Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Nissan Rogue Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Nissan Rogue scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 185 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
185
Complaint Rate
8.1
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
2 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2020 Nissan Rogue?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue scores 79/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 185 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 electrical system (31). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Nissan Rogue, which scored 9 points lower. See also the 2019 Nissan Rogue for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $54 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several electrical issues with the 2020 Nissan Rogue (31 complaints)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE issues reported (28 complaints)
Compare 2020 Nissan Rogue With
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 69/100
2020 Honda CR-V
Score: 74/100
2020 Subaru Forester
Score: 71/100
2020 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 73/100
2020 Toyota RAV4
Score: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (28)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28)
- SERVICE BRAKES (20)
- ENGINE (15)
- AIR BAGS (10)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
- SUSPENSION (7)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7)
- SEATS (6)
- STRUCTURE (5)
- SEAT BELTS (4)
- STEERING (4)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2020 Nissan Rogue has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
14
Fires
5
Injuries
11
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Nissan Rogue Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 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.
2020 Nissan Rogue NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas 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 2020 Nissan Rogue
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test Automatic Emergency Braking for unexpected activation
- Inspect door lock actuators for proper function
- Check for signs of engine overheating or coolant leaks
- Verify Forward Collision Avoidance system functionality
- Inspect front subframe for cracks or bends
- Test key fob recognition and vehicle start functionality
- Check for any recall notices related to engine or electrical systems
Check Any 2020 Nissan Rogue's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 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.
2020 Nissan Rogue Common Problems by Component
185 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
31 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical issues with the 2020 Nissan Rogue. A common problem involves door lock actuators failing, leading to doors not locking or unlocking properly, which poses potential safety risks. Complaints frequently mention key fob recognition issues, leaving drivers stranded as the vehicle fails to start. Another notable issue is the malfunction of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which unexpectedly engages without obstacles present, causing abrupt stops. Two reports involve fires, one linked to the USB port, resulting in a total loss and an injury. These issues generally occur around 20,000 to 64,000 miles, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and fire hazards, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
28 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) feature activating unexpectedly. Common symptoms include the vehicle braking abruptly without any obstruction in front, often accompanied by warning lights or alarms. These incidents typically occur during normal driving conditions, with some reports indicating occurrences at highway speeds or when starting from a stop. Complaints span low mileage ranges, with some happening as early as 1,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes and one mentions an injury, highlighting the potential for rear-end collisions due to sudden braking. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the potential safety risks associated with this system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
28 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with unexpected auto-braking, which occurs without warning and often at highway speeds, causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Complaints also highlight problems with door lock actuators, where doors fail to lock or unlock properly, posing a potential safety risk. Additionally, some owners mention ignition-related malfunctions, including one incident leading to a fire shortly after the ignition button was pressed. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, from relatively low to higher mileages. Safety implications include increased risk of crashes due to sudden stops and potential fire hazards.
SERVICE BRAKES (20 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
20 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue frequently report unexpected activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, causing the vehicle to brake abruptly without any visible obstruction. Typical symptoms include sudden braking at various speeds, often accompanied by warning lights or alarms, though some incidents occur without prior alerts. Complaints indicate these issues can arise in both new vehicles and those with mileage as high as 25,000 miles. While no crashes are directly reported, the abrupt braking poses a risk of rear-end collisions, as several owners describe near misses. Prospective buyers should be aware of these braking anomalies and the potential safety implications associated with unexpected stopping.
ENGINE (15 complaints)
ENGINE
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the vehicle's cooling system, particularly the cooling fan malfunctioning, which leads to engine overheating. Complaints often describe symptoms such as the engine stopping or overheating, and in some cases, the coolant reservoir exploding. These issues are typically noted at mileage ranges from 27,000 to 140,000 miles. Safety implications include two reports of fires, with one resulting in smoke inhalation injury, and a crash involving unintended acceleration. Buyers should be aware of potential cooling system failures and the associated risk of engine overheating or fire.
AIR BAGS (10 complaints)
AIR BAGS
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Nissan Rogue, with several complaints mentioning warning lights for the airbags and "passenger air bag off" indicators. Commonly, these symptoms appear within the first 60,000 miles, and in some cases, dealerships diagnose the need for system or module replacements. There are multiple reports of airbags failing to deploy during crashes, resulting in eight injuries across five incidents. Additionally, some owners describe scenarios where airbags deploy but cause injuries, such as swelling and the need for surgery. These patterns suggest potential safety risks for buyers considering a used 2020 Nissan Rogue.
POWER TRAIN (9 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission problems such as slipping and rough idling, with some reports indicating these issues occur around 24,000 to 61,000 miles. Symptoms described include uneven acceleration, lurching while decelerating, and the vehicle feeling like it is stuck in a low gear. Safety implications are evident, with one report of a crash due to the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, and another describing the car shutting down completely while driving, leading to a loss of power steering and brakes. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, as they may affect vehicle reliability and safety.
SUSPENSION (7 complaints)
SUSPENSION
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the front subframe being cracked or bent, often discovered during routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations. Several complaints indicate this damage may be linked to previous accidents not disclosed to buyers, with some owners noting their vehicles were purchased from Hgreg. One complaint involves a crash, with the owner being advised not to drive the vehicle due to the subframe damage. Additionally, there are reports of recurring issues with the strut bearing assembly, which some owners have had replaced multiple times without resolution. These issues typically emerge around 16,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, as one owner describes difficulty steering and a misaligned front tire. Used car buyers should be aware of these suspension-related concerns and consider inspecting the subframe and strut assemblies before purchase.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaintsOwners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2020 Nissan Rogue. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration, with one owner experiencing it while braking and another reporting a sticking gas pedal during acceleration. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the cruise control and automatic emergency braking systems, including sudden disengagement and unexpected braking, sometimes accompanied by warnings of radar obstruction. These incidents often occur at highway speeds and have led to near-miss situations, indicating potential safety risks. The complaints span various mileages, with some issues appearing as early as 14,000 miles and others around 50,000 miles.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue report several steering-related issues. Common complaints include fluid leaks in the steering rack assembly, with one owner noting the potential for vehicle fire if not addressed, occurring around 40,000 miles. Another issue involves a loud buzzing sound and flashing light from the transmission shifter, with temporary loss of steering and brake control, reported at approximately 2,300 miles. Additionally, some owners describe audible noises when turning the steering wheel, even at low mileages like 750 miles. There are safety implications, as some complaints mention loss of vehicle control and potential stalling, which could pose a risk during driving. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
When Do 2020 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).
2025
1 recall · 103 complaints
2024
2 recalls · 116 complaints
2020(this page)
2 recalls · 185 complaints
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(selected) | 79/100 | +6 | Good | 2 | 185 |
| 2019 | 73/100 | +3 | Good | 6 | 409 |
| 2018 | 70/100 | — | Good | 6 | 718 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Rogue reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Rogue?
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Rogue have?
Is the 2020 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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