Used Nissan Rogue: years to avoid and what to check
The Rogue years that need the most care are 2014–2018. Their CVT automatic transmissions were the subject of a US class action, and Nissan extended CVT coverage to 7 years or 84,000 miles. That extension has now run out for nearly all of these cars. The 2017–2018 Rogue was also the subject of an NHTSA investigation into automatic emergency braking that activated with nothing in the way. For any Rogue, check the CVT carefully and confirm software updates by VIN.
Rogue years with known problems
| Years | Problem | Nissan's response | Status for a used buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2018 (not Hybrid) | CVT transmission: shudder, jerking, hesitation, failure | US class action settlement: powertrain warranty extended from 5 years/60,000 miles to 7 years/84,000 miles on the CVT | Expired for nearly all cars (7 years from first sale). A failure is now the owner's bill. |
| 2017–2018 | Automatic emergency braking activating with no obstacle ("phantom braking") | Software update and service actions. NHTSA opened investigation PE19-010 covering about 554,000 vehicles | Ask whether the update was done. Note any sudden braking on the test drive. |
2014–2018: the CVT
Nissan's 2022 bulletin to dealers lists the CVT warranty extension for 2014–2018 Rogue and 2015–2018 Pathfinder (excluding hybrids), covering the CVT assembly, valve body and torque converter. Under the US settlement terms, coverage went from 60 months or 60,000 miles to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever came first, counted from the original sale. Even a late-sold 2018 is now past 84 months, so treat the transmission as uncovered.
That doesn't make every 2014–2018 Rogue a bad buy. Some have had the CVT replaced, and a documented replacement is a plus. What you want to avoid is paying full price for one with the original CVT, no fluid-service records and symptoms on the test drive.
The settlement covered vehicles bought or leased in the US. Canadian owners should ask a Nissan dealer what applies to their VIN.
Check the VIN on the car you're looking at
See where it was built and its model year, then check its title history for salvage, flood, odometer and theft records.
2017–2018: false emergency braking
NHTSA opened preliminary evaluation PE19-010 in September 2019 after a defect petition. Its summary lists 843 complaints in total, to NHTSA and to Nissan, about the automatic emergency braking engaging with no obstruction ahead. Nissan issued a technical service bulletin and service actions, including a software update. Ask the seller or a Nissan dealer whether that update was done.
What to check on a used Rogue
- CVT on the test drive: smooth, steady pickup from a stop; no shudder at low speed; no whine, slipping or flaring revs; no hesitation when you press the accelerator on the highway.
- Records: CVT fluid changes, and invoices for any transmission or valve body replacement.
- Software: ask a dealer to confirm completed campaigns and recalls by VIN.
- Emergency braking: note any unexpected braking or warnings on the drive.
- Use history: Rogues are common rentals and fleet vehicles. Check the history for fleet use and high mileage per year.
Whatever the year, run the VIN before you go. Check the title history and the recall status in the US at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or in Canada with Transport Canada. Open recalls are fixed free at a dealer. Then check our Still covered? tracker for warranty extensions that might still apply.
Questions
What years of Nissan Rogue have transmission problems?
The 2014–2018 Rogue was the subject of a US class action over its CVT, which led Nissan to extend CVT coverage to 7 years or 84,000 miles. That extension has now expired for nearly all of those vehicles.
Is the Rogue CVT extended warranty still active?
For 2014–2018 Rogues, almost certainly not: it ran 84 months or 84,000 miles from the original sale date. Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN to be sure.
What is Nissan Rogue phantom braking?
Owners of 2017–2018 Rogues reported the automatic emergency braking activating with nothing in the way. NHTSA opened an investigation in 2019, and Nissan offered a software update.
Sources
- Rogue and Pathfinder CVT warranty extension bulletin (Nissan, via NHTSA)
- Nissan/Infiniti CVT class action: extended warranty terms (BBB National Programs)
- CVT class action notice listing earlier Nissan CVT extensions (Nissan, via NHTSA)
- Investigation PE19-010: false automatic emergency braking, 2017-2018 Rogue (NHTSA)
- Check for recalls (NHTSA)
- Recalls on vehicles, tires and car seats (Transport Canada)
General information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you rely on a detail.