Which Nissan Rogue Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)

Nissan, a world-renowned automaker, debuted one of its most reliable brands the Rogue, a compact crossover SUV, in 2008. Since then, the Rogue has become Nissan’s best-selling vehicle.

Transmission issues are the most frequently reported criticisms of some model years of the Nissan Rogue. The problem is present in almost every model year, though in small amounts.

Are you trying to figure out which model year to buy? Use this guide to figure out which model years to avoid and which years to invest in with confidence.

Nissan Rogue Years to Avoid (List of Years)

Nissan Rogue is such a popular compact crossover SUV for a reason. If you have decided to buy the Rogue, it’s hard to go wrong with the majority of its models.

However, a few Nissan Rogue model years are reported to have some noticeable issues that you will want to avoid.

If you have made up your mind to buy the Rogue, we recommend that you avoid buying the following model year as they have many significant problems.

• Nissan Rogue 2008
• Nissan Rogue 2011
• Nissan Rogue 2013
• Nissan Rogue 2014
• Nissan Rogue 2015
• Nissan Rogue 2017
• Nissan Rogue 2018

The 2013 Nissan Rogue has been rated the worst model year based on a number of factors, including repair costs and average mileage. In addition, it has received the most overall complaints.

What Makes These Nissan Rogue Years Worth Avoiding?

1. Nissan 2008 Years Problems

2008 model year is Nissan Rogue’s inaugural model year. Air conditioning, power windows, and locks, remote keyless entry, and an AM/FM/CD radio with four speakers are all included in the Rogue’s list of standard features.

Still, the model year could not satisfy the customers. About six hundred and sixty-four complaints had been reported against this model year.

• The most common problems of this model year include:
• CVT Transmission Failure
• Loud Grinding When Accelerating
• Engine Problems

For the first time, Nissan Rogue has delivered a model year that is unquestionably a bad one in the Rogue series and a model year to avoid.

2. Nissan 2011 Years Problems

This year’s Nissan Rogue has various changes, including a new front fascia and grille, a new color scheme for the instruments. The center dash has also been reworked to accommodate the navigation system.

All the experiments of this vehicle went in vain when a total of six hundred and eleven complaints were received from the public regarding this product. It was the transmission issue that was the most frequently raised.

The most common problems of this model year include:

• Transmission Problems  
• Stop While Driving
• Loud Whining
• AC Compressor Failure

It is yet another bad model year for the Nissan Rogue, and it is certainly a model year to avoid if at all possible.

3. Nissan 2013 Years Problems

The Rogue from the first generation is being phased out with the 2013 model year. Unfortunately, compared to other model years, this particular Rogue is the worst to avoid because it receives substantially more complaints than any other. 

Customers reported about eight hundred and ninety-five complaints against this. And once again, the most frequent complaint was the transmission problem.

Also, the model year encounter the following issues:

• Transmission Failure
• Paint Chipping
• Excessive Rusting
• No Power on Acceleration

There have been more consumer complaints about the Nissan Rogue 2013 model year than any other year since it was introduced in 2008. It is definitely a model year to avoid.

4. Nissan 2014 Years Problems

The second-generation Nissan Rogue makes its debut with the 2014 model year. This model year was the first vehicle to be made in South Korea for a Japanese automaker and sold under a Japanese brand.

There are numerous problems with the model year, which carries on the bad reputation of the 2013 Rogue. And about six hundred customers complained against the model year.

The customers reported the following issues:

• Transmission Problems
• Interior Accessories Problems
• Paint Chipping
• AC/ Heater Problems

If you were to create a list of the worst model years of the Nissan Rogue, this would certainly be the second-worst model year on the list, and it would be another model year to avoid.

5. Nissan 2015 Years Problems

The 2015 Nissan Rogue was another model year that has received too many complaints. This model year has the highest number of recalls. 

About six hundred and twenty-two complaints had been reported. Mostly about AC/heater not working properly and even transmission failure related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The following are the most often encountered issues with this model year:

• AC Compressor Failure
• Transmission Problems  
• Stop While Driving
• Loud Whining

This is another model year of the Nissan Rogue that the owner was dissatisfied with, so it’s best to stay away from it.

6. Nissan 2017 Years Problems

In January 2017, Nissan introduced a hybrid Rogue with limited availability for the 2017 model year. 2017 has updated headlights and taillights with LED daytime running lights. The front grille plastics have Nissan’s larger V-Motion grille.

About five hundred and sixty-one customers criticized the model year. The most serious problem is with the brakes. Unintentional braking was triggered by some of the new technology introduced this year.

The following are the most often observed issues with this model year:

• Steering Wheel Squeaks While Turning
• Transmission Failure
• Transmission Failure

This is undoubtedly another model year to avoid if you want to save a lot of money on maintenance.

7. Nissan 2018 Years Problems

Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert became standard safety features for the 2018 model year. But this model year has faced the same criticism as the previous model year.

About seven hundred and forty-two customers complained against the model year.

New technology introduced this year contributed to a rise in complaints about unintentional braking, which was once again the most common issue.

• The following are the most often observed issues with this model year:
• Brakes Without Warning While Driving
• Interior Accessories Problems
• AEB System Engaging Spontaneously

This is undoubtedly another model year to avoid if you want to save a lot of money on maintenance.

Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?

Overall, buying a Nissan Rogue is a safe bet. It is better to stay away from model years that have been associated with previous problems. All of the Nissan Rogue models listed below are rated safe to buy.

The safest model year to purchase:

• 2009 Nissan Rogue
• 2010 Nissan Rogue
• 2012 Nissan Rogue
• 2016 Nissan Rogue
• 2019 – 2022 Nissan Rogue

Based on the quantity and severity of complaints received from customers and is updated regularly. Model years noted above have received fewer complaints, resulting in fewer significant claims and less expensive repairs.

Conclusion

Buying a Nissan Rogue from the right year is one of the best decisions you can make.  Do not consider buying a Rogue from any of the years listed above to save money on maintenance.

Get your automobile checked out to make sure it’s safe for you and your visitors, as well as to make sure any recall information is current.

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