2021 Nissan Rogue

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to assess allegations of tie rod bending, deformation, or related steering linkage damage in certain 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. A bent tie rod can affect wheel alignment and steering geometry, and in some circumstances may result in steering pull, abnormal tire wear, reduced steering precision, difficulty maintaining directional control, or loss of vehicle steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. ODI reviewed Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), Early Warning Reporting data, manufacturer field reports, warranty claims, consumer complaints submitted to the manufacturer, and other information provided by Nissan in response to ODI’s information request. ODI also evaluated the reported failure circumstances, vehicle age and mileage, incident severity, and whether the available evidence indicated a defect trend occurring in the absence of external impact or other non-defect causes. Based on the information reviewed, ODI identified a low number of tie rod bending or deformation allegations relative to the subject vehicle population and exposure. The available reports did not indicate a consistent failure pattern, common production period, common mileage, or repeatable failure mode suggestive of a safety-related defect. Many of the reviewed incidents involved circumstances consistent with external loading or impact-related damage, including pothole strikes, curb contact, road debris impacts, prior collision damage, or other abnormal steering/suspension loads. ODI’s analysis did not identify a trend of tie rod bending occurring during normal vehicle operation without evidence of external influence. The complaint and warranty rates were low, and ODI did not identify a pattern of crashes, injuries, or loss-of-control events attributable to a tie rod defect in the subject vehicles. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances or additional information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. ODI also identified early warning reports describing thermal incidents that occurred immediately after the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure.  The failures were the result of a manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings (main, A-, C-, and L-link) or other engine components that may cause engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure. Engine failure can result in a loss of motive power event that can increase the risk of a crash.  Engine failure might also result in a fire if internal components detach and impact the engine block creating a hole that allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces. In its April 2024, May 2024, and June 2025 responses to ODI’s information requests, Nissan provided 998 customer reports (including complaints, field reports, and legal claims) and 1,107 warranty claims related to the alleged defect.  When combining ODI and manufacturer report data, there are 1,878 unique VINs that have experienced failures across all subject vehicles.  In one of the early warning reports, ODI identified an incident involving a 2022 Infiniti QX55 that resulted in an engine fire following an alleged engine failure. The 2022 Infiniti QX55 was not included in the scope of this investigation but the vehicle model shares the same 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo engine.  Based on the information included with the early warning report, the fire can be directly related to the alleged defect.   A further review of ODI and manufacturer data, identified 12 allegations of engine compartment fires in subject vehicles; three were confirmed as directly related to the engine failure, and nine reports described an under-hood fire that occurred following a loss of power event. Additionally, ODI identified multiple reports describing an engine block crack or hole surrounded by oil residue following an engine failure. On June 27, 2025, Nissan submitted recall 25V-437 involving 443,899 MY 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue, MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50; and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles. The recall remedy provides the dealer instructions to inspect the engine oil pan for the presence of specific metal debris. For customers with the 3-cylinder 1.5L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected during the inspection, dealers will replace the oil pan gasket, engine oil, and reprogram the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM). For customers with the 4-cylinder 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, if no debris is detected, dealers will replace the engine oil. In the case where specific debris is detected and confirmed by Nissan Powertrain Call Center, dealers will be instructed to replace the engine. In addition, Nissan will extend the vehicle warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles for the recall subject vehicle population after the dealer performs the inspection. Nissan has implemented multiple corrective actions to address the identified manufacturing defects of certain engine block internal components.  In view of the recall action (25V437) taken by Nissan, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The brake booster vacuum hose (OEM part 47474‑6RA0A) is unavailable nationwide. This part is essential for brake assist. Without it, the vehicle cannot be safely repaired. A failed hose causes hard brake pedal and reduced braking power. Nissan cannot supply the part, creating a safety hazard and preventing proper brake system repair.

NHTSA ID

11766260

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11765330

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

If Nissan knows that the 2021 nissan rogue has a transmission problems with Valve Body Replacement. THIS COULD BE A HAZARD WHEN DRIVING. Please recall!

NHTSA ID

11762073

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Constant strong fuel smell that last for day I'm a disabled veteran and I had really bad headaches after driving each time. I have taken vehicle in to dealership and told them about fuel smell problem and they reported they couldn't find issue but even after my vehicle still smells like fuel so much that I can taste it and get headaches from it also family gets headaches to. At the current moment there are no warning lamps on.

