Last updated: 2026-03-04

2021 Nissan Rogue Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Nissan Rogue scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 13 recalls and 269 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
13
Complaints
269
Complaint Rate
9.4
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$467
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
12%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
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
13 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue scores 70/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 269 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 unknown or other (61). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2022 Nissan Rogue, which scored the same. See also the 2020 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
- Above-average recall count
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several issues with the 2021 Nissan Rogue, particularly with door lock... (61 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several recurring electrical system issues with the 2021 Nissan Rogue (47 complaints)
Compare 2021 Nissan Rogue With
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 67/100
2021 Honda CR-V
Score: 77/100
2021 Subaru Forester
Score: 76/100
2021 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 78/100
2021 Toyota RAV4
Score: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 13 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (47)
- POWER TRAIN (21)
- STEERING (18)
- ENGINE (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (15)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (14)
- STRUCTURE (14)
- AIR BAGS (12)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (11)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9)
- VISIBILITY (5)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (4)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- SEATS (2)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (2)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- EQUIPMENT (1)
- Chest Clip (1)
Recall Overview
13
recalls on record
The 2021 Nissan Rogue has 13 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
9.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 17
Safety Incidents
Crashes
22
Fires
4
Injuries
12
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Nissan Rogue Recall Details
13 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Rogue. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS, CHILD SEAT
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The second-row upper tether wires may have been improperly welded to the seatback frame, preventing a child seat from being securely anchored. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence
An insecurely anchored child seat can move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear seatbacks as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC812.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The rear left and/or right brake caliper assemblies may be missing an internal bushing, allowing the O-ring seal to move and brake fluid to leak.
Consequence
A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC804.
WHEELS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The incorrect wheel nuts may have been installed, and may loosen causing wheel vibration.
Consequence
The wheel vibration may break the wheel studs and cause the wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel nuts and replace any incorrect ones, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC799.
Showing 10 of 13 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2021 Nissan Rogue NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.9%
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 2021 Nissan Rogue
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect fuel system for leaks and check fuel gauge accuracy
- Test forward collision avoidance system for false activations
- Check for coolant leaks and signs of engine overheating
- Verify door lock actuators function properly
- Inspect for any dashboard warning lights or error messages
- Ensure steering components are tight and responsive
- Test all electrical components, including infotainment and camera systems
Check Any 2021 Nissan Rogue's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 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.
2021 Nissan Rogue Common Problems by Component
269 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
61 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2021 Nissan Rogue, particularly with door lock actuators and transmission behavior. Complaints frequently mention door lock actuators failing, causing doors to remain unlocked while driving, often resulting in costly repairs. Transmission problems are also noted, with owners describing unexpected shifts from automatic to manual mode, leading to sudden loss of speed and creating potential safety hazards. Additionally, some owners experience unexplained shattering of rear windows and sunroofs, and occasional leaks through the windshield. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes potentially linked to these issues and one instance of a vehicle fire. These problems are often reported within the first few years of ownership, suggesting potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
47 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2021 Nissan Rogue. Frequent complaints include electronic shutdowns while driving, often accompanied by multiple warning lights and unintended activation of the automatic emergency braking system, sometimes resulting in the vehicle shifting into park. Other common issues are battery failures, with some owners experiencing repeated draining and the need for jumpstarts, as well as malfunctioning infotainment and camera systems that may reboot or display distorted images. Mileage at the time of these issues varies, with some occurring under 15,000 miles and others reported at higher mileages like 69,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of fires, one crash, and three injuries, suggesting potential risks for loss of control and vehicle immobilization.
POWER TRAIN
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues related to the power train, particularly involving the vehicle's transmission and gear shifting mechanisms. Common symptoms include unexpected acceleration or deceleration, difficulty shifting gears, and instances where the vehicle fails to remain in the selected gear, sometimes resulting in the vehicle rolling away. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at varying mileages, with some as early as 400 miles and others beyond 100,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with three reported crashes, one involving a vehicle rolling backward and injuring the owner, and another where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated into a pole. These reports suggest potential risks for buyers considering a used model, especially regarding unexpected vehicle behavior and the possibility of loss of control.
