Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Nissan Rogue Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Nissan Rogue scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 718 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
6
Complaints
718
Complaint Rate
17.4
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$467
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
6 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2018 Nissan Rogue?
The 2018 Nissan Rogue scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 718 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to service brakes (184). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Nissan Rogue, which scored 3 points higher.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $54 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (187 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (122 complaints)
Compare 2018 Nissan Rogue With
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 57/100
2018 Honda CR-V
Score: 65/100
2018 Subaru Forester
Score: 66/100
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 68/100
2018 Toyota RAV4
Score: 76/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- SERVICE BRAKES (187)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (122)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (96)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (83)
- POWER TRAIN (46)
- AIR BAGS (35)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (27)
- ENGINE (26)
- STEERING (19)
- SEATS (15)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (12)
- STRUCTURE (10)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4)
- SEAT BELTS (4)
- VISIBILITY (4)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (3)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- TIRES (2)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- PARKING BRAKE (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- Chest Clip (1)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2018 Nissan Rogue has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
17.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 23.5
Safety Incidents
Crashes
41
Fires
1
Injuries
61
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Nissan Rogue Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Rogue. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid vehicles. Contact with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) bracket may damage the engine harness, causing a blown fuse.
Consequence
A blown fuse may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a harness protector cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21B6.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2018 Nissan Rogue NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Nissan Rogue Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$467
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Nissan Rogue
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation
- Inspect transmission for signs of shuddering or jerking
- Check driver's seat for looseness or movement
- Verify engine performance during acceleration
- Ensure all dashboard warning lights are functioning properly
- Test keyless entry and ignition systems
- Check for any recalls related to the vehicle
Check Any 2018 Nissan Rogue's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Rogue in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Nissan Rogue with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Nissan Rogue Common Problems by Component
718 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SERVICE BRAKES
187 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system engaging unexpectedly, often without any obstacles present. Typical symptoms include sudden, uncommanded braking while driving, accompanied by warning lights and malfunction alerts on the dashboard. Complaints often involve scenarios where the vehicle abruptly stops or slows down, posing a risk of rear-end collisions, and some reports indicate this has led to crashes and injuries. These incidents are reported across various speeds and conditions, with some owners noting repeated occurrences since purchasing the vehicle. For potential buyers, understanding these patterns is crucial, as they highlight significant safety implications related to unexpected braking events.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
122 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring issues with the 2018 Nissan Rogue, primarily involving the automatic emergency braking system, which frequently engages without obstruction, leading to sudden stops and potential rear-end collisions. Complaints also frequently mention problems with the rear lift gate, which may close unexpectedly and has caused injuries. Additionally, issues with the panoramic sunroof shattering and blend door actuator failures affecting climate control are noted. These problems often occur without warning and at various mileage ranges, posing significant safety risks such as loss of control and injury from unexpected vehicle behavior. These patterns suggest potential concerns for prospective buyers regarding unexpected braking, faulty lift gate operation, and climate control malfunctions.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
96 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with recurring problems involving the keyless entry system failing to recognize the key, ignition issues requiring multiple jumpstarts, and various dashboard warning lights unexpectedly illuminating. Complaints often describe the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system activating without warning, and problems with the radio and telematics systems, including unintended volume changes and microphone failures, which are noted around 85,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as five incidents involve crashes and injuries, with one report of the ignition key popping out and stalling the engine. Potential buyers should be aware of these electrical issues, especially those related to the AEB system and keyless entry, which may affect vehicle safety and reliability.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (83 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
83 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2018 Nissan Rogue's Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system frequently activates unexpectedly, often when there are no obstacles present. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle braking suddenly at various speeds, with incidents occurring both on highways and local streets. Some reports note that the AEB system engages while the vehicle is accelerating, accompanied by warning lights and chimes on the dashboard. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,000 miles and others beyond 60,000 miles. Safety implications include two crashes and four injuries, with several owners expressing fear of rear-end collisions due to sudden stops. Buyers considering a used 2018 Rogue should be aware of these potential AEB malfunctions and the associated safety risks.
