How Long Do Nissan Rogues Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan
Nissan Rogue by Gold Pony - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The compact crossover segment is the most competitive category in the U.S. auto market. While the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are the most popular, the Nissan Rogue is another credible entry. In fact, Nissan sells more Rogues than anything else in its lineup. This may lead used car shoppers to wonder how long Nissan Rogues last.
Debuting for the 2008 model year, the Rogue was a latecomer, with the RAV4 and CR-V on sale since the mid-1990s. Even the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Equinox had beat the Rogue to the punch. But Nissan soldiered on, with sales increasing each year. This success translates into an ample supply of used Nissan Rogues.
And if the idea is to buy a used vehicle that lasts as long as possible, it makes sense to learn how long Nissan Rogues last. But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. Consumer Reports says the typical modern automobile has a lifespan of 150,000 miles. This is a significant improvement over cars from the previous century when longevity was usually capped at 100,000 miles.
Learning about Nissan Rogue lifespan comes from examining reliability ratings for the different generations:
- First Generation: 2008-2012
- Second Generation: 2013-2020
- Third Generation: 2021-Current
Each edition is substantially different enough that applying a blanket longevity rating to all Rogues isn’t accurate. For instance, RepairPal ranks the Nissan Rogue with a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating. Further, the Rogue sits in the middle (13th out of 26) of all the compact SUVs that RepairPal assessed. Yet, this is an average among ALL Nissan Rogue model years. For instance, it’s fair to say that reliability will significantly differ between the 2008 and 2022 model years.
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Do Nissan Rogues Last Long?
So, coming up with an answer to the question, “How long do Nissan Rogues last?” requires reviewing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), RepairPal, Consumer Reports, and carcomplaints.com.
We’re looking principally at reports that cover issues with the Rogue’s engine and transmission. These systems are integral to a car’s operation and are the most expensive to repair. A vehicle’s lifespan often ends when repairs exceed the car’s value. For instance, spending $4,000 to fix a transmission doesn’t make sense when the car is worth only $3,000. A pattern of similar engine or transmission problems across one or more model years indicates longevity may be impacted.
How Many Miles Does A Nissan Rogue Last? The Breakdown
2008-2013 Nissan Rogue Lifespan: 150,000 miles
The first generation of any all-new vehicle is seldom a home run in the reliability department. This is evidenced by many Rogue owner reports involving the engine and transmission—a double-whammy dose of trouble. NHTSA gets hit with dozens of owner reports about engine problems for each model year, while carcomplaints.com has an equal share of transmission troubles.
What’s especially troubling is that the frequency of reports doesn’t decline among more recent model years. Often, a new model’s first year or two has a rough time, but improvements correct the problem in subsequent years. We see no evidence of this with the first-generation Nissan Rogue.
But don’t take our word for it. Among the approximate 900 used 2008-2013 Nissan Rogues for sale in the continental U.S. (based on accessible online listings as of September 22, 2023), only 22 (or 2.4%) had at least 200,000 miles. This hard number tells us that few first-gen Rogues exceed the 150,000-mile threshold.
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2014-2020 Nissan Rogue Lifespan: 150,000 miles
Complaints about the engines and transmissions in the second-generation Nissan Rogue dropped. Curiously, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a carryover from the previous generation, but Nissan appeared to work out some of the kinks. That’s not to say the 2014-2020 Rogue engine is perfect. But the complaint volume is reduced. The same applies to the Rogue’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).
So, how long do Nissan Rogues last from the second generation? The answer is still the same: 150,000 miles. Despite the apparent powertrain improvements, the evidence doesn’t support greater longevity. Of the 8,750 second-generation Rogues (2014-2020) for sale online, only 18 had 200,000 miles or more. That’s substantially fewer than among the first-generation offerings on a percentage basis.
2021-Current Nissan Rogue Lifespan: Unknown
It’s far too early to determine the longevity of the third-generation Nissan Rogue. It’s encouraging that there are few reports about the engine or transmission. However, the true test is what happens after the warranty expires. We’re just not there yet.
To further complicate matters, Nissan dropped the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine after 2021 in favor of a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Small, high-compression engines like this tend to wear out sooner because they must work harder. There’s no indication that 2022 and newer Rogues face this problem, but history has a way of repeating itself.
The Nissan Rogue’s Lifespan: Reddit
To give you some real-world insights into the Nissan Rogue’s life expectancy, we have curated several experiences by Reddit users regarding their Rogues.