STEERING (18 complaints)
STEERING
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues related to steering malfunctions, with several complaints describing tie rod failures. Symptoms often include steering wheel locking, pulling to one side, and abnormal vibrations or noises, sometimes leading to loss of control. These problems commonly arise around 44,000 to 60,000 miles. Notably, four reported incidents involve crashes, with three resulting in injuries, highlighting significant safety implications. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider inspecting the steering components thoroughly before purchase.
ENGINE (16 complaints)
ENGINE
16 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues related to engine overheating and coolant leaks, often linked to failed radiator fans or head gasket problems. Symptoms commonly described include excessive coolant consumption, white smoke from the exhaust, and engine rattling or shaking. These issues are typically noted at higher mileage, often over 120,000 miles, although some cases occur earlier. Additionally, several complaints involve the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate, requiring the driver to stop and restart the engine. Safety implications include potential engine shutdowns while driving, posing a hazard on highways. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these reported issues, especially at higher mileages.
SERVICE BRAKES (15 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with the vehicle's forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems. Complaints commonly describe these systems activating unexpectedly or failing to engage, which can lead to sudden braking without obstacles or failure to stop in actual collision scenarios. Additionally, multiple owners mention soft or unresponsive brakes, sometimes requiring pumping to regain function, with some reports indicating these issues occur around 14,000 to 43,000 miles. Several complaints involve crashes, where the braking systems did not prevent collisions, highlighting potential safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns as they may affect both safety and reliability.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (14 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently experiences issues with its Forward Collision Avoidance system, with many describing unexpected activations of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) without any apparent obstacles. Symptoms include sudden braking and system warnings or malfunctions, often occurring in clear driving conditions. Complaints frequently mention these issues starting at various mileage points, with some as early as 2,000 miles and others around 46,000 miles. A notable safety implication includes one reported crash where the system failed to provide a warning, and several instances of near-misses due to sudden braking. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
AIR BAGS (12 complaints)
AIR BAGS
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues with airbag deployment, with several complaints involving crashes where airbags failed to deploy as expected. Symptoms often include airbag warning lights and unexpected airbag deployment, particularly in non-collision scenarios. Some owners note water leaks affecting the airbags, linked to roof rack seal issues, which may compromise airbag functionality. Many complaints arise at mileage ranges between 8,000 and 20,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of injuries and totaled vehicles, making these issues crucial for potential buyers to consider.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (11 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
11 complaintsOwners report several issues with the fuel system in the 2021 Nissan Rogue, primarily involving fuel pump malfunctions and fuel leaks. Complaints frequently mention fluctuating or inaccurate fuel gauge readings after refueling, with some vehicles experiencing difficulty starting or unexpected engine shutdowns while driving. Fuel leaks and strong gasoline odors are also common, with reports of leaks from the fuel tank area leading to potential fire hazards. These issues are noted across a range of mileages, with some problems emerging in vehicles with less than 10,000 miles. The safety implications include the risk of stalling in traffic and potential fire hazards due to fuel leaks, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
9 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue frequently report issues related to excessive coolant usage and engine overheating. Common symptoms include illuminated warning lights, engine stalling, and difficulty starting the vehicle. Complaints often mention these problems occurring at mileages around 58,000 to over 100,000 miles. In some instances, owners note that the engine was diagnosed with cracks or premature failure, leading to significant vehicle downtime. While there is one report of a crash unrelated to the engine issues, no other safety implications such as fires or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine and cooling system issues, especially in vehicles with higher mileage.
When Do 2021 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(selected) | 70/100 | -9 | Good | 13 | 269 |
| 2020 | 79/100 | +6 | Good | 2 | 185 |
| 2019 | 73/100 | +3 | Good | 6 | 409 |
| 2018 | 70/100 | — | Good | 6 | 718 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Rogue have?
Is the 2021 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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