2016 Nissan Rogue
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 540 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 19 Rogue model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 35 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 36 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignition, anti-theft, immobilizer/proximity, key/senderFeb 16, 2023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
Campaign 23V093000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, interior/under dashJan 21, 2022
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Rogue vehicles. The electrical connector for the under dash harness may corrode due to water and salt intrusion from the driver's side foot well.
Corrosion in the electrical connector can result in power window/seat failure, all-wheel-drive warning light illumination, battery drainage, and electrical connector damage that increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will remove the harness tape and harness covering and replace both connectors and apply white lithium grease to the connectors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21B9.
Campaign 22V024000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsNov 14, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The vehicles have front passenger seat frames that may be improperly welded. As such, these vehicles fail to meet performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints" and FMVSS 207, "Seating Systems."
In the event of a crash, the improperly welded seat back frames may increase the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat back assembly, free of charge. The recall began January 08, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 17V716000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsOct 18, 2017
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The recliner joints on the lower seat frame for the rear seats may have improper welds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The insufficient welds can increase the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat frames and replace any defective lower seat frames, free of charge. The recall began December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 17V663000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationDec 19, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured January 3, 2013, to July 29, 2013, 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured October 14, 2014, to August 12, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured June 4, 2015, to August 19, 2015. An incorrect Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may have been installed in the front passenger seat. The incorrect ECU and seat combination may misclassify the front passenger seat occupant.
If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ECU and update the OCS software free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V911000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationApr 26, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50 Hybrid, 2014-2017 Nissan Rogue and Infiniti Q50, 2015-2016 Nissan Murano, Murano Hybrid, and Chevrolet City Express, 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles. In these vehicles, the front seat passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify the seat as empty despite it being occupied. As a result, the passenger frontal air bag may be turned off and not deploy in the event of a crash.
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Nissan will notify their owners. Chevrolet City Express owners will be notified by General Motors. Dealers will reprogram the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) and OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in Altima, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, and Sentra vehicles, and replace the OCS ECU in LEAF, NV200, NV200 Taxi, Pathfinder, Infiniti Q50, JX35, and QX60 and Chevrolet City Express vehicles, free of charge. Interim notices were sent to owners on May 31, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, Infiniti customer service at 1-888-833-3216 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Campaign 16V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, hatchback/liftgate, support device/strutApr 15, 2016
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured July 31, 2013, to January 16, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the rear lift gate support stays may corrode due to insufficient anti-corrosion treatment.
Corrosion of one or both of the rear lift gate support stays could cause a sudden release of pressure. If this occurs, the support stays may break off, increasing the risk of injury.
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear tailgate stays, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 16V219000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
540 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger's seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and the seat sensors needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V911000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the same assessment was made, and the mechanic determined that the front passenger's seat assembly and seat belt assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2025
The sunroom leaks in all 2016 rogue models and Nissan refuses to help out the customers who are affected by this. I’ve done my research and I’m not the only person who has had problems when trying to deal with Nissan directly
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2025
I own a 2016 Nissan Rogue. VIN: [XXX] . The transmission system (power train) is malfunctioning, showing fault code P17F1 and symptoms of slipping, delayed acceleration, and a heavy ride. The issue is intermittent but recurring. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety is compromised during highway merging, uphill driving, and stop-and-go traffic. The vehicle hesitates or drags, which could lead to collisions or loss of control in high-speed or congested conditions. Passport Nissan Alexandria confirmed squirrel damage in August 2021, tied to Nissan’s use of soy-based wire insulation. They wrapped the wires with rat tape and recommended cayenne pepper, which I’ve consistently used. Despite these measures, the vehicle now shows signs of electrical instability affecting transmission performance. The original damage was confirmed by the dealership. The current issue has not yet been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. I have submitted a warranty exception request to Nissan Consumer Affairs and Executive Consumer Affairs and requested a full diagnostic review. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The symptoms began in early 2024 and have occurred multiple times since. The fault code was retrieved using an OBD-II scanner. This issue reflects a broader manufacturer vulnerability tied to material choices that attract rodents and create long-term electrical risk. Documentation includes a timestamped Facebook post and a dealership confirmation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2025
