Nissan Rogue Reliability Rating: How Reliable Is the Rogue?

The Nissan Rogue reliability rating is one of the first things many buyers want to check before purchasing this popular compact SUV. And that makes sense. A vehicle can look great on the outside, offer plenty of technology, and deliver impressive fuel economy, but none of that matters much if we constantly have to take it to the repair shop.

So, is the Nissan Rogue reliable?

Overall, the Nissan Rogue earns above-average reliability ratings from several major automotive sources, although reliability can vary considerably depending on the model year.

RepairPal currently gives the Nissan Rogue a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it 13th out of 26 compact SUVs. J.D. Power gives the 2026 Nissan Rogue an 84/100 Quality & Reliability score, which it categorizes as “Great.”

However, those ratings do not mean every Rogue model year performs equally well. Engine changes, CVT transmission history, recalls, mileage, and maintenance can significantly affect long-term dependability.

In this guide, we’ll examine the Nissan Rogue reliability rating, repair costs, common problems, expected lifespan, model-year differences, and what buyers should check before purchasing one.

What Is the Nissan Rogue Reliability Rating?

The Nissan Rogue currently receives a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal.

That score is considered above average.

RepairPal ranks the Rogue 13th among 26 compact SUVs based on several factors, including:

• Average repair costs
• Frequency of unscheduled repairs
• Severity of repairs
• Long-term maintenance data

According to RepairPal, Rogue owners spend approximately $467 per year on repairs and maintenance, compared with about $521 for the average compact SUV.

That relatively modest repair bill is one of the strongest points in the Rogue's favor.

Nissan Rogue Reliability Rating at a Glance

RepairPal's numbers are based on historical repair data across multiple years rather than one specific Rogue model year. J.D. Power's rating, meanwhile, is model-year specific.

That distinction is important when comparing reliability ratings online.

Is the Nissan Rogue Reliable?

Generally, yes, the Nissan Rogue can be considered a reasonably reliable compact SUV, especially when it has been properly maintained.

The model has several advantages from an ownership perspective:

• Repair costs are relatively low.
• Major repairs aren't exceptionally frequent.
• Parts are widely available.
• Nissan dealerships and independent repair shops are easy to find.
• Modern Rogue models have strong owner-based reliability scores from J.D. Power.

But there is an important qualification.

Some Rogue generations and model years have experienced more complaints than others, particularly involving CVT transmissions and certain newer powertrain components.

Because of that, we wouldn't recommend judging every Nissan Rogue solely by its overall 4/5 RepairPal score.

The specific model year matters a lot.

RepairPal Nissan Rogue Reliability Rating

RepairPal's Nissan Rogue reliability rating gives us a useful long-term picture because its methodology considers actual repair behavior.

The Rogue receives 4.0 stars out of 5.0.

RepairPal reports average annual repair and maintenance expenses of around $467, compared with approximately $521 for compact SUVs overall and $652 across all vehicle models.

From an ownership-cost perspective, that's encouraging.

How Often Does a Nissan Rogue Need Repairs?

RepairPal estimates that a Nissan Rogue visits a repair shop for unscheduled repairs about 0.3 times per year.

Interestingly, that's approximately the same frequency RepairPal reports for compact SUVs generally.

In practical terms, we're looking at roughly one unscheduled repair visit every three years, although an individual vehicle can obviously experience more or fewer problems.

Maintenance visits such as oil changes aren't included in that measurement.

How Serious Are Nissan Rogue Repairs?

RepairPal estimates that approximately 12% of Rogue repairs are considered severe.

For comparison, the average compact SUV has an approximately 11% probability of a severe repair, while the average across all vehicle models is around 12%.

So the Rogue is basically around the industry average when it comes to the risk of a major repair.

J.D. Power Nissan Rogue Reliability Rating

J.D. Power measures reliability differently from RepairPal.

Its Quality & Reliability score reflects owner-reported defects, malfunctions, and design issues involving areas ranging from the engine and transmission to infotainment equipment.

For the 2026 Nissan Rogue, J.D. Power currently lists a Quality & Reliability rating of 84/100, categorizing it as “Great.”

The 2025 Rogue also scores 84/100 for Quality & Reliability.

Those are strong ratings for a mainstream compact SUV.

Nissan Rogue J.D. Power Reliability by Year

Some recent available J.D. Power Quality & Reliability ratings include:

*J.D. Power notes that the 2021 Rogue was redesigned and that previous-year rating data was applied, so that particular score should be interpreted cautiously.

Overall, the numbers suggest that the Rogue has typically landed somewhere between average and strong within J.D. Power's reliability system.

