2025 Nissan Rogue Problems: 8 Known Issues

On the 2021-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L KR15DDT VC-Turbo 3-cylinder, the variable-compression 1.5L VC-Turbo can suffer a manufacturing defect in the main, A-link, C-link, and L-link engine bearings. Higher-than-expected oil temperatures thin the oil and starve the bearings, leading to bearing seizure, rod knock, abnormal engine noise, hard/rough starts, stalling, and ultimately catastrophic engine failure (potentially while driving). NHTSA opened an investigation in December 2023; Nissan issued recall 25V-437 (June 2025, ~443,899 units across Rogue, Altima, QX50 and QX55, including ~348,554 MY2021-2024 Rogues) followed by 26V-080 (Feb 2026, ~323,917 MY2023-2025 Rogues built Oct 2022-Nov 2024). Distinct from the already-covered PCV/oil-smell VC-Turbo issue — this is bottom-end bearing failure. Hundreds of warranty engine-replacement claims logged.

On the 2022-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L KR15DDT turbo I3, on 2022+ Rogues equipped with the 1.5L KR15DDT variable-compression turbo engine, owners have reported rough idle, gasoline/fuel odor, hesitation, and check-engine lights tied to crankcase ventilation or related air-fuel control issues. These complaints are distinct from outright transmission concerns and appear in owner forums and complaint databases as the newer engine accumulated mileage. In some cases, the issue presents as drivability problems without obvious external leaks.

On the 2021-2025 Nissan Rogue, this is by far the dominant owner complaint on the current-generation Rogue and it is not covered by any recall. The rear hatch glass shatters explosively with nothing striking it - while parked, while driving, and very commonly at the instant the driver closes a door. 128 of 173 NHTSA complaints filed on the 2025 Rogue and 65 of 188 on the 2024 Rogue describe the rear glass or rear window shattering. Reports span hot and cold weather, occupied and unoccupied vehicles, and rental and fleet units (one fleet operator reports at least eight occurrences across their Rogue fleet). Several incidents involve glass landing in the rear seat next to a child seat, and several occurred at highway speed where the noise startled the driver. A consolidated class action alleging thin, defectively manufactured soda-lime rear glass on 2021-2025 Rogues is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, filed January 2026; Nissan had issued no recall as of that filing.

On the 2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L KR15DDT VC-Turbo 3-cylinder, the electronic throttle body uses internal polymer gears. During each ignition start-up the throttle chamber runs a diagnostic that drives the gear against a fixed stopper; ECM software introduced at the start of MY2024 production lengthened that contact, and the repeated loading can fracture the gear teeth, jamming the throttle valve. This causes sudden loss of power/stalling and, on restart, can prevent the transmission from engaging forward or reverse, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan recall (NHTSA 26V-081, ~318,781 units, MY2024-2025 built Nov 13 2023-Apr 28 2025) covers the defect. Over 3,100 warranty claims reported. Separate from the VC-Turbo bearing recall even though both were announced together.

On the 2021-2025 Nissan Rogue, multiple owners of the current-generation Rogue report the forward collision warning / automatic emergency braking system issuing sudden alerts, disabling itself, or in some cases braking unexpectedly with no obstacle present. Complaints commonly mention 'Front radar unavailable due to obstruction' or related warning messages in clear weather, sometimes recurring after restart. This is a safety-related issue because it can cause abrupt deceleration or loss of driver-assistance functions when expected.

On the 2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L KR15DDT VC-Turbo, separate from liftgate no-open and power-failure complaints, owners report the Rogue's power liftgate closing on its own while a person is still standing under or behind it - typically while loading or unloading cargo. Owners describe the gate beginning its close cycle with only a beep and no reversal when it contacts a person, pinning them between the gate and the rear bumper or striking the head and shoulders. One 2025 owner reports being hit in the head and shoulder repeatedly with the dealer unable to find a cause; another reports a concussion from the gate coming down on them. A 2025 owner also reports the gate auto-closing as soon as a person steps out from under it, suggesting the proximity/kick sensor logic is misinterpreting the operator's position. The obstacle-detection reversal that should stop the gate does not appear to engage reliably.

On the 2021-2025 Nissan Rogue, owners have reported power liftgate problems including the hatch refusing to open, stopping partway, reversing direction, or beeping without completing the cycle. Some complaints describe intermittent operation that worsens in cold weather or after battery disconnects, while others point to latch, strut, or module-related faults. The issue is inconvenient and can become a safety concern if cargo access or hatch closing is unreliable.

On the 2021-2025 Nissan Rogue, a recurring owner complaint on the current Rogue is front-end clunking, rattling, or knocking noises over small bumps, driveway transitions, or rough pavement. Reports commonly point to sway bar links, strut-related hardware, or other front suspension attachment points loosening or wearing prematurely. While not always an immediate breakdown issue, it can degrade ride quality and may affect handling confidence if left unresolved.