With no prior warning or issues while driving on the freeway the rpm’s on my car just went in the redline and the car just lost power and I had to pull to the side of the road and that was that. Had to tow it home and it has not moved on its own since. Had it towed to dealer it’s a transmission failure. Total cost of repair $8500 and I’m at 131000 miles so past any extensions even purchased the extended warranty to 100000 miles when I bought it new for $40000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2025
From what it sounds like, it’s the transmission, it goes on limp mode, now it doesn’t want to move anymore, the gears move out of place. All the mechanics I have been to have been telling me 6k to place it and charge me 200 out of pocket just to tell me that with a computer to find the codes. My car hasn’t moved in 2 months
Power train, Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to a gas station, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while attempting to maintain the lift gate open, the lift gate independently lowered and fell down. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the lift gate independently lowered itself, hitting the contact heads. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing the power lift gate struts replaced. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V219000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Power train, Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the sound was coming from the CVT transmission. The vehicle was later taken to the local Pep Boys Service Center which confirmed that the CVT transmission was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 15, 2025
On [XXX] I was at a stoplight with my children and when it turned green I went to proceed and then I was moving slowly and it wasn't letting me go any specific speed and died in the middle of the road on a busy intersection at that leaving my children and I at risk of being potentially hit by another car, and it was in the evening time something could have happened to us Ladies as I have a [XXX] and a [XXX] and I'm a [XXX]. Mind you my battery was brand new so there was no indications on my dashboard giving me any sign of warnings nor was my Nissan rogue driving any different as I've kept up with maintenance and oil changes all of the above. So not only did I have to get out and push my Nissan rogue out of the road my [XXX] had to steer and I about got ran over and that's jeopardized in my life and then my kids wouldn't have had a mother thank God people jumped off their bicycles to help me. Then people the gas station tried to jump me but they're jumper cables and they said your battery is completely dead and I said that's not possible because I have a brand new battery as of a couple weeks ago just for the simple being that I'm responsible and I replace things when it's past the time and needs to be replaced. So my friend drove all the way up to us went across the street to AutoZone and bought a brand new battery and put it in then car started right up and was back to normal. But after the girls and I got home and went to bed we got up did our normal daily routine and got in the car to go do some errands and I pull out of my neighborhood and then boom I did it again and I was stuck in the middle of traffic on [XXX] . Three officers had to block off traffic then battery wouldn't hold a charge with that brand new battery three batteries later and an alternator we'll see what happens now INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 15, 2025
hesitation during acceleration, jerking, shuddering, and delayed / rough shifting. Constant whirring noise, rattling noise when accelerating. RPM above 1 even when parked. Struggles to gain power when accelerating. Sounds and issues listed above have increasing gotten worse over time.
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2025
1. Driver's window stopped working. 2. After seeing similar online complaints about similiar issues with Nissan Rogue's from 2014 to 2017. I traced the issue to a severed wire of the left front door wiring harness; there are several additional wires with cracked insulation and these wires are exposed (see photos). The location is inside the rubber gromet between the car body and the door. The harness appears to be defective though it is not clear if it's a part defect or improper installation at time of manufacture. 3. This appears to be a fire hazard - several wires are exposed due to cracked wiring insulation. 4. (7-21-25) Opened case #[XXX] with Nissan North America Customer Support ("NNA"). 5. (7-22-25) NNA requested that a dealer technician needs to inspect. 6. (7-29-25) Brought vehicle to Chapman Nissan and the dealer technician confirmed the wiring issues (see report) and recommended replacement of the Left Front Door Wiring Harness. The part, #24125-4BA0D, is on national backorder. 7. (8-4-25) NNA rep, Rhonda, indicated that NNA would not be able to provide out-of-warranty assistance. When I pressed further if she had reviewed the photos, she would not acknowledge having them on file and was evasive. Rhonda threatened to terminate the call with in response to my questioning. Given the resistance, I ended the call. Note: It felt like NNA outsources these cases. 8. There were No dashboard warning lamps or sounds noting any wiring issue. 9. Note: there was a previous recall by Nissan that was associated with wiring in 2022. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 9, 2025
My transmission is slow when I driving and loss power in hills
Power train, Jul 31, 2025
While driving down the road, the car lost power on an interstate and then would randomly pick up power.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Wheels, Jul 10, 2025
Spare tire provided with vehicle is incorrect size causing drive train issues which can lead to vehicle locking up and or becoming inoperable.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jul 8, 2025
A component in my Transmission failed. I hooked it up to a code reader and it is saying its a solenoid. My car did not experience any warning signs or trouble. It just out if no where decided it wont go into reverse and move and it wont move in drive either. It did this and then after the engine made a noise the check engine light turned on. It is now at a repair shop being looked at. Again this happened out of the blue with no warning signs. I also have only had the car for one year.