POWER TRAIN (46 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
46 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, often experiencing symptoms such as sudden deceleration, stalling, jerking, and loss of power. These problems typically appear around 55,000 to 141,000 miles, with some owners noting the absence of warning lights or alerts prior to failure. Safety implications are evident, with complaints of vehicles losing power on highways, leading to dangerous situations and near misses, and one reported crash with an injury. Buyers should be aware that transmission failures can result in significant repair costs, often not covered if the vehicle is out of warranty.
AIR BAGS (35 complaints)
AIR BAGS
35 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with 16 complaints involving accidents and 20 injuries noted. Common symptoms include airbag warning lights remaining illuminated, particularly the passenger airbag light, which some owners link to a potential sensor malfunction. Several reports suggest these issues occur at varied mileages, with some as early as 14,000 miles. Complaints also highlight the high costs of repair estimates, sometimes reaching several thousand dollars, and reference previous recalls for similar issues in earlier models. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications, particularly the failure of airbags to deploy in crash scenarios.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (27 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
27 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system, which often engages unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly without any obstructions present. Symptoms described include sudden deceleration and braking at various speeds, with some incidents occurring on clear roads or under highway overpasses. Complaints also indicate problems with unintended acceleration, particularly when drivers are attempting to slow down or stop, sometimes resulting in crashes and injuries. These issues typically appear around mileage ranges from 4,800 to over 68,000, with several reports involving crashes and injuries, highlighting potential safety risks. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they may impact the vehicle's safety and reliability.
ENGINE (26 complaints)
ENGINE
26 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report engine performance issues, with common symptoms including loss of power, stalling, and hesitation during acceleration. Several complaints describe the engine failing to accelerate properly, particularly in situations requiring quick movement, such as passing or ascending inclines. Many owners experience these problems at varying mileage, with some reporting issues as early as 1,200 miles and others around 70,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some owners mentioning near-accidents due to stalling in traffic or sudden loss of power. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.
STEERING (19 complaints)
STEERING
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the steering system, including instances where the steering locks or becomes unresponsive, sometimes leading to crashes. Complaints describe symptoms such as the vehicle swerving unexpectedly, steering pulling to one side, and the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn. These issues often occur at various speeds and have led to five reported crashes, resulting in eight injuries. Some owners also mention problems with the vehicle's electronic systems, such as the automatic emergency braking engaging unexpectedly. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering and electronic malfunctions, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those that have not been regularly serviced.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (12 complaints)
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints describe the vehicle braking abruptly without any apparent obstruction, often occurring on city streets, highways, and inclines, with some instances at speeds over 30 mph. Several owners mention recurring problems despite dealership visits, and one incident involved a crash where the braking system failed to prevent a rear-end collision. The symptoms include sudden stopping, warning lights flashing, and grinding noises, with some reports indicating these issues arise within a few months of each other. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, especially concerning sudden stops that could lead to rear-end collisions.
When Do 2018 Nissan Rogue Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Nissan Rogue Years
Best Nissan Rogue Years to Buy
The best Nissan Rogue year is 2025 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (79/100) and 2020 (79/100).
Nissan Rogue Years to Avoid
The worst Nissan Rogue year is 2023 with a score of 68/100, primarily due to engine (123) issues.
See full Nissan Rogue years-to-avoid analysis →Nissan Rogue Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Rogue reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 84/100 | Excellent |
Nissan Rogue Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 1 | 9 |
| 2025 | 84/100 | +5 | Excellent | 1 | 103 |
| 2024 | 79/100 | +11 | Good | 2 | 116 |
| 2023 | 68/100 | -2 | Good | 5 | 519 |
| 2022 | 70/100 | 0 | Good | 7 | 211 |
| 2021 | 70/100 | -9 | Good | 13 | 269 |
| 2020 | 79/100 | +6 | Good | 2 | 185 |
| 2019 | 73/100 | +3 | Good | 6 | 409 |
| 2018(selected) | 70/100 | — | Good | 6 | 718 |
2018 Nissan Rogue Reliability by Powertrain
The 2018 Nissan Rogue is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 718 | 5 | 42 | 4 out of 5 |
| HEV | 0 | 1 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 718 | 6 | 42 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Rogue reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Rogue?
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Rogue have?
Is the 2018 Nissan Rogue expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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