Consumer Reports Nissan Rogue Reliability

Consumer Reports paints a somewhat more cautious picture.

For the 2026 Nissan Rogue, Consumer Reports says it expects reliability to be approximately average compared with the average new vehicle. Its prediction is based on reliability data from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Rogue.

Consumer Reports describes the 2025 Rogue as less reliable than other vehicles from the same model year.

This shows why we should never rely on only one reliability score.

Different organizations measure reliability differently.

RepairPal focuses heavily on repair frequency, cost, and severity. J.D. Power incorporates owner experiences with defects and malfunctions. Consumer Reports relies heavily on extensive owner surveys and historical problem areas.

Together, they give us a more complete picture.

Why Nissan Rogue Reliability Ratings Can Be Different

It's completely normal to see one organization giving the Rogue an excellent score while another gives it an average rating.

That's because “reliability” isn't measured using a single universal formula.

Repair Cost

A vehicle could have occasional issues but still earn a respectable reliability rating if those repairs are relatively inexpensive.

The Rogue's approximately $467 average annual repair cost helps its RepairPal rating considerably.

Repair Frequency

Vehicles requiring frequent visits to mechanics generally score lower.

The Rogue's estimated 0.3 unscheduled repair visits per year is roughly in line with the compact SUV average.

Problem Severity

Replacing a small sensor isn't equivalent to replacing an engine or transmission.

Reliability studies therefore often consider how expensive or serious the average repair is.

Owner Surveys

Organizations such as J.D. Power and Consumer Reports collect information from vehicle owners.

These surveys can identify issues that traditional repair databases might not fully capture, such as:

• Infotainment problems
• Electronic glitches
• Interior components
• Warning lights
• Power accessories
• Climate-control problems

That's why two legitimate reliability studies can reach somewhat different conclusions.

Nissan Rogue Engine Reliability

Engine reliability depends heavily on the generation we're discussing.

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Older Rogue models commonly used naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, while newer Rogues adopted Nissan's 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine.

The turbocharged engine delivers around 201 horsepower and allows the Rogue to combine reasonable performance with competitive fuel economy.

However, buyers considering recent model years should check recall history carefully.

In February 2026, Nissan recalled certain 2024-2025 Rogue models equipped with the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine because gears inside the electronic throttle body assembly could break and potentially cause a loss of drive power. NHTSA documents list approximately 318,781 potentially affected Rogue vehicles.

A recall doesn't automatically mean every affected vehicle will fail.

It does mean that we should verify whether recall work has been completed before purchasing a used Rogue.

Nissan Rogue Transmission Reliability

The transmission is probably the most discussed area when people research Nissan Rogue reliability.

Many Rogue generations use Nissan's continuously variable transmission, commonly referred to as a CVT.

Instead of conventional fixed gears, a CVT continuously adjusts its ratio to keep the engine operating efficiently.

There are advantages:

• Smooth acceleration
• Good fuel economy
• Fewer traditional gear changes

But earlier Nissan CVTs developed a reputation among some owners for transmission-related problems.

Potential symptoms worth watching for include:

• Hesitation when accelerating
• Shuddering
• Abnormal whining noises
• Delayed engagement
• RPM surging
• Transmission overheating
• Loss of acceleration

None of those symptoms automatically means the transmission is failing, but they deserve professional inspection.

Are Newer Nissan Rogues More Reliable?

Newer does not automatically mean more reliable, but recent Rogue reliability scores are encouraging in some respects.

J.D. Power gives both the 2025 and 2026 Rogue an 84/100 Quality & Reliability score.

At the same time, newer vehicles haven't accumulated the mileage of older Rogues.

A 2026 Rogue obviously cannot yet provide the same 10-year durability history as a 2016 Rogue.

That's why predicted reliability should always be treated differently from proven long-term reliability.

Nissan Rogue Reliability by Generation

Looking at reliability by generation is generally more useful than treating every Rogue as the same vehicle.

First-Generation Nissan Rogue

The original Rogue arrived for the 2008 model year.

These vehicles are now relatively old, meaning mileage, rust, maintenance history, and previous repairs are often more important than their original reliability score.

At this age, we'd pay particular attention to:

• CVT operation
• Suspension wear
• Oil leaks
• Wheel bearings
• Air conditioning
• Electrical equipment
• Rust in snow-belt vehicles

A carefully maintained first-generation Rogue can still provide inexpensive transportation, but a neglected example can quickly become costly.

Second-Generation Nissan Rogue

The second generation covered much of the Rogue's massive growth in popularity.

