2021 Nissan Rogue Engine Problems

Hi, smell a very strong gas smell inside the cabin. And it doesn't matter if the fuel tank is full are nearly empty.

NHTSA ID

11752877

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

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 below highway speed in active traffic. This created an extremely dangerous situation, as surrounding vehicles were approaching at full highway speed while my vehicle could not accelerate or maintain a safe speed. The vehicle also appeared to be running hot. I did not feel safe continuing to drive the vehicle, so I stopped driving it and had it taken to Crest Nissan of Frisco (Frisco, TX) for diagnosis. The dealership retrieved diagnostic trouble codes P1217 (engine overheat) and P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire). Upon inspection, they found low coolant, pressure-tested the cooling system, and confirmed that coolant is entering multiple cylinders, causing the misfire and overheating. The dealership states the engine cannot be repaired and the long block engine assembly must be replaced, at a quoted cost of $6,955.49. The vehicle is barely outside the manufacturer's warranty by time and mileage. There was no warning prior to this failure, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. This is an internal engine failure (coolant intrusion into the cylinders), not a maintenance-related issue. I am aware of other 2021 Nissan Rogue owners reporting the same failure — coolant entering the cylinders/mixing with oil, misfires, overheating, and dealers requiring full engine replacement shortly after warranty expiration. This defect presents a serious safety hazard: sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate in highway traffic creates a significant risk of a rear-end collision.

NHTSA ID

11750688

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

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 doors to no longer lock or unlock electronically using either the key fob or the interior power door lock switch. The door must now be operated manually from the inside, no one can freely open the doors from the outside. I have to crawl in the backseat to open the doors. This creates a safety concern because, in an emergency, a rear passenger may not be able to quickly exit the vehicle if the door cannot be unlocked electronically. This failure affects a rear passenger door and could delay a child's or other passenger's ability to exit the vehicle quickly in an emergency if the electronic lock cannot be operated. It also creates a vehicle security concern because the door does not lock properly. I have found multiple reports from other 2021 Nissan Rogue owners describing the same rear door lock actuator failure at similar mileage. This appears to be more than an isolated incident. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident, and the failure occurred during normal use. 2) FAILED EGR VALVE: The EGR cooler has failed internally and is allowing engine coolant into the combustion chambers. The vehicle experienced a sudden engine malfunction related to an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system failure. The diagnostic trouble code was P0401 –and was diagnosed with an EGR cooler failure causing coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. While driving, the vehicle displayed “Engine Malfunction-Power Reduced-Service Now.” The car went into reduced power mode, significantly limiting acceleration and normal vehicle operation, creating dangerous driving conditions. A sudden reduction in engine power on a highway or in traffic presents a significant safety hazard. Please investigate a recall.

NHTSA ID

11750328

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

While driving car will not let me accelerate and it hesitates while driving kind of a jerking if trying to accelerate. The AC blows hot air the check engine light is on I only had the car for two months purchased from dealership

NHTSA ID

11748324

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

Had to replace engine around 136000 and pay for it out of pocket. I am finding other people with the same model and year having this same issue This is what they said "verified cel was on. vehicle was running really bad, there was no coolant in the reservoir, i pulled spark plugs and inspected all the cylinders, cylinders 3 & 4 spark plugs were covered in fluid and were black. i used combustion checker to test coolant in cooling system and found there was combustion gases in the coolant. i then filled up coolant pressure tested while using borescope to check the cylinders, and i found cylinders 3 & 4 are actively leaking coolant from head gasket. there looks to be a gap between both cylinders like the head and or block is warped from over heating. will need engine replacement and transfer of all necessary parts"

NHTSA ID

11743924

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

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 starter and also that the coolant get in to the motor that the car need a new motor that cost 9,000 dollars plus the starter 1442 I asking how is possible I bring the car for service all a time and not body touch the car just the dealership service department im sure this problem is a manufacturer problem because we pay 65000 thousands for this car we pay 781.11 at months we still owe 18600 and this motor is gone that is impossible we need help we are seniors retired and disability we don't have almost 11,000 thousands dollars for fix something that we don't do can someone help in this situation?

NHTSA ID

11736904

Incident

May 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11736077

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

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 contact that the coolant reservoir was low, however no indication of a coolant leak. The contact replaced the battery. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,500.

NHTSA ID

11735829

Incident

May 4, 2026

Mileage

143,500 mi

4/8/26 I took my car to a Nissan dealership for low coolant issues. I agreed to pay a 225 diagnostic fee. Nissan held my vehicle for 2 days eventually giving me the car back stating nothing was wrong. The car was returned to me in worse condition than before with white smoke and starting was rough. I called them to inform them as well as making a new appointment. They did a 2nd diagnosis allegedly. Now I need an entire engine and they have active recalls for the same year model for the exact same issues but won’t consider my car to be part of the recall. They allowed me to continue to drive my vehicle when it obviously needed repairs. Nissan is accepting zero responsibility! I need assistance.

NHTSA ID

11735029

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start for approximately 30 minutes. Additionally, while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked, the engine overheated, and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 15 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road temporarily. The vehicle was then driven for one mile to the mother's residence. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket and engine. A video of the failure was sent to the contact, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

NHTSA ID

11727972

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Mileage

121,000 mi

I was driving my car and my car all of a sudden dropped speed and when I pressed the gas my car started shaking and jerking.

