2021-2023 Nissan Rogue Engine Failure Issues

Updated on Author: Sergei Lemberg

Updated on 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.     

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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. 

2021-2023 Nissan Rogue Complaint Summary

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
69
69
Engine
56
56
Fuel/propulsion System
48
48
Electrical System
35
35
Power Train
19
19
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
16
16
Service Brakes
13
13
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
12
12
Structure:body
11
11
Vehicle Speed Control
11
11

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 for compensation. 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.

Sergei Lemberg

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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4 COMMENTS
  • Paul N

    What if I rented a 2023 Nissan rogue and I experienced these exact problems. I have contacted the rental company and they are addressing the problem by getting me a different vehicle but we were almost in a bad accident on the way here because of the issue so I have any rights or cases?

  • Deb

    I bought a Nissan Roque 2021 SLAWD Jan 27 2024 with 27,004 miles. Feb 11th, I was in a parking lot with the engine for about 5 minutes when suddenly the heater went up on high, then off, then back on and then the alarm went off and the dash read “failure” with all these different little signs. It would not start. I walked home 2 miles away . The next day I had to walk the 2 miles to have it jump started and went to Nissan. They acted like it was no big deal. They upgraded something and it was good to go. No explanation. Part number 284A96RF1E. When i was buying the car I asked about the carfax mentioning the “campaign” #P3A28 Roque IPDM Reprog NGB24-003 and that status: remedy available. Then the next day the parking sensor alarm was going off in the morning and ok by afternoon

  • pat m

    I have a 2023 rouge with 20k it has a engine rattle on power up I took it back to dealer and they said it was normal, the flip side to this was I had a 2022 rouge doing the same thing, they replaced the motor, but I traded it in for the one I have now, it rattles the same, but it has some Elec as well

  • Helen L

    Numerous electrical /battery issues in my 2021 Nissan Rogue. In less than (3) years of ownership and under 36,000 miles, battery was replaced twice since I had to jump it several times. Dealer blamed me for listening to radio too long (?!). Nissan refused to reimburse me for first battery… but Hugh White Lancaster, Ohio dealership replaced it since the “new” battery had a bad cell.
    That was what happened in 2023… I’m now getting power door locks going off/on plus alarms beeping while I make sharp turns at slow speeds!
    I’m also getting Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service Now. I’m now driving a rental car from the dealer who said they are going to shut down and do thorough diagnostic.

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