Nissan Rogue
2.5L four-cylinder with good refinement. Powerful enough for SUV use.
Facelift improves everything except the CVT
Cosmetically refreshed with more tech on board, but the CVT remains the weak link. Add phantom braking issues with the AEB system. A vehicle for those who prioritize pragmatism over reliability.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The Jatco CVT (RE0F09A) in the QR25DE is Nissan's biggest reliability scandal in recent years. Class action lawsuits for 2007-2016 and 2017-2018 Altimas were settled for a combined $277.7 million. Nissan extended CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for affected model years. Many owners outside the warranty still faced $3,500-5,000 repair bills.
Symptoms: Transmission jerk, hesitation on takeoff, slipping, transmission sticking in gear, vehicle won't accelerate despite engine revving, complete transmission failure
The crankshaft position sensor (P0335) fails on the QR25DE around 60,000-100,000 miles. In the worst case, the engine stalls in traffic. Nissan recalled over 600,000 vehicles (2002-2007). Newer model years can also be affected.
Symptoms: Engine stalls suddenly, difficult to restart after shutoff, fault code P0335, power loss at idle, check engine light
Nissan recommended preventive timing chain replacement for T30 X-Trail models with QR engines due to elongation beyond tolerance. Replacement possible for under €1,000.
Symptoms: Poor cold start behaviour, rough engine running, occasional rattling on cold start
Especially common on 2013-2016 Altima: CVT shuddering from around 45,000-100,000 miles. Nissan documented 179 complaints for this single issue on the 2013 Altima at CarComplaints alone. The CVT fluid additive package degrades and causes friction oscillations. Fluid flush with genuine NS-3 CVT fluid can help.
Symptoms: Vibration and shuddering between 25-60 mph, especially at 1,500-2,000 RPM, vehicle shakes on takeoff, rough idle at standstill
The lambda sensors of the QR25DE fail from around 100,000 km, frequently with fault codes P0134 or P0154. Increased consumption and engine warning light are typical.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, fault codes P0134/P0154, increased fuel consumption
The QR25DE throttle body carbons up from around 100,000 km and causes an elevated idle of 1,400–2,500 rpm. Cleaning resolves the issue, but the ECU must relearn idle afterwards.
Symptoms: Idle speed 1,400–2,500 rpm, rough idle, occasional stalling
The valve cover gasket on the QR25DE becomes leaky from around 115,000 km. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold and causes a burning smell. Identical issue to the QR20DE.
Symptoms: Oil traces on valve cover, burning smell after parking, oil drips under the engine
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
The Jatco CVT8 in the 2014-2018 Rogue was subject to a class action lawsuit resulting in an extended warranty to 84 months/84,000 miles. Symptoms include jerking, acceleration delays, and complete failure.
A defective radar module causes the AEB system to detect non-existent objects and slam the brakes at highway speeds. NHTSA investigated over 1,400 complaints with 14 crashes and 5 injuries linked to this issue. Nissan released a software update but declined a full recall.
Insufficient anti-corrosion treatment from supplier Showa causes the rear liftgate support stays to corrode. They can break off suddenly under pressure, causing the liftgate to fall. Recall 16V219 affected 108,503 vehicles (2014-2016).
The climate control system experiences intermittent failures. The heater may blow cold air or the A/C stops cooling. Blend door actuator failure is a common root cause in the 2015 model.
Water enters the cabin through the HVAC case drain or cowl area seals, soaking the front floor carpet. Nissan issued TSB NTB21-019 covering 2014-2020 Rogues for this issue.
The plastic arm and internal clamp of the sun visor deteriorate prematurely, possibly from lubricant attacking the plastic. The visor drops into the driver's line of sight.