NHTSA ID

11724013

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11718558

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

I am reporting a safety defect for my 2021 Nissan Rogue with approximately 140,000 miles. The vehicle has repeatedly overheated, emitted white smoke from the dipstick area and the exhaust, lost coolant, and produced no cabin heat. The engine rattles and shakes. I previously had a recall fixed at Nissan related to the ECU, but these issues persist. I’ve also had regular maintenance on the vehicle and replaced the starter as well. I believe this relates to the known engine defect in these models. I am concerned for my safety and need this addressed.

NHTSA ID

11714910

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

Head gaskets failed at 120,000 miles and had to replace engine. Now transmission failed at 180,000. This car is mostly used for airport taxi so mostly freeway miles.

NHTSA ID

11703952

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started bucking while changing gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the coolant level was low, and the safety system had engaged. There was no coolant leak found. After taking possession of the vehicle, the heat became inoperable. The contact noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the failure was possibly related to the EGR cooler. There was no indication of a leak. The part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11700851

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Mileage

102,000 mi

Car was sputtering and didn’t idle right, engine light came on and took it to Nissan dealership-they replaced egr valve gasket, exhaust gas recirculating, air filter and did 2 recalls. Then 2 days later the car didn’t want to start and had clouds of white smoke coming out of exhaust. Took back to dealership today and was told I need a new motor-coolant was leaking into cylinder 4. My car only has 127,000 miles on it. Now I can’t drive it and have to come up with $6231.00 for a used motor with 30k miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11699172

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

I have 2021 Nissan to and my suv is drinking a lot of coolant. I have a cracked head gasket where the car has never over heated. It’s coolant mixed with my oil and sometimes it has trouble cranking. When it does crank a bunch of white smoke comes from the exhaust pipe. I haven’t even had the car 2 years and it’s a blown head gasket in the engine. Dealer says I need a new engine

NHTSA ID

11694873

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

This is a follow up on my email originally sent to Nissan North America, Inc. & forwarded to The US NHTSA. I had purchased a used 2021 Nissan Rogue SV Car bearing the VIN as [XXX] from a local used car dealer in Garland TX USA. The car ran well in the last 2 years except for 1 time repair issue on the Radiator & now the Engine. On [XXX], my car started giving me trouble on the excessive consumption of the Coolant & it got exceptionally overheated while driving. Regular Timely Service has been done on the car. More recently, the car's engine got locked a few times & did not start upon my attempting to start the car. I took the car to Christian Brothers Automotive in Bedford, TX where they diagnosed that the vehicle struggles to start & runs rough. Vehicle smells like it is burning coolant badly, pulled out oil dipstick & found coolant mixed with oil, Blown head gasket and recommended a new engine. Driving at that time was not recommended due to the overheating issues. I took the car to Nissan of Lewisville/Lewisville Nissan & requested them to check the car thoroughly. Initially, I requested a basic 60K Service package which included a Radiator Coolant Flush & other necessary services provided by Nissan North America/Nissan Motor Corporation. Nissan of Lewisville/Lewisville Nissan refused to repair the car claiming expired warranty and demanded $10000.00 from me besides their repeated threats for charging storage fees & towing charges. I invoked 15 years Manufacturer's Implied Warrant retrospectively based on 4 USDC Court Orders ordering the Automobile Manufacturers to provide 15 years Implied Warrant on the cars manufactured by them. The Nissan North America, Inc./Nissan of Lewisville are in contempt of the said Court Orders. Close All Operations of Nissan Company. Order repair the car, provide 15 years Warranty Coverage. I will take 84 cars + $8950,000000.00 in out of court settlement against Nissan North America, Inc., et al. Arrest all involved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID

11690859

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an excessive coolant usage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an oil change and to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11687910

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on seven occasions, the “Engine Malfunction” and “Engine Power Reduced” messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was jumpstarted to started. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was provided with information about a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,344.

NHTSA ID

11686560

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

Mileage

58,344 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving 30-35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart initially; however, the failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to Firestone, where an unknown, incomplete diagnosis was made. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a live representative. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID

11679772

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

Mileage

67,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to move before shutting down. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with premature engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11671744

Incident

May 15, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

I was driving on the freeway and my car started slowing down to the point of intermittently stalling. The MIL or check engine light came on. I could have been hit from the back if I did not successfully pull to over to the side of the freeway. I slowly drove it to a safe place and had my car towed to the Nissan dealership. It will now be looked at on Monday.

NHTSA ID

11671368

Incident

Jul 5, 2025

We have had a problem where our battery had died on us out of nowhere. We took it to autozone to check out or battery and they said it was low and we just had to drive it around so we can charge it. We did that didn’t work so we changed the battery. Well two months later our car won’t start anymore and our battery drained again. Now our car won’t start we had to jump start it again and even with that the battery wont hold its charge. We had a good friend who is a mechanic come in and help us and he did what he could to inspect the car and he was at a lost couldn’t tell us why the car won’t start.

NHTSA ID

11671344

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

Our 2021 Nissan Rogue stalls in Traffic, Park Brake Alert pops up when not on, Radio doesn’t work sometimes, Gas Pump doesn’t click off when full so have to watch or it spills on car and ground, inside Pillars between fr-windshield and front driver and passenger windows leak when I run it through the car wash, there are constant glitches with it that we’ve taken in and they say it doesn’t replicate for them so they can’t do anything even though they have complaints on all with the NHTSA. The Vehicle just stalls out while driving?

NHTSA ID

11664988

Incident

May 2, 2025