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Engine & cooling

2021 Nissan Rogue Engine problems

Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2021 Nissan Rogue's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 22% of all its complaints, most recently on November 5, 2026. They describe 2 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
65
Recalls
1
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
3
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2021 Nissan Rogue

Engine and engine cooling: hard parts internal / mechanical

25V437000443,899 vehicles affected

The problem
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
The risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.

Engine complaints

Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The problem started May 2026 when i was driving on interstate and suddenly my car started overheating out of no where. Made an appointment with nissan dealership. They couldnt find anything , filled it up to top with coolant and said it was nothing.. 2.5 weeks later same thing happend. Why would it be overheating when i just topped the coolant. Back to nissan i go. They said it was some part that needed replaced but might be somthing else ok fixed it, one 3.5 weeks later overheating out of no where again.. back to...

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nissan for 3rd time July 2026 .. I was told it was coolant leaking into the engine cylinders..Suv was at nissan from july 2026 until Nov2026. I was told by nissan i now need a new motor/engine because of the EGR Valve. I was told by nissan they have been needing to fix this problem in MULTIPLE rogues. No engine light came on any of these situations which could of put me in an accident! On the third time this happend the car started driving weird. My ext warranty did not want to cover this and i do not have 8,000 to fix this.. Warranty company made nissan take the whole engine apart , once i said i cant afford to fix this they put the car back together and a lot of warning lights came on.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11775999
Engine & cooling

I was driving when the engine stalled(the car jerked and then stopped) and the car came to a stop and automatically switched to park and then it turned off, after a few hours it started back up and the it was working ok until I got a message for Update fuel system and then qhen I was doing again it jerked

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774324
Engine & cooling

Coolant leaked into engine causing engine failure. Vehicle has 78,000 miles on it.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11773566
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

In mid-[redacted], my wife reported that all the warning lights (except CHECK ENGINE) lit up along with the warning sounds. The engine immediately started losing power. When car was pulled over, it sounded like a rough running engine and very little power. Since the first time, the issue has occurred a couple dozen of times. When the car is turned off for 30 seconds and turned back on, everything resets and there is no issue. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for this occurring (happens in hot or...

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cold temps, wet or dry conditions, all speeds, etc). Owner (me) put a FIXD device into the OBD2 port and it provided several error codes - not of which made much sense. I took screen shots of the codes and put [[redacted]] AI to work. Tried to troubleshoot myself but it got complicated very quickly. Took vehicle into Nissan dealership on [redacted] and explained that the codes came on intermittently and described the issue and engine power reduction. I paid for the engine scan ($200) and, as I thought, it came back reading NO CODES. I then provided to the service agent (Dave) an email with a video of the codes happening in real time along with the error codes provided by the FIXD device. The dealership was not able to pull any error codes nor were they able to duplicate the failures. After 1 week, I took the car back since we needed it. The safety issue is that the engine loses power and has stalled on occasion. The time my wife was driving 60 mph and engine lost power was scary and she had a friend in the car at the time. I have video clips of the errors while driving which will provide you additional information. However, I was not able to attach them below as .MP4 files are not allowed. Will provide on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11767461
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11759121
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11758507
Engine & cooling

Complaint Description: On [redacted], my 2021 Nissan Rogue would not start due to a busted engine block, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle was serviced exclusively at Kraft Nissan in [[redacted]], from the time of purchase until approximately one year prior to the failure, following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. I contacted Nissan regarding the engine bearing recall affecting 2021-2024 Rogue vehicles equipped with the VC-Turbo engine (Nissan recall numbers R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2),...

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which addresses bearing failures that can breach the engine block and increase the risk of engine fire. I was informed that my VIN is not included in this recall campaign, despite my vehicle being the same model year and equipped with the same engine type, and despite experiencing symptoms consistent with the defect described in the recall (engine block failure). My vehicle remains undrivable due to this engine failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether additional vehicles, including mine, should be included in this recall campaign based on the described defect and failure pattern. Date of Failure: [redacted] Dealer: Kraft Nissan, [[redacted]] Owner information: [[redacted]] Contact info: [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11758344
Engine & cooling

I was on the interstate as I got off the interstate had a complete loss of power and heard what sounded like metal banging against metal in the engin. I was broke down in the middle of the intersection. Had to push the sub out of the road. The vech was towed to Nissan dealership and was told my vech was not covered under the engine recall.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11758313
Engine & coolingFuel system

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

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11752877
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11750688
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 11750328
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingFuel system

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

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11748324
Engine & cooling

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...

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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"

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11743924
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

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 ...

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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?

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11736904
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11736077
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11735829
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11735029
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11727972
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11724013
Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11718558
Engine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11714910
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11703952
Engine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power train · EngineNHTSA 11700851
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11699172
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11694873

Nissan Rogue engine complaints by year

Rogue engine problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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