Last updated: 2026-03-04

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good
2021 Nissan Rogue

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$467

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

12%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
67/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
52/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
83/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

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

Top Issues

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (47)POWER TRAIN (21)

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 17

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

21V4740002021-06-24

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.

21V2860002021-04-22

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.

21V1860002021-03-17

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

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

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.9%

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, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan Rogue Repair 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.

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.

61
47
63
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (47)POWER TRAIN (21)STEERING (18)ENGINE (16)SERVICE BRAKES (15)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (14)STRUCTURE (14)Other (63)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

61 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

61 complaints total3 crashes1 fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

47 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

47 complaints total1 crash2 fires3 injuries

POWER TRAIN

21 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

21 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries
STEERING (18 complaints)

STEERING

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

18 complaints total4 crashes3 injuries
ENGINE (16 complaints)

ENGINE

16 complaints

Owners 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.

16 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (15 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

15 complaints total3 crashes
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (14 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

14 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

14 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (12 complaints)

AIR BAGS

12 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

12 complaints total5 crashes2 injuries
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (11 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

11 complaints

Owners 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.

11 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 complaints

Owners 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.

9 complaints total

When Do 2021 Nissan Rogue Problems Start?

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

120,000–140,000 milesEngine overheating
3,000–15,000 milesElectrical system failures
400–1,000 milesTransmission issues

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.

avg 74
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

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
2021(selected)70/100-9Good13269
202079/100+6Good2185
201973/100+3Good6409
201870/100Good6718

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue reliable?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 13 recalls and 269 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Rogue?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Nissan Rogue include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (61 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (47 complaints), POWER TRAIN (21 complaints), STEERING (18 complaints), ENGINE (16 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Rogue have?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue has 13 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue expensive to maintain?
The 2021 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 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue