2021-2023 Nissan Rogue Engine Failure Issues

Updated on January 3rd, 2024 Author: Sergei Lemberg

Lemberg Law is currently examining numerous reports of engine failures in the 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue. Owners are sharing their experiences in NHTSA complaints, detailing various associated malfunctions. These include instances of the engine stalling, shutting down, ceasing to function, experiencing seizures, entering limp mode, and outright failure.     

Are There Problems with the Engine Failing in the 2021-2023 Rogue?

There are major issues with 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue engines failing. Complaints lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) range from knocking noises and overheating to  shuddering, shaking, and shutting down. Some engine complaints also mention heavy fuel odors and a loss of fuel despite no evidence of leaks. 

All three model years are subject to an open NHTSA investigation that relates to the engine and engine cooling. Launched on December 13, 2023, it states that 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue vehicles equipped with the KR15DDT engine have “elevated variable compression engine failure rates.” If the engine fails, this can lead directly to a complete loss of motive power. The investigation report states that owners have alleged “engine failure, loss of motive power, engine knock or noise and/or metal chunks and shavings found in the oil pan.” 

Other Nissan vehicles are also affected including the Altima and the Infinity, some of which have other engine types. 

Furthermore, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects (ODI) has established that Nissan has been attempting to “address main bearing and L-link damage/seizures on the KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines by introducing multiple manufacturing processes changes over time.” 

The 2021 Nissan Rogue is also subject to two recalls, both of which are related to the gasoline fuel pump system. NHTSA Campaigns Numbers 21V068000 (February 11, 2021) and 21V957000 (December 9, 2021) warns of issues that can cause 2021 Nissan Rogue engines to stall. These recalls reportedly affect 2,150 and 24,793 vehicles, respectively. 

What are Owners Reporting?

While the experiences that owners of 2021, 2022, and 2023 Nissan Rogue SUVs have appear to vary, most are symptomatic of engine failure. Issues include engines:

• Stalling and/or shutting down — sometimes after overheating
• Shuddering and shaking
• Losing speed
• Independently decelerating, also described as reduced acceleration or a failure to accelerate
• Making knocking, rattling, or other “dreadful” noises
• Displaying warning messages including “Engine Malfunction Reduced Power Service Now’”

Disturbingly, there are numerous complaints that state — as recently as mid-December 2023 — that engines are on backorder and so repairs aren’t possible.  

Here are a few examples of NHTSA complaints that add context to various engine failure issues.

Complaints about Engine Failures

An owner from Texas tells how his 2023 Nissan Rogue had major problems that resulted in a need for both the engine and turbo system to be replaced. “As I was accelerating to merge onto the tollway from 45 mph to 70 mph, I switched to sports mode and reached almost 74 mph. At that point, white smoke started coming from the exhaust, and the engine started to severely knock. After a few minutes, the check engine, oil and high temperature lights came on, on the dash. The vehicle indicated that I pull over and stop driving.” After diagnosing the issue in December 2023, the dealership said the engine was on backorder. The owner was given a base-level loaner that was inferior to his faulty Rogue with all its upgrades. Nissan refused to replace the vehicle.

An owner from New York was accelerating up a hill when he heard “an awful noise in the engine. The car immediately shut down and overheated.” This, he discovered, was because “the turbo chip blew apart causing catastrophic damage to the engine. I ended up needing to hire a lemon law attorney and Nissan bought the vehicle back from me.” This particular dealership said they were handling four vehicles with the same issue.

Problems with Metal Shavings

An owner from Wisconsin reports how his Rogue started to “shake violently” before “the engine locked up tight.” The SUV was towed to the dealer who found “main bearing/rod bearing material” in the oil and oil filter. This was in June 2023, and again, the engine was on backorder. This was the third 2023 Rogue this dealer had with the same problem. The complaint states that “Nissan is not telling the dealer the cause of the problem.”

In May 2023, abouther 2023 Rogue stalled on an off-ramp to a State Route. “It was later determined (that) the engine completely seized due to metal shavings that were found in it. The engine was replaced under warranty.” The owner wasn’t told what had caused the problem. “I was told by the dealership that the new technology had not been fully tested and this was a risk of buying a brand new car. I understand minor issues with a new car but metal shavings in an engine is not minor.”

What Should You Do if Your Rogue Has Engine Problems?

If your 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue has any kind of engine failure issues, you might have bought a lemon. If you believe this to be the case, you might qualify to join our class action investigation. All you have to do is call our Helpline or fill out a contact form. We will evaluate your case to see if you qualify. It won’t cost you anything because the law says Nissan must pay all the legal bills for lemon law cases.

About the Author:

Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."

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