2021 Nissan Rogue Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 280 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 10 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue receives a 5.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 280 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 10 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 41,500 miles (IQR: 20,278 – 107,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
10.4 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
10 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“I was on the interstate as I got off the interstate had a complete loss of power and heard what sounded like metal banging against metal in the engin. I was broke down in the middle of the intersection. Had to push the sub out of the road. The vech was towed to Nissan dealersh...”
“Complaint Description: On XXX, my 2021 Nissan Rogue would not start due to a busted engine block, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was serviced exclusively at Kraft Nissan in ..., from the time of purchase until approximately one year prior to the failure, followi...”
“Check engine light code detected fuel leak. Fuel could be smelled outside of car when operated or parked. Took car to Nissan to inspect fuel leak. Fuel pump had to be replaced due to a leak per Nissan technician. There is a recall on 2021 Nissan Rogues due fuel leak. My 2021 N...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“I have two major safety concerns for my 2021 Nissan Rogue. 1) FAILED REAR DOOR ACTUATORS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE: I own a 2021 Nissan Rogue with approximately 68,000 miles. The rear driver AND passenger side door lock actuator failed, causing the rear ...”
“My Nissan Rogue Platinum 2021 not want to start I call a AAA they check the batery but the batery was new 3 months I have to call a tow truck and bring it to Nissan dealer on university dr in hunstville Alabama they keep the car for 3 days the call me and said that was the sta...”
“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact inspected under the hood, and noticed that the coolant reservoir was bubbling. The check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the ...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“I was driving my 2021 Nissan Rogue on the highway, returning from the airport after picking up a friend, when the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began jerking on acceleration. The vehicle lost power and would only move very slowly, leaving me traveling well bel...”
“The vehicle was puttering and smoking from the exhaust. At first the mechanic thought it was a head gasket, but with further investigation it was the coolant/exhaust. The vehicle stalled out multiple times, twice while driving and once in a grocery store parking lot.”
“The failure involves the AWD drivetrain system, specifically the rear differential assembly and previously the electromagnetic AWD coupler. The vehicle developed significant shuddering and vibration during acceleration from a stop and while turning at low speeds. A Nissan deal...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“I was driving on I25 south towards Albuquerque. I was changing lanes and another vehicle slammed into me causing me to crash into the guard rail. I was going 75 miles per hour at the time and my air bags did not deploy and my vehicle is very likely totaled. Due to airbags not ...”
“2021 Nissan Rogue — VIN .... The electric power steering warning light illuminated while driving. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, causing a significant increase in steering effort. This appears to be a sudden loss of power steering assist. I am...”
“As I am driving on the freeway my drivers assistance is taking control of my steering and steering me either sharp to the left or right and then I can’t move the steering wheel for about 10 seconds at a time”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“I have been dealing with a loud grinding noise at low speeds when braking since 3 months after purchase. We have been to the dealership multiple times over the issue. The dealership can hear the noise but are unable to fix the problem. I fear it’s a safety issue and may cause ...”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The fuel pump assembly failed. The component is still in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at r...”
“... was involved in a single person collision,the vehicle hit head on into a building. ... put her foot on the brake however the car speed up on its own causing her to run into a building. Which causes her to be involved in an accident. As you can see Nissan has not taken any ...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“There is a piece missing on the back of one of my seatbelt buckle latches (back drivers side). It looks like the latch is splitting open. All of the sudden the back drivers side door is stuck closed/shut and often won’t open. I contacted Victory Nissan on Mechanicsville Turnpi...”
“I was driving on I25 south towards Albuquerque. I was changing lanes and another vehicle slammed into me causing me to crash into the guard rail. I was going 75 miles per hour at the time and my air bags did not deploy and my vehicle is very likely totaled. Due to airbags not ...”
“I am reporting a strong gasoline odor inside my 2021 Nissan Rogue. The smell is noticeable both while driving and after the vehicle has been parked, and it is strong enough to enter the passenger cabin. This condition raises serious safety concerns because the odor may indicat...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“Check engine light code detected fuel leak. Fuel could be smelled outside of car when operated or parked. Took car to Nissan to inspect fuel leak. Fuel pump had to be replaced due to a leak per Nissan technician. There is a recall on 2021 Nissan Rogues due fuel leak. My 2021 N...”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The fuel/engine vapor ventilation system in the driver-side engine bay is leaking raw fuel fumes into the fresh air intake. Yes, the vehicle and all components are available for ...”
“Hi, smell a very strong gas smell inside the cabin. And it doesn't matter if the fuel tank is full are nearly empty.”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (10)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. Abnormal wear inside the fuel pump may cause it to overheat and fail.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The rear left and/or right brake caliper assemblies may be missing an internal bushing, allowing the O-ring seal to move and brake fluid to leak.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The incorrect wheel nuts may have been installed, and may loosen causing wheel vibration.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The fuel hose may not be secured in the proper position and the fuel tank lock ring may not be fully seated.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The second-row upper tether wires may have been improperly welded to the seatback frame, preventing a child seat from being securely anchored. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan rental vehicles. When the Sirius XM subscription is set to "Not Subscribed," it may cause the infotainment head unit to reboot, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles. The rear seat belts for the left-hand and right-hand rear seats may not retract properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 209, "Seatbelt Assemblies."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Titan, Titan XD, Frontier, and 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles. The in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system may continuously reboot when the vehicle is restarted, which can result in an inoperative rearview display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The left and/or right rear brake caliper assemblies may be missing an internal bushing, allowing the O-ring seal to move and brake fluid to leak.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Summary: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2021 Nissan Rogue
Before purchasing a used 2021 Nissan Rogue, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2021 Nissan Rogue
Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue a reliable used car?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue earns a 5.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 280 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 41,500 miles (IQR: 20,278 – 107,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
Yes, the NHTSA records 10 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.