009 | 1st generation | Avoid | 320 complaints, 3 recalls (steering, equipment) |
| 2010 | 1st generation | Avoid | 282 complaints, 2 recalls (equipment, electrical system) |
| 2011 | 1st generation | Caution | 363 complaints, 2 recalls (steering, electrical system) |
| 2012 | 1st generation | Caution | 319 complaints, 2 recalls (tires, electrical system) |
| 2013 | 1st generation | Avoid | 610 complaints, 1 recall (electrical system) |
| 2014 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 440 complaints, 10 recalls (electrical system, fuel system) |
| 2015 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 554 complaints, 9 recalls (air bags, electrical system) |
| 2016 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 543 complaints, 7 recalls (air bags, electrical system) |
| 2017 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 600 complaints, 6 recalls (electrical system, air bags) |
| 2018 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 671 complaints, 4 recalls (back over prevention, hybrid propulsion system) |
| 2019 | 2nd generation | OK | 340 complaints, 4 recalls (back over prevention, hybrid propulsion system) |
| 2020 | 2nd generation | Best | 153 complaints, 1 recall (electrical system) |
| 2021 | 3rd generation | OK | 294 complaints, 10 recalls (service brakes, fuel system) |
| 2022 | 3rd generation | Best | 244 complaints, 1 recall (engine and engine cooling) |
| 2023 | 3rd generation | Avoid | 756 complaints, 6 recalls (seat belts, engine and engine cooling) |
| 2024 | 3rd generation | Best | 221 complaints, 4 recalls (engine and engine cooling, back over prevention) |
| 2025 | 3rd generation | Too new to judge | 199 complaints, 3 recalls (back over prevention, engine and engine cooling) — early ownership data only |
| 2026 | 3rd generation | Too new to judge | 53 complaints, 2 recalls (tires, power train) — early ownership data only |
Most common Nissan Rogue problems
1. CVT transmission failure and overheating (2013–2018)
The second-generation Rogue’s continuously variable transmission is the defining reliability story. CarComplaints documents overheating, shudder, and complete CVT failure on 2014–2018 models. NHTSA logged 540–610 complaints per year across 2013–2018 — far above 2020 (153).
2. Automatic emergency braking false activation (2018–2021)
Owners reported unexpected braking from the forward emergency braking system. Nissan issued recalls and software updates on certain model years — test highway driving carefully on any equipped Rogue.
3. Fuel level sender and gauge errors (2015–2021)
Inaccurate fuel readings stranded some owners. Nissan recalled certain 2021 Rogues for fuel-system components; verify campaigns on your VIN.
4. First-generation reliability (2008–2010)
Early Rogues show high complaint counts for age (429 complaints on 2008). Most are out of daily-driver price range now but remain on the avoid list if you find one cheap.
5. Third-generation 2023 complaint spike
2023 logged 756 NHTSA complaints and six recalls — worse than 2022 (244 complaints) in the same generation. Themes include electrical, braking assist, and powertrain owner reports. Treat 2023 as avoid until you understand the specific VIN history.
6. Rear-camera and lane-support software (2021–2025)
Recent campaigns include rear-camera image loss (24V-748) and lane-support module updates (26V-080, 26V-081). Confirm dealer completion.
Which Nissan Rogue years should you avoid
Clear avoid list: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023. Add 2008–2010 if you are shopping the first generation.
Second-generation CVT era (2013–2018)
Every year from 2013 through 2018 exceeds 610 NHTSA complaints in federal data (2017 Rogue complaints). Transmission replacement can exceed $4,000. Nissan extended CVT warranty coverage on some VINs — ask for documentation, but do not count on it transferring cleanly on every used sale.
2023 third-generation spike
Do not assume the 2021 redesign fixed everything: 2023 is worse than 2022 in NHTSA volume. Prefer 2022 or 2020 over 2023 at similar prices.
What are the best Nissan Rogue years to buy
Top picks: 2020 (153 complaints) and 2022 (244 complaints). 2024 is acceptable if recalls are closed (221 complaints).
2020 Nissan Rogue
Lowest complaint count in the modern window — often the last year of second-gen body or early transition inventory depending on trim. Verify CVT service history even on this year.
2022 Nissan Rogue
2025–2026 Nissan Rogue
2025 shows 199 complaints early — too new to judge.
Nissan Rogue pre-purchase checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup.
- On 2014–2018 cars, get a transmission-focused inspection; review CVT fluid change history.
- On any Rogue with ProPILOT Assist or emergency braking, test highway and parking-lot behavior for false activation.
- Avoid 2023 unless price reflects risk and you have a clean pre-purchase inspection report.
- On 2021–2025 cars, confirm 24V-748, 26V-080, and 26V-081 if applicable.
- Check for extended warranty or CVT extension paperwork from the original owner.
Better alternatives to consider
Is the Nissan Rogue worth buying?
Yes — on the right year. The Rogue is spacious and affordable when you target 2020 or 2022 and walk away from the 2013–2018 CVT cluster and 2023 spike. 2025–2026 are too new to judge for long-term ownership.