The Nissan Rogue has made a significant impact in the compact crossover market since its debut in 2008. Known for its blend of practicality, comfort, and style, it appeals to a wide range of drivers. However, not all model years are equally reliable. Some years are more dependable, while others are best avoided due to frequent issues.
If you’re considering buying a Nissan Rogue, understanding which years to avoid can help you make an right choice and get the most value for your money. check out following article.
Table of contents
Expert Analysis: Nissan Rogue Years to Avoid
When considering the purchase of a used Nissan Rogue, it is crucial to be aware of specific model years that are known for their high incidence of problems and lower overall reliability. Here, we will detail the Nissan Rogue years that are best avoided based on expert analysis and extensive user feedback.
1. 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue: First Generation Woes
The first generation of the Nissan Rogue, spanning from 2008 to 2013, is particularly infamous for a series of significant issues, most notably with its transmission.
- Transmission Failure: One of the most critical problems in these early Rogue models is the frequent transmission failure. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in these vehicles has been prone to overheating, leading to premature wear and failure. This issue often results in costly repairs or complete transmission replacements.
- Faulty Airbags and Crash Sensors: In addition to transmission woes, these models have been plagued by safety concerns such as faulty airbags and crash sensors. These issues compromise the vehicle’s safety features, posing significant risks to occupants in the event of an accident.
- Costly Repairs: The combination of transmission issues and safety faults means that owners of these model years often face high repair bills. The financial burden of maintaining a 2008-2013 Rogue can be substantial, making these years less desirable for prospective buyers.
2. 2014-2016 Nissan Rogue: Continued Challenges
The second-generation Nissan Rogue, particularly the models from 2014 to 2016, continued to exhibit significant reliability issues, many of which carried over from the first generation.
- Persistent Transmission Problems: Despite updates, the CVT issues persisted into the early years of the second generation. Owners reported problems such as jerking, hesitation, and even complete transmission failure, which remained a significant source of frustration and expense.
- Electrical System Malfunctions: Electrical issues became more prevalent in these years. Problems ranged from malfunctioning infotainment systems to erratic behavior of electronic controls and displays. These malfunctions can be particularly annoying and often require complex and expensive repairs.
- Faulty Air Conditioning and Suspension Problems: Owners of the 2014-2016 Rogue also reported frequent problems with the air conditioning system, which could stop working entirely or blow warm air intermittently. Additionally, suspension issues such as premature wear of components and uncomfortable rides were common complaints.
- Owner Complaints: The high number of complaints and reports of mechanical and electrical failures from owners of these models underscore the need for caution when considering these years. The overall reliability remains questionable, making them a less attractive option.
3. 2018 Nissan Rogue: Modern Issues
The 2018 Nissan Rogue, although more modern, stands out for specific problematic areas that significantly impact its reliability and safety.
- Problematic Automatic Braking System: One of the most alarming issues in the 2018 model is the malfunction of the automatic braking system. Many owners reported sudden, unexpected braking while driving, which posed a severe safety hazard. This problem often occurred without warning and could lead to dangerous situations on the road.
- Transmission Issues: Transmission problems persisted into the 2018 model year. Owners reported issues similar to those seen in earlier models, including rough shifting, hesitation, and complete transmission failure. These problems necessitated frequent and expensive repairs, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
- Frequent and Expensive Repairs: The combination of braking system faults and ongoing transmission issues means that the 2018 Rogue requires more maintenance and repair work than other model years. These repairs can be costly and inconvenient, further diminishing the appeal of this particular model year.
Summary
When evaluating a used Nissan Rogue, it is crucial to steer clear of the 2008-2013, 2014-2016, and 2018 model years. These years are well-documented for their significant reliability issues, including transmission failures, electrical malfunctions, and safety concerns.
5 Tips for buying used Nissan Rogue
When you’re test driving a used Nissan Rogue like this one, you’ll want to be on the lookout for whining noises, sluggish performance, or difficulty achieving or maintaining a highway cruising speed. Be aware of poor throttle response and unwanted noises or driveline-related clunks as well. Thankfully, these signs of potentially serious transmission trouble are easy to spot.
Tip number one: Ensuring that the used Rogue you’re considering was consistently and continually serviced exclusively in a dealer setting for its entire life can add further peace of mind to your purchase, as can an extended warranty. During ownership, remember to only have the transmission serviced by a qualified technician in a dealer setting because do-it-yourself maintenance on this type of transmission has proven catastrophic for more than one owner.
Now let’s dig into four more tips to help you make a more informed test drive and purchase decision.
Tip number two: Check with the owner’s community. Like many cars, the Nissan Rogue has an online community of owners that share stories, experiences, and information with one another. Along the way, these owners’ communities also compile and organize lists of common questions, answers, and issues reported by their members. So consider browsing forum articles or joining a Facebook Nissan Rogue fan page to learn more about this vehicle from its owner’s community. Many owners are happy to share tips and experiences with prospective shoppers, making this a great place for information.
Tip number three: The air conditioner. When you’re done with your test drive and the engine is nice and warm, park the Rogue but leave the engine running. Next, blast the AC to the maximum fan speed and lowest temperature setting. Working the climate controls, systematically check each vent and outlet to confirm the presence of a continual stream of steady cold air. After checking each vent, increase the temperature about 50 percent and check each vent again. Now you’re confirming that warmer air is being supplied by each outlet. Any difficulty in achieving the expected temperature or any sudden failure of the air conditioner to cool the vehicle’s cabin are signs of system trouble that’s best checked out by a technician before you buy. Undetected air conditioner problems can cost you a lot of money, making this check an important one. Note that in some cases, problems like this are caused by electronic malfunctions that might be dealt with during routine dealer servicing.