These vehicles are widely available on the used market and can represent attractive value.

However, CVT condition should be one of our main inspection points.

A documented service history can make a significant difference.

Third-Generation Nissan Rogue

The current-generation Rogue debuted for 2021.

The 2021 model initially continued with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while subsequent models moved to the 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine.

This generation brought improvements in:

• Interior quality
• Technology
• Safety features
• Fuel economy
• Cabin comfort

But when shopping for a newer Rogue, we should check recalls and service campaigns associated with the specific VIN.

Nissan Rogue Average Annual Repair Cost

One of the Rogue's biggest advantages is relatively affordable maintenance.

RepairPal estimates average repair and maintenance expenses at approximately $467 annually.

Of course, that doesn't mean we'll spend exactly $467 every year.

Vehicle expenses usually aren't that predictable.

We could spend only $150 one year and face a $1,000 repair the next.

Mileage also matters.

Once a vehicle gets beyond 100,000 miles, components such as these may require attention:

• Suspension parts
• Engine mounts
• Wheel bearings
• Sensors
• Cooling-system components
• Air-conditioning components
• Alternator
• Starter
• CVT-related components

Still, the Rogue's average repair expenses compare favorably with many vehicles.

How Long Does a Nissan Rogue Last?

A well-maintained Nissan Rogue can potentially remain on the road for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more, but lifespan isn't guaranteed by the badge on the hood.

Maintenance and driving conditions are crucial.

A Rogue that has received regular oil changes, proper transmission maintenance, and prompt repairs is much more likely to reach high mileage than one that has been neglected.

Highway mileage is usually easier on a vehicle than constant stop-and-go driving.

Climate matters too.

Vehicles driven in regions where road salt is heavily used can develop rust-related problems long before their engines wear out.

How to Make a Nissan Rogue Last Longer

If we already own a Rogue, some basic habits can significantly improve its chances of reaching high mileage.

Follow the Maintenance Schedule

We shouldn't wait for something to break before thinking about maintenance.

Regular servicing should include items such as:

• Engine oil and filter
• Air filter
• Brake inspection
• Tires
• Cooling system
• Battery
• Transmission inspection
• Belts and hoses

Always follow the maintenance requirements specified for the particular model year.

Pay Attention to the CVT

If the vehicle starts shuddering, hesitating, or behaving differently during acceleration, we shouldn't ignore it.

Transmission problems tend to become more expensive when warning signs are allowed to continue.

Don't Ignore Warning Lights

Modern vehicles can detect many problems before they develop into serious failures.

A check-engine light doesn't necessarily mean the engine itself is failing, but we should have the fault codes diagnosed.

Check for Open Recalls

Recall repairs are normally completed by authorized dealerships at no cost to the owner.

NHTSA allows U.S. owners to check recall status using the vehicle's VIN.

That's especially important when buying a used Rogue.

Nissan Rogue Recall History and Reliability

Recalls should be considered when evaluating reliability, but they aren't exactly the same thing.

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A recall addresses a specific safety-related defect.

A reliable vehicle can still be recalled.

Likewise, a vehicle without many recalls isn't automatically reliable.

For example, certain 2024-2025 Rogue models were recalled in 2026 because an electronic throttle-body gear could weaken and break, potentially resulting in loss of drive power. Nissan's remedy involves ECM reprogramming along with inspection and replacement of the throttle-body assembly when necessary.

The 2026 Rogue has also been subject to recalls, including one involving transmission gear-position indication on certain vehicles.

Rather than avoiding every recalled vehicle, we should verify whether the required repair has been completed.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Nissan Rogue

A used Rogue's condition can matter more than its reliability score.

Before buying one, we recommend checking several things.

Service History

Look for consistent maintenance records.

Regular oil changes are especially important with turbocharged engines.

Transmission servicing should also match Nissan's recommendations for that particular vehicle and driving conditions.

CVT Performance

During the test drive, pay attention to:

• Shuddering
• Jerking
• Delayed acceleration
• Strange noises
• Excessively high engine speed
• Warning messages

The vehicle should accelerate smoothly.

Engine Operation

Start the engine when it's cold if possible.

Listen for unusual knocking, rattling, or mechanical noises.

Check underneath the vehicle and around the engine compartment for evidence of fluid leaks.

Diagnostic Scan

A pre-purchase diagnostic scan can reveal stored trouble codes even when no dashboard warning light is currently illuminated.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Paying an independent mechanic for a proper inspection is one of the smartest things we can do when purchasing a used vehicle.

A $150-$250 inspection can potentially prevent a repair bill costing thousands.

