Nissan Rogue Sport J11
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Rogue Sport (J11, 2017–2022) is the U.S. version of the European Nissan Qashqai — a compact crossover slotted below the regular Rogue, a bit smaller, lighter, and more efficient. In place of the 2.5-liter it uses the smaller 1.6-liter MRA8DE making about 141 hp. That's adequate for city and commuter duty, but there's little sport here — and this model, too, hangs on the Jatco CVT. The CVT is again the sore spot: shudder and shake at low speeds, plus complete loss of drive from transmission failure, are documented. As with all Nissan CVTs, the class-action and roughly $277 million settlement and the extended warranty (up to 84 months / 84,000 miles) are relevant. A replacement transmission costs $3,500 to $5,000, often more than the car's remaining value. Other known weak points: the automatic emergency braking activates with no obstacle (phantom braking) — a common complaint with many NHTSA filings. The panoramic sunroof glass can shatter spontaneously, and the radiator cooling fan can fail, causing overheating and loss of A/C. Buying advice: Warm the vehicle up and test the CVT for shudder at low speeds and under load. Check the cooling system and fan operation — a safety concern especially in summer. Verify any open recalls by VIN and observe the AEB behavior. Bottom line: The Rogue Sport is a tidy, efficient city crossover with decent room. The modest 1.6 engine and the CVT make it no driver's car, and the typical Nissan issues remain. With a healthy transmission and a clean history it's a sensible, affordable used buy — otherwise it carries real risk.
Engine Overview
The Nissan Rogue Sport J11 is available with one engine variant at 141 hp.
The 1.8-litre MRA8DE is a low-maintenance naturally aspirated engine with a robust chain and unfussy valvetrain — no hydraulic lifters, but the valve clearance rarely needs checking. Typical age-related issues are catalytic converter breakdown on entry variants and oil consumption beyond 150,000 km. A solid bread-and-butter engine with no surprises, as long as oil changes are kept strictly to interval.
- !! Timing chain stretches at high mileage from 150,000 km
The MRA8DE timing chain can stretch around 150,000 miles, leading to timing errors and potential engine damage. Regular oil changes significantly extend chain life.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start that improves after warm-up, check engine light, rough running - !! Electronic throttle body failure (P2135) from 90,000 km
The MRA8DE electronic throttle actuator in the Sentra B17 and Rogue Sport J11 is prone to failure. Code P2135 indicates a voltage correlation error between the two throttle position sensors. Idle relearn after cleaning provides short-term relief; long-term fix requires full throttle body replacement.
Symptoms: Check engine light P2135, power loss, limp mode, sluggish or jerky throttle response - ! Alternator belt squealing from 80,000 km
The MRA8DE serpentine belt tends to squeal, especially in cold or humid conditions. Belt replacement or tensioner adjustment usually resolves the issue permanently.
Symptoms: Squealing or whistling noise on startup or acceleration, especially in wet weather
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| CVT transmission failure — complete powertrain loss The Jatco CVT can fail outright, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. Shudder that is ignored and unrepaired typically progresses to full belt or clutch pack failure. A pending class action covers 2017–2022 model years. Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive or acceleration; transmission enters limp mode; engine revs but vehicle does not move; CVT warning light illuminates from 90,000 km | High | |
| CVT shudder and judder at low speeds The Jatco CVT develops a characteristic shudder when accelerating from a standstill or at 15–40 mph under light throttle. Fault codes P17F0/P17F1 point to a worn torque converter or valve body. Symptoms: Vibration or judder during acceleration from a stop, especially in stop-and-go traffic; hesitation and power fluctuation between 15–40 mph from 45,000 km | Medium |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Rogue Sport J11 (2017–2022) — 5 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Body, Cooling. Considered reliable: MRA8DE (1.8L).
What to watch out for with the Nissan Rogue Sport? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Rogue Sport J11 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Rogue Sport J11? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan Rogue Sport J11 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Nissan Rogue Sport J11 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan Rogue Sport J11 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Rogue Sport J11? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee