Are you driving a Nissan Rogue and worried about those strange noises coming from your transmission? Or maybe you’ve heard about transmission problems and want to know if your vehicle is affected? With hundreds of thousands of Nissan vehicles facing serious transmission and engine issues, staying informed is crucial for your safety and wallet.
The Latest Nissan Rogue Recall: VC-Turbo Engine Problems
The most significant recent recall affects a whopping 443,899 vehicles, including Nissan Rogues from 2021-2024 equipped with VC-Turbo engines. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience—we’re talking about potential complete engine failure that can happen while you’re driving.
The problem stems from bearing failures in the engine’s main bearings and A-, C-, and L-link bearings that are essential to the variable compression system. When these bearings fail, your engine can completely shut down, leaving you stranded or worse—creating a dangerous situation on the road.
According to the NHTSA Campaign 25V437, the affected models include:
| Model | Years | Number of Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Rogue | 2021-2024 | 348,554 |
| Nissan Altima | 2019-2020 | 5,685 |
| Infiniti QX50 | 2019-2022 | 84,536 |
| Infiniti QX55 | 2022 | 5,124 |
What’s Nissan doing about it? Dealers will check your engine oil pan for metal debris. If they don’t find any, they’ll replace the oil pan gasket and engine oil for 1.5L engines, or just the engine oil for 2.0L engines. But if they find debris (a sign of damage), Nissan will replace the entire engine free of charge.
Owner notifications are scheduled to begin August 25, 2025, but if you’re experiencing problems now, don’t wait—contact Nissan customer service at 800-647-7261.
Nissan Rogue CVT Transmission Problems: A Long History
The truth is, transmission problems in the Nissan Rogue aren’t new. Since the model’s introduction in 2008, the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has been a constant source of headaches for owners.
Common CVT Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you notice any of these warning signs, your Rogue’s transmission may be in trouble:
- Shuddering or jerking when you accelerate
- Delayed response when pressing the gas pedal
- Gear slipping or difficulty maintaining speed
- Whining, grinding, or clunking noises from the transmission
- Overheating during longer drives
- Complete transmission failure, often happening around 80,000-100,000 miles
One owner described the experience as “feeling like driving over rumble strips even on smooth pavement.” That’s not normal, and it’s not something you should live with.
Most Problematic Model Years
Not all Rogues are created equal when it comes to transmission problems. NHTSA complaint data shows these model years have the highest number of transmission-related complaints:
| Model Year | NHTSA Transmission Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 30 complaints |
| 2019 | 13 complaints |
| 2021 | 13 complaints |
| 2023 | 13 complaints |
| 2016 | Significant problems reported |
| 2008 | First widespread issues |
The 2008, 2016, and 2018 Rogues are widely considered the most problematic, though newer models from 2019-2023 continue to show concerning patterns.
Major Class Action Settlements You Should Know About
2022 Stringer v. Nissan Settlement: $277.7 Million
This massive settlement covered 2014-2018 Nissan Rogues, 2015-2018 Pathfinders, and 2015-2018 Infiniti QX60s. If you own one of these vehicles, you might be entitled to:
- Extended warranty coverage from the original 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles
- Reimbursement up to $5,000 for out-of-pocket CVT repairs you paid for
- Full reimbursement for repairs performed at Nissan dealers
The settlement became effective in May 2022, with claims accepted through March 22, 2022. If you missed this deadline but are experiencing problems, you should still contact Nissan as some exceptions may apply.
According to Nissan transmission litigation documents, this settlement was one of the largest related to transmission issues in automotive history.
2025 Murano/Maxima CVT Settlement
A separate settlement covering 2015-2018 Nissan Murano and 2016-2018 Maxima models received final approval in July 2025. This settlement offers similar warranty extensions and reimbursement programs, plus a $1,500 voucher for customers who suffered through multiple transmission repairs.
Is Your Nissan Rogue Covered? How to Check
Don’t wonder if your vehicle is affected—know for sure by following these steps:
- Visit NHTSA’s recall database at www.nhtsa.gov and enter your VIN
- Contact Nissan Customer Service at 800-647-7261
- Check specific settlement websites for class action eligibility
- Visit your local Nissan dealer for VIN-specific warranty coverage verification
Even if your vehicle isn’t covered by a specific recall, you might still be protected by warranty extensions that have been implemented as part of legal settlements.
Warranty Extensions: What You’re Entitled To
Nissan has implemented several warranty extensions for CVT transmissions:
- 2014-2018 Rogue and related models: Extended to 84 months/84,000 miles through class action settlements
- 2017-2018 Altima, 2018-2019 Sentra and Versa: Extended from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles
- Newer models (2019+): Some models may be eligible for extended coverage through ongoing or future settlements
These extensions are significant because CVT repairs can cost between $3,000-$8,000—not something most owners budget for.
2023-2025 Nissan Rogue: Current Issues To Watch For
Despite Nissan’s claims of improvements, newer Rogues continue to experience problems:
2023 Model Year Recalls:
- Airbag deployment problems affecting 351 vehicles
- Seat belt pretensioner issues affecting 9,720 vehicles
- Rear seat belt anchor problems affecting 71 vehicles
Beyond these official recalls, owners of 2023-2025 models report:
- Persistent fuel odors in the cabin
- CVT transmission hesitation and erratic shifting
- Electrical system malfunctions affecting infotainment and safety systems
- Engine performance issues including stalling and power loss
One 2024 Rogue owner reported: “The transmission hesitates so badly when accelerating from a stop that I’ve almost been hit several times trying to merge into traffic.”
Your Legal Rights: Lemon Law Protection
If you’re stuck with a problematic Nissan Rogue, you might have protection under state lemon laws. While requirements vary by state, you generally need:
- Multiple repair attempts for the same problem
- Vehicle out of service for extended periods (often 30+ days)
- Safety-related defects that remain unresolved
- Documentation of all repair attempts and dealer visits
An important tip: keep detailed records of every visit to the dealer, including dates, what was reported, and what was done. This documentation is crucial if you need to make a lemon law claim.
According to Lemon Law Assist, Nissan Rogue transmission issues have been successfully litigated under lemon laws in multiple states.
Class Action vs. Individual Claims: Which Is Better?
While multiple class action settlements exist, they might not provide the best compensation for everyone. For newer vehicles or those not covered by existing settlements, individual lemon law claims might yield better results.
However, if you want to pursue an individual claim, you must often opt out of class actions by specific deadlines to retain your legal rights. This is why it’s important to stay informed about settlements that might affect your vehicle.
Preventing Transmission Problems: Maintenance Tips
While CVT issues are often related to design flaws, proper maintenance can help extend your transmission’s life:
- Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules strictly
- Avoid aggressive driving and excessive towing
- Monitor transmission fluid regularly for overheating signs
- Address symptoms immediately rather than waiting for complete failure
One mechanic recommends: “Change your CVT fluid every 30,000 miles instead of the 60,000 miles Nissan recommends. It’s cheap insurance against bigger problems.”
What To Do If You Experience Transmission Problems
If your Nissan Rogue starts showing signs of transmission trouble:
- Document the symptoms in detail, including when they occur
- Take it to an authorized Nissan dealer immediately—warranty coverage typically requires dealer service
- Get all service records and keep copies for yourself
- Check if your vehicle is covered by a recall or warranty extension
- File a complaint with NHTSA at www.nhtsa.gov to help document the issue
- Consider consulting with a lemon law attorney if problems persist after multiple repair attempts
The Financial Impact of Transmission Failure
A failed CVT transmission in a Nissan Rogue can cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to replace if you’re not covered by warranty or recall. That’s why it’s critical to know your coverage status and act quickly if you notice problems.
Even if your vehicle is currently running well, these issues often develop over time, with subtle symptoms gradually becoming more severe. Being proactive can save you thousands in the long run.
Beyond Transmission Issues: Other Recalls to Know About
While transmission problems get the most attention, other Nissan Rogue recalls include:
- 2024 Backup Camera Recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V748): Affects 37,236 vehicles from 2024-2025 model years. The rearview camera may display a blank screen when in reverse, increasing crash risk. This will be fixed through over-the-air software updates or dealer service.
- Electrical System Recalls: Various model years have experienced recalls related to electrical systems that control critical safety features.
You can check if your vehicle is affected by these or other recalls by visiting the NHTSA recall database or Nissan’s recall lookup tool.
The Bottom Line: What Nissan Rogue Owners Should Do Now
- Check your VIN for recalls and warranty coverage immediately
- Watch for warning signs of transmission problems and address them quickly
- Keep detailed maintenance records and follow recommended service intervals
- Know your legal rights under warranty extensions and lemon laws
- Stay informed about new recalls and settlements that might affect your vehicle
The Nissan Rogue’s transmission issues represent one of the most extensive patterns of mechanical problems for a single model in recent automotive history. While Nissan has taken steps to address these problems through recalls and settlements, staying vigilant and informed is your best protection against expensive repairs and safety risks.
Whether you’re currently experiencing problems or just want to protect your investment, being proactive about these issues can save you significant headaches and expenses down the road.