Tip number four: Safety systems and displays. The Nissan Rogue you’re considering may be equipped with advanced safety features that rely on a network of sensors and cameras, as well as onboard displays to alert drivers of hazards in their driving environment. Some owners have reported issues with these components, which may result in warning lights, system crashes, or malfunctioning warnings and displays. Most have not. If a safety system is experiencing trouble, you may notice a warning light in the instrument cluster or an error message advising that the system is not available. If that’s the case, have the vehicle checked before you buy and never attempt to reset safety system trouble by disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle’s battery.
Tip number five: Sunroof rattles. Some Rogue owners have reported trouble from the sunroof, related mostly to squeaks, rattles, and malfunctions during operation. Many have not. In some cases, lubrication and adjustment fix the trouble; in others, sunroof hardware and structures need to be replaced, possibly at great expense out of warranty. Be sure to quiet the Rogue’s cabin on your test drive and listen for signs of sunroof trouble with the roof in various positions. If you notice any, consider calling it into your pricing negotiations.
These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test drive can help you find a first-class copy of a second-hand Nissan Rogue.
Most Reliable Nissan Rogue Years
When searching for a dependable Nissan Rogue, focusing on specific model years can greatly enhance your ownership experience. Below are the most reliable Nissan Rogue years, each offering a unique set of advantages and improvements that contribute to their high reliability ratings.
1. 2017 Nissan Rogue
The 2017 Nissan Rogue is widely recognized for its reliability and marked a significant turnaround for the model. Several factors contribute to its status as a dependable choice:
Improved Reliability: The 2017 model saw a notable reduction in the number of reported issues compared to previous years. This improvement is reflected in higher customer satisfaction scores and fewer complaints.
Updated Technology: This model year introduced updated technology features, enhancing the overall driving experience. These updates include advanced driver-assistance systems, an improved infotainment system, and better connectivity options.
Enhanced Safety Features: Safety was a key focus for the 2017 Rogue. It came equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features contributed to its high safety ratings and increased reliability.
Better Performance: The 2017 Rogue offered a more refined driving experience with a smoother ride and improved handling. The combination of these factors makes the 2017 model a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable used SUV.
2. 2019 Nissan Rogue
The 2019 Nissan Rogue continued the trend of reliability with minimal complaints and a host of desirable features:
Minimal Issues: Owners of the 2019 Rogue reported fewer mechanical and electrical issues, contributing to its reputation for reliability. This model year benefits from the cumulative improvements made in previous years.
Refined Interior: The 2019 model boasts a well-designed interior with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The comfortable seating and ample cargo space make it an excellent choice for families and daily commuters alike.
Advanced Safety Features: The 2019 Rogue includes a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as ProPILOT Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Other features include rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control, enhancing both safety and convenience.
Comfortable Ride: Known for its smooth and comfortable ride, the 2019 Rogue excels in providing a pleasant driving experience. The suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.
3. 2020 Nissan Rogue
The 2020 Nissan Rogue stands out as one of the most reliable model years, thanks to continuous improvements and attention to detail:
High Owner Satisfaction: The 2020 model year received high marks for owner satisfaction, reflecting its reliability and overall quality. Continuous enhancements by Nissan have addressed many of the issues seen in earlier models.
Modern Technology: Equipped with the latest technology, the 2020 Rogue features an upgraded infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced navigation options. These features enhance the driving experience and keep the Rogue competitive in the compact SUV market.
Spacious Interior: The 2020 Rogue offers a spacious and versatile interior, with ample legroom and cargo capacity. This model is well-suited for both everyday use and longer trips, providing comfort and practicality.
Smooth Driving Experience: Drivers of the 2020 Rogue appreciate its smooth handling and responsive performance. The vehicle’s design focuses on delivering a comfortable and controlled ride, making it a joy to drive in various conditions.
4. 2021 Nissan Rogue
The 2021 Nissan Rogue is a standout model year, featuring a complete redesign that brings numerous improvements and innovations:
Complete Redesign: The 2021 Rogue underwent a full redesign, resulting in a more modern and upscale appearance. This redesign includes a new platform, improved aerodynamics, and a refreshed exterior and interior design.
Improved Driving Dynamics: The 2021 model offers better driving dynamics, with enhanced steering and suspension systems. These improvements contribute to a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience.
Advanced Safety Features: Safety remains a priority for the 2021 Rogue, which includes Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 as standard. This suite of safety features includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, and high beam assist, among others.
High-Quality Interior: The interior of the 2021 Rogue is both stylish and functional, featuring premium materials and an intuitive layout. The cabin is designed for maximum comfort and convenience, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality driving experience.
Summary
For those in the market for a used Nissan Rogue, focusing on the 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years can significantly enhance your ownership experience. These years are distinguished by their reliability, advanced technology, safety features, and overall performance.
Final Thoughts – Nissan Rogue Years to Avoid
When evaluating a used Nissan Rogue, it is crucial to steer clear of the 2008-2013, 2014-2016, and 2018 model years. These years are well-documented for their significant reliability issues, including transmission failures, electrical malfunctions, and safety concerns.
Prospective buyers should consider more reliable model years such as 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021, which offer better overall performance, fewer reported issues, and a more dependable ownership experience.