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As you can see, real-world experiences are fairly varied when it comes to the Rogue’s reliability and longevity. The main point of concern that could affect the lifespan of the Rogue is definitely the CVT transmission, which had a not-so-stellar reputation.
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Common Nissan Rogue Problems That Could Affect Its Lifespan
While it’s a popular compact SUV, owning a Nissan Rogue isn’t exactly a trouble-free experience. Below is a list of Rogue problems that could affect a unit’s life expectancy:
1. Transmission Troubles
As mentioned, one of the most significant issues faced by Nissan Rogue owners is related to its continuously variable transmission (CVT). While some initial complaints were due to drivers misunderstanding the unique operation of a CVT, there have been numerous reports of actual transmission failures. Nissan has acknowledged these issues by extending the warranty on CVT units in some vehicles to 10 years or 120,000 miles, providing coverage for repairs at a Nissan dealership.
If you experience a loss of power, especially when climbing hills, or find that your Rogue is unable to exceed 3,000 rpm, it could be a sign of CVT problems. Overheating, overfilling transmission fluid, or using the wrong fluid type can all contribute to these issues.
2. Fuel Gauge Fiascos
Another common problem reported by Rogue owners is the inaccurate reading of the fuel gauge. This issue is typically caused by a faulty sending unit inside the gas tank, leading to incorrect fuel level displays. If you notice your fuel gauge dropping quickly despite minimal driving or not reading full after filling up the tank, it’s likely due to this problem.
To avoid running out of gas unexpectedly, keep a close eye on your mileage and compare it to the rate at which your fuel gauge depletes. If you suspect a problem, have your sending unit inspected and replaced if necessary.
3. Sunroof Struggles
First-generation Nissan Rogue models (2008-2013) have been known to experience issues with their sunroofs not closing correctly. This problem is often attributed to a misaligned wind deflector located in front of the sunroof. Slow or hesitant operation of the sunroof along its tracks may also occur due to debris buildup.
If you’re considering purchasing a used Rogue, be sure to test the sunroof thoroughly during your inspection. Look for signs of a weak sunroof motor, such as the glass not sitting flush with the roof when closed. Repairing a malfunctioning sunroof can be costly, often exceeding $1,000.
4. Emissions Equipment Errors
Many Nissan Rogue owners have reported the dreaded check engine light illuminating due to a broken wire at the canister purge volume control solenoid valve. This component, which resembles a soda can, is part of the vehicle’s emissions system and is responsible for trapping and releasing fuel vapors into the engine to be burned.
If you experience a check engine light along with reduced gas mileage or poor engine performance, it could be a sign of a faulty canister purge valve. Fortunately, Nissan offers a repair kit to address this issue.
5. Engine Noises
Some Rogue owners have complained about knocking or rattling noises when starting their engines, particularly in cold weather. Two factors can cause this: the timing chain tensioning process and the design of the Rogue’s engine.
During the first few seconds of startup, the timing chain may chatter as it comes under tension and builds oil pressure. Additionally, the Rogue’s engine features long cylinders, causing the pistons to contract slightly when cold. This can lead to a clicking noise until the engine warms up and the pistons expand to their original size.
While these noises are generally not a cause for immediate concern, if they persist after the engine has reached operating temperature, it could indicate more serious engine problems that require attention.
Improving Nissan Rogue Lifespan
There are several steps that Nissan Rogue owners can take to improve the longevity of their vehicles. Consider the following measures.
Maintenance: Performing regular maintenance is critical to extending the life of your Rogue (or any vehicle). Follow Nissan’s recommended oil, filter, and fluid replacement schedule.
Inspection: Get in the habit of checking your vehicle for any leaks, unusual noises, or other signs of potential issues. Be watchful about fluid levels and top up as needed. Keeping the tires properly inflated is also essential. Catching problems early can prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
Cleaning and Storage: While keeping a car tidy inside and out won’t prevent mechanical issues, it will help maintain resale value. Keep the exterior washed and washed, and regularly vacuum the interior. Avoid parking in areas with extreme heat and UV ray exposure to preserve the paint and prevent fading.
Driving: Observing good driving habits promotes safety and reduces wear and tear. Aggressive acceleration and braking add extra strain to a vehicle, potentially decreasing longevity. At the same time, carrying unnecessary weight can reduce braking and increase the burden on the suspension.
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