Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Nissan Rogue
RELIABILITY SCORE: 79/100 (GOOD)

2020 Nissan Rogue Reliability Report

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

8.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$467

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,050–$2,200

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity84/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (28)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (20)

Should You Buy the 2020 Nissan Rogue?

At 79/100, the 2020 Nissan Rogue lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading.

Owners log 185 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (31). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2020 Nissan Rogue carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

14

Crashes

5

Fires

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

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.

23V0930002023-02-16

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Nissan Rogue? Check its history first

Every 2020 Nissan Rogue has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Nissan Rogue NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 3/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan RogueRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Rogue
$467
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

27–29 MPG

Running cost: $2,500–$2,650/yr

Fuel + repair

25–26 city / 30–33 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Rogue FWD 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)263329$2,050
Rogue Sport 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)263028$2,150
Rogue AWD 2.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)253127$2,200
Rogue Sport AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S8)263027$2,200

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Nissan Rogue.

  • 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

2020 Nissan Rogue Common Problems by Component

185 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

31
28
28
20
37
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (28)SERVICE BRAKES (20)ENGINE (15)AIR BAGS (10)POWER TRAIN (9)SUSPENSION (7)Other (37)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

31 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

31 complaints total2 fires1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

28 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

28 complaints total1 crash1 fire

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

28 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

28 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
SERVICE BRAKES (20 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

20 complaints

Owners 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.

20 complaints total
ENGINE (15 complaints)

ENGINE

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

15 complaints total1 crash2 fires1 injury
AIR BAGS (10 complaints)

AIR BAGS

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

10 complaints total5 crashes8 injuries
POWER TRAIN (9 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

9 complaints total1 crash
SUSPENSION (7 complaints)

SUSPENSION

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

7 complaints total1 crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 complaints

Owners 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.

7 complaints total
STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total

When Do 2020 Nissan Rogue Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–7,000 milesForward Collision Avoidance failures
20,000–64,000 milesElectrical system failures
27,000–140,000 milesEngine overheating

Best & Worst Nissan Rogue Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

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.

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.

Nissan Rogue reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201870/100Good
201973/100Good
202079/100Good
202170/100Good
202270/100Good
202368/100Good
202479/100Good
202584/100Excellent

Nissan Rogue Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202677/100 (predicted)Predicted19
202584/100+5Excellent1103
202479/100+11Good2116
202368/100-2Good5519
202270/1000Good7211
202170/100-9Good13269
2020(selected)79/100+6Good2185
201973/100+3Good6409
201870/100Good6718

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Nissan Rogue reliable?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 79/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 185 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Rogue?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Nissan Rogue include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (28 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (20 complaints), ENGINE (15 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Rogue have?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Nissan Rogue expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue has estimated annual repair costs of $467/year, which is $54 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 79/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Nissan Rogue without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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