Is a High-Mileage Nissan Rogue Reliable?

It can be.

Mileage alone doesn't determine reliability.

A 120,000-mile Rogue with complete maintenance records could potentially be a safer purchase than an 80,000-mile example that has been neglected.

For high-mileage Rogues, we would focus particularly on:

• CVT condition
• Engine oil consumption
• Cooling system
• Suspension
• Wheel bearings
• Engine mounts
• Electrical systems
• Air conditioning
• Rust
• Previous collision repairs

Service history becomes increasingly important as mileage rises.

Nissan Rogue Reliability Compared With Other Compact SUVs

The compact SUV category is one of the most competitive vehicle segments.

The Rogue competes directly against models such as the:

• Toyota RAV4
• Honda CR-V
• Mazda CX-5
• Subaru Forester
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Chevrolet Equinox
• Ford Escape

RepairPal's ranking of 13th out of 26 compact SUVs places the Rogue near the middle of the segment despite its strong 4.0/5.0 score.

That helps put the number into perspective.

A 4/5 score sounds exceptional on its own, but several competing compact SUVs also achieve strong reliability ratings.

Therefore, reliability shouldn't be our only buying criterion.

We should also consider:

• Purchase price
• Fuel economy
• Interior space
• Insurance
• Safety
• Resale value
• Maintenance costs
• Driving experience

Is the Nissan Rogue Expensive to Maintain?

Generally, no.

Its estimated $467 annual repair and maintenance cost is below the RepairPal compact-SUV average of approximately $521.

Routine maintenance items such as filters, brake pads, tires, batteries, and oil changes are also widely available.

Nissan sells large numbers of Rogues in North America, so parts availability is normally good.

The biggest financial concern would be an expensive drivetrain failure outside warranty.

That's another reason why the condition and service history of a used Rogue are so important.

Is the Nissan Rogue a Good Used SUV?

For the right model year and vehicle condition, the Rogue can be a compelling used compact SUV.

We like that it combines:

• Good fuel economy
• Comfortable seating
• Practical cargo space
• Widely available parts
• Reasonable repair costs
• Strong safety and driver-assistance technology on newer models

But we wouldn't buy one without investigating its history.

For an older Rogue, CVT condition should receive particular attention.

For newer turbocharged models, we'd confirm recall status and inspect maintenance records carefully.

A clean history, good test drive, independent inspection, and documented maintenance are usually more important than simply selecting the Rogue with the lowest mileage.

Nissan Rogue Reliability Rating: Final Thoughts

The Nissan Rogue reliability rating is generally above average, but the complete picture is more nuanced than one number suggests.

RepairPal gives the Rogue 4.0 out of 5.0, with relatively inexpensive average annual repairs of approximately $467. The probability of a severe repair is around 12%, and owners average roughly 0.3 unscheduled repair visits annually.

J.D. Power gives the 2026 Nissan Rogue an 84/100 Quality & Reliability rating, the same score listed for the 2025 model.

Consumer Reports is more cautious, predicting approximately average reliability for the 2026 Rogue based on recent model-year data.

So what should we take away from all this?

The Nissan Rogue isn't a vehicle we should automatically avoid because of reliability concerns. In fact, many examples provide years of dependable service.

But neither should we assume every Rogue is equally reliable.

Model year, maintenance history, recall completion, mileage, engine configuration, and CVT condition all matter.

When those factors check out, the Nissan Rogue can be an affordable, practical, and reasonably dependable compact SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nissan Rogue reliability rating?

RepairPal gives the Nissan Rogue a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 13th among 26 compact SUVs. Average repair and maintenance costs are estimated at approximately $467 per year.

Is the Nissan Rogue a reliable car?

Overall, the Nissan Rogue has above-average reliability according to RepairPal and strong recent scores from J.D. Power. However, reliability varies by model year, and buyers should pay particular attention to transmission condition, engine history, recalls, and maintenance records.

What is the 2026 Nissan Rogue reliability rating?

J.D. Power currently gives the 2026 Nissan Rogue an 84/100 Quality & Reliability score, categorized as “Great.” Consumer Reports, however, predicts approximately average reliability relative to other new vehicles.

How many miles can a Nissan Rogue last?

With proper maintenance, many Nissan Rogues can potentially reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance, driving habits, climate, repair history, and the condition of major drivetrain components.

Is a used Nissan Rogue worth buying?

A used Nissan Rogue can offer good value, particularly when it has a documented maintenance history and passes an independent inspection. We recommend checking the CVT, engine operation, recall status, diagnostic codes, accident history, and service records before purchasing.

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