NHTSA ID

11761286

Incident

Dec 5, 2021

I own a 2021 Nissan Rogue SV, 2.5L engine. I have repeatedly experienced a strong gasoline/fuel/exhaust-like odor inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The odor is extremely strong and has caused me and my passengers to experience dizziness, nausea, feeling sick, and discomfort. I regularly transport my children, including a [XXX] child, creating a serious safety concern. The exact component causing the odor is UNKNOWN. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I have taken the vehicle to the Nissan dealership more than eight times for this same recurring problem. On some occasions, I was turned away without the vehicle being properly inspected, and on other occasions I was told that the dealership could not find anything wrong or that there was nothing they could do to repair the issue. The problem has continued and worsened I eventually took the vehicle to an independent automotive repair facility for a second opinion. Their written service documentation states that I reported a strong smell of gas and feeling sick. The shop removed the rear seat cushion and inspected the low-pressure fuel pump and found no leak at that particular time. They also visually inspected the high-pressure fuel pump and found no obvious signs of a fuel leak at that time. The independent shop documented the ongoing concern and recommended that I return to the dealership with the information they found. Their documentation also states that I should not drive with children in the vehicle at this time because of the unresolved issue. Although the independent inspection did not identify an active fuel leak at the time of inspection, the recurring odor remains unresolved. The problem appears to be intermittent or difficult to reproduce during inspection, but it continues to occur during normal operation of the vehicle. I am particularly concerned because this vehicle is used to transport my children and we have all experienced some health concerns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F

NHTSA ID

11759841

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle independently accelerated and the brakes failed to operate while the brake pedal was depressed, causing the front center of the vehicle to crash into a tree. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags deployed as needed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss at the scene. Neither a Police report nor Fire Department report was filed. The contact was seated in the driver’s seat, and her husband was seated in the front passenger seat and sustained several injuries, including seat belt bruises and cuts on both arms and hands. The contact and her husband both sought medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11759453

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

Mileage

58,000 mi

On July 29th 2024 (two weeks after regular oil change) i noticed the engine temperature rise to the halfway mark. I stopped at Sheetz and waited for it to cool down. I opened the coolant cap and only a few drops remained in the reservoir. I added coolant and called Timbrook Nissan to complain they didn't top off the coolant. I was advised that "those Rogues are known to leak coolant out of the back." I took it to the dealership for diagnosis on August 10th. They advised that the 4th piston is cracked and a new engine is necessary. Nissan is not making new Rogue engines. They will put a used engine in for $8500. (I assume of the same quality). I took it to an independant shop. They found coolant in pistons 3 and 4. They cannot fix because Rogue engines are backordered with no ETA. There were no warnings. The car was being maintained religiously. A cracked cylinder poses risk of the engine shutting down while on the freeway. It also causes super heating of coolant posing a burn risk. Unburned fuel can be forced down the exhaust line and ignited into the catalytic converter.

NHTSA ID

11759121

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

Last year we had engine problems and the head gasket was bad, had it replaced and it ran for another year. It currently has a cracked head and needs repaired again.

NHTSA ID

11758507

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

FUEL FILLER TUBE LOWER SEAL IS LEAKING AND DTC P0456 IS STORED IN THE ECM This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of NTB26-006.

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

FUEL FILLER TUBE LOWER SEAL IS LEAKING AND DTC P0456 IS STORED IN THE ECM IF YOU CONFIRM The vehicle has a visible leak with a smoke machine test coming from the fuel filler tube lower seal, AND DTC P0456 is stored as “Active”, “Past”, or “Pending” in the ECM. ACTION 1. Remove the supplied funnel from the rear of the vehicle or trunk. 2. Insert the funnel completely in the fuel filler tube and remove completely five (5) times. 3. Re-check the fuel filler tube lower seal with a smoke machine to determine visually if any leak is present. 4. If the fuel filler lower seal continues to leak, replace the fuel filler tube. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.

STEERING WHEEL SWITCH BUTTONS INOPERATIVE, STICKING, OR NOT CLICKING WHEN PRESSED IF YOU CONFIRM The customer states that any of the steering wheel switch buttons are inoperative, sticking, or not clicking when pressed. ACTION Follow the SERVICE PROCEDURE to: 1. Remove the steering wheel assembly. 2. Replace the switch assembly on the steering wheel assembly. HINT: The switch assembly includes switches for both sides of the steering wheel. 3. Reinstall the steering wheel assembly. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

"ENGINE MALFUNCTION POWER REDUCED SERVICE NOW" DISPLAYED IN COMBINATION METER IF YOU CONFIRM The customer states that a "Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service Now" warning is being displayed, or was displayed in the past, OR DTC P0404 for “EGR A CONTROL” is stored as “Past” or “Current” in the ECM. ACTION Refer to the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin to: 1. Confirm the current ECM part number. 2. Reprogram the ECM, if applicable. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.