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Top 5 Nissan Rogue Engine Problems & Solutions

Top 5 Nissan Rogue Engine Problems & Solutions

With the Nissan Rogue Compact Crossover being one of the best sellers for Nissan in recent years, you would be surprised to learn about the potential engine problems to deal with. Knowing what you are getting yourself into as a prospective buyer is important, which has led us to look at the reliability of the Nissan Rogue in more detail.

One of the biggest complaints from the earlier owners of the first generation of Nissan Rogue models stems from the starting procedure. Many have complained about a noisy start, but this has been downplayed to affect the car in colder climates. Nissan has identified the timing chain as being the main source of the problem.

However, with the vehicle being almost two decades old, there have been numerous engine problems uncovered by owners. We have decided to dive deeper into these possible issues, allowing you to better understand what you are getting yourself into when buying either a new or used Nissan Rogue vehicle.

Most Common Nissan Rogue Engine Problems

One thing you will notice when it comes to the Nissan Rogue engine problems is that many of these are fixable. With no recalls we are aware of related to the engine, it is generally described as a reliable vehicle. Before you buy the Nissan Rogue, here are a few of the most common engine problems you should be aware of:

Faulty Timing Belt

timing chain
Photo by Pixabay

Problem: The timing belt is one of the components that assist with the start, with the main function being to control the opening and closing of valves at the right time. One of the issues the Nissan Rogue experiences is a fault in the operation of the timing belt when it stands for a while in colder conditions. It does not control the valves as intended.

Solution: The problem is not something of major concern and as the weather changes, the timing belt often kicks back into action. Generally, a whining noise could be heard from the engine when you first start the vehicle. However, it dissipates as quickly as it happens once the engine heats up. One thing you could do is to check that the timing belt is not damaged.

Inaccurate Fuel Readings

fuel levels
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Problem: The fuel gauge is responsible for telling you how much fuel you have left. The main purpose is to let you know when to refill your vehicle and indicate how much fuel you are using during a specific trip. With the Nissan Rogue, there are reports of the fuel gauge not displaying this information accurately due to a fault in the fuel sensor.

Solution: Replacing the fuel sensor is something you might have to consider. The issue is not as common as many would like you to believe and only occurs after a few thousand miles. Replacing the fuel sensor on your Nissan Rogue could cost you around $1,400 depending on your model. However, you could consider an aftermarket part and fix it yourself.

Electrical Sensor Faults

interior displaying rpm
Photo by Pixabay

Problem: In the modern era, the ECU of the vehicle is one of the most important factors. It is responsible for controlling the electronics of the vehicles. With the Nissan Rogue, there have been complaints of the lane departure and forward collision avoidance sensors not doing their job. While you can drive the vehicle with this problem, it could cause some issues when it comes to safety.

Solution: Depending on which of the sensors are at fault, you will need to have these sensors fixed by an accredited Nissan mechanic. The sensors are hard to find as aftermarket spares and the fixes should not take that long. You should be able to have all the safety sensors fixed for under $1,000 in almost all Nissan Rogue models.

Leaks In The Cooling System

radiator controls
Photo by Pixabay

Problem: One of the major problems some owners experience with the 2021 Nissan Rogue is a failure in the engine cooling of the vehicle. Engine cooling will keep the engine at the correct operating conditions, ensuring optimal power and performance. Leaks in the cooling system are often the main cause of this issue.

Solution: In most cases, you will need to scan the engine and hoses to find any water or coolant leaks coming from the engine. In the meantime, you should make sure the coolant is effectively topped up. Changing coolant can be done at home, but fixing leaks in the hoses might need professional assistance and could cost you around $500.

Weak Acceleration

nