Nissan Rogue years to avoid — most common problems

Over the years, the Nissan Rogue has built a reputation for being competent and reliable. Sure, it does not compete with high-end models from other automakers, but it has a loyal pool of customers because of its operational standards.

Even so, there are some Nissan Rogue years to avoid buying so they don’t turn out to be a waste of your money. Drivers report that models released in 2008 through 2016 and 2018 are the worst.

Here, we look at the worst Nissan Rogue models ever produced and what was wrong with them. So, if you want to buy an old Nissan Rogue model for regular use, you should see the end of this article first.

What common problems do Nissan Rogues face?

Before we present the Nissan Rogue models that should be avoided at all costs, let us look at some common problems Nissan vehicles face.

Inaccurate fuel readings

Some Rogue models have been reported to give off false fuel readings because of a problem with their fuel level sender. In this case, fuel would finish or be at very low levels, but the fuel gauge won’t alert the driver. Instead, they give false hope and leave drivers stranded before they reach their destination or the nearest gas station. The problem manifests as a fuel gauge not working and it can be quite annoying when you don’t know your fuel level readings.

To remedy the issue, drivers had to replace the device to get accurate fuel readings. Unfortunately, replacing the device is pretty expensive. After several complaints, Nissan had to recall some of the vehicles for repairs.

Faulty brakes

The automatic braking feature on the Rogue caused problems for some of its models. It would engage for no reason without the driver triggering it. This can be pretty annoying when speeding on highways or moving in light traffic.

Faulty air conditioner

The evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) sensor sometimes acts up in Rogue models, causing the AC to malfunction. The EVAP traps escaping gas vapors, recirculating them in the engine to reduce environmental pollution. However, it produces some reactions when the sensor is faulty from clogging a tube between the fuel tank and the EVAP vapor canister.

First, it will hinder your car from passing an emissions test. It will trigger the check engine light and sometimes spill gas out of the tank when you go to get a refill.

This experience can be frustrating in sweltering weather, but replacing the sensor will solve this problem. Nobody likes throwing away money like that, so drivers raised concerns. Nissan included reimbursements for repairing this problem in their warranty in response.

CVT issues

In 2002, Nissan introduced its continuous variable transmission (CVT) system to provide smooth rides and excellent control. But, this transmission would spell trouble for Nissan, earning it lawsuits.

Drivers report that it delivers on its promise before revealing its ugly side with age. The problems may manifest via shuddering, shaking, stalling, and ultimately dying while running. It is a significant hazard in fast-moving traffic as accidents can quickly happen because of a sudden unexpected stop.

Furthermore, the coolant Nissan uses for their CVT transmission is inadequate, often leading to overheating. The overheating transmission causes the car to shake and subsequently enter fail-safe mode. It also gives off a loud whine as it gets older.

Nissan placed an extended transmission warranty for their 2008 to 2010 models to boost customer loyalty and resolve their transmission complaints. However, lawsuits increased when the transmission warranty program ended in 2010. The high cost of replacing the CVT made many buyers think twice before buying the Rogue and other Nissan products.

Sunroof explosion

Like other windows, the sunroofs can leak and rattle at times. However, Nissan’s panoramic sunroof leaked and rattled, and exploded. The reason was that it was pretty large.

On adverts and test drives, the sunroof is magnificent; but it gets dangerous over time in reality. Nissan used thin tempered glass for the sunroof, but the tempering was flawed and exploded without warning. The sunroof problem was not only shocking but a health risk.

Which Nissan Rogue years to avoid?

It would be best to avoid getting the Nissan Rogue models of 2008 through 2016 and 2018. These vehicles got a lot of backlash for several reasons, mainly transmission and engine failure.

The Nissan Rogues of 2008 to 2013 are the first-generation Rogues and suffer all the common issues mentioned earlier. The 2013 model is notorious for loss of acceleration, while the 2008 model suffers from partial and total transmission failure.

In contrast to the 2013 model, the 2011 Rogue is famous for often stopping while driving and refusing to speed up. The 2011 Rogue suffers frequent transmission failure, while the 2012 model loses acceleration, usually less than the 2013 model.

Asides from the transmission messing up, other components of the Rogue face issues, one of which was broken airbags and seat belts. Airbags and seat belt problems reduced most of the material integrity of the Rogue.

Additionally, the engine and body of the crossover from being problematic. The engine’s problem usually stemmed from the issues plaguing the transmission.

Since the prospect of overheating was typical for the transmission, it was easy for the engine to get affected and exhibit a supporting crop of problems. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) problems were not severe as the other problems, but they were still a loud issue.

Among these production years, the one with minor complaints was the 2009 model. The 2013 model was so bad it cost Nissan a lot of customers.

With the 2017 Rogue, Nissan made good strides toward correcting the problems the old versions faced. However, the 2018 Rogue, which drivers presumed would significantly improve, delivered a disappointing performance.

To begin with, the 2018 Rogue had severe problems with the brakes. The brakes sent a lot of vibrations that sometimes set a seat swinging or shaking noisily. In mild cases, pressing the brakes would only give your steering-holding hands an irregular pulse.

Other times, the brakes worked on their own at odd moments without the necessary trigger from the driver. Drivers complained that the Nissan braked and slowed down, making a sound like it was going over a speed bump.

Others complained that while driving, the Nissan would slow down and continue as though nothing had happened. The process would repeat itself, leaving the driver frustrated and in potential danger.

The automatic braking system on the Rogue is a problem for most drivers. The technology has some hiccups, which their warranty does not cover.

The 2018 Rogue made most faithful drivers lose hope in the brand. The reputation built with the 2017 Rogue, which sold out in large numbers as the fifth best-selling vehicle in the US, got some tarnishing with the 2018 Rogue.

How good is the latest version of the Nissan Rogue?

The 2022 Nissan Rogue does have its problems. But, compared to the others mentioned in this article, they are slight problems.

The voice recognition system on the car is easily confused, and the vehicle had comparatively smaller backseats. Also, the noise it makes when driven at highway speeds is pretty discouraging.

However, the features it offers are a good bargain for your money. The crossover offers a large cargo area, driver aids, and comfortable seats. Unlike the other Rogues from previous years, the ride on the 2022 Rogue Nissan is very comfortable even as it ages.

Nissan replaced the old CVT with a new continuously variable automatic transmission. The new CVT dealt with some of the old issues with the traditional CVT transmission, making it less offending compared to older models as they age.

Asides from the better driving experience, the 2022 Rogue also offers improved fuel economy and an engine that doesn’t break down as often as others in the past.

Which year has the most reliable Nissan Rogue?

If you seek to buy a Nissan Rogue anytime soon, the best models to buy would be 2017, 2020, and 2021 models. They had fewer complaints than the 2008 through 2016, 2018, and 2019 models. One would expect the 2019 model to be in this list of reliable Rogues, but the model’s lessened flaws were still a problem.

2017, 2020, and 2021 models built the current integrity of the Nissan Rogue, giving it the title of a reliable car. With regular maintenance, the Nissan Rogue could last for quite a long time, making it one of the best cars to buy when visiting second-hand dealerships.

Our take

If you are a fan of Nissan vehicles, you should avoid the models of 2008 through 2016 and 2018 at all costs. They are both a waste of money and time and dangerous and somewhat unsafe.

Get 2017, 2020, and 2021 models if you want to enjoy the good Nissan experience. They made up for the inadequacies of the other models on these recent ones and included new technologies to spice up your ride.

The 2022 model is their best one yet. But until we see how it behaves after an entire year of existence, we cannot put it above the other models that have been tested, tried, and proven reliable.