Power train, May 30, 2025
The back differential box gave out on me. Audible constant grinding of gears and leakage from the box. Underneath of car feels like it’s jumping around and sounds like a chain in dragging. No prior issues or warning signs/lights beforehand. Had hit a pothole, and this terrible grinding noise started. Took to my local NTB and they didn’t know the problem, thought a drive shaft initially. Took to Nissan for a second opinion and was quoted $4700 for a new back differential. I cannot drive it, as I don’t feel safe, and its apparent gears have either shifted out of place, or broke inside there. Decided not to spend the money to fix, considering the car is 9 years old and isn’t worth even $4700.
Suspension, May 27, 2025
I noticed my back wheel making a rubbing sound. When I stopped vehicle I noticed the back tire was leaning. Thought it was wheel bearing. Had it replaced and tire still was leaning. After closer inspection the suspension trailing control arms had rusted into causing tire to lean. It was on rear driver side. After inspection the rear passenger was also rusted and the metal was split. My concern is that this has happened to more vehicles like this and tire has broken off causing or could cause injury. I would have not thought a major part of an automobile would rust this quickly.
Power train, Engine, May 22, 2025
Have a 2016 Nissan rogue purchased new and well maintained. It has 87,000 miles. Last week, out of the blue, the car dropped to 50 mph and would not go over that speed. This happened on a major highway. Thankfully able to get to the side of the road. Took it to the Nissan dealer where it was purchased and for $170 was told the transmission needed to be replaced for a cost of $7,100. Found out through the class action lawsuit info that you can speak to the Nissan good will directly because there was a known transmission issue for that particular year, make and model. My dealer did not tell me about this option. Called Nissan USA, spoke to Austin in their consumer affairs department where a claim was opened. Consumer affairs received the diagnostic report and made the decision that despite the overall condition and maintenance records, they could not extend the warranty as a courtesy to us. I find it ridiculous that Nissan knows there is a transmission problem in these cars, they were sued for and settled for the same make and model. This is a safety issue that Nissan should have to fix.
Power train, May 21, 2025
The transmission began stuttering and making clunking noises as it was being driven normally down the road. This issue put me and my family at risk because we were not sure if we’d make it home and if the transmission would suddenly lock up leading us to an accident. The car has been gone through by a dealership in Jacksonville NC and was declared to have a faulty transmission. The check engine light turned on right when the stuttering started to occur
Electrical system, Visibility, Structure, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle through the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the drain was clogged up. The drain was unclogged; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that her husband had informed her that the vehicle had shut off temporarily, and the rear wheels had locked up temporarily while driving. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat had failed to move as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown wiring harness was corroded due to the water leak and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that the sunroof needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Air bags, May 2, 2025
The airbag passenger light has been showing off for about 2 years and on 4/30/25 showed the passenger air bag on the main panel in red color. I bring it today 5/2/25 to the Nissan dealer and they said is not a recall and they didn’t fix it. I been reading that actually is a recall and something can explode and is not recommended to drive the car under this sing.
Air bags, Apr 10, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle crashed into a deer that jumped into the middle of the roadway. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed, but no air bags were deployed. The driver sustained a concussion, neck and back injury, which later required medical attention. The front passenger sustained a left knee injury, which did not require medical treatment. The daughter, seated in the rear passenger side seat, sustained a concussion, neck and back injury, and was transported from the crash site to the hospital. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to the nearby salvage lot. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 28, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle at 2 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. The vehicle jumped the curb, embankment, bushes, and crashed into the building in front. Parts of the vehicle caught onto the bushes, holding the vehicle while still crashing into the building. The air bags did not deploy. The police were not contacted. No police report. There were no injuries. The vehicle was damaged on the front end. The contact received assistance pushing the vehicle back into the parking space. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 27, 2025, crash
Auto was parked in driveway, facing garage (door opened). When I turned on ignition to place car in garage it accelerated without warning. My hard braking had no effect and car went through garage knocking out the back wall and a large portion of cement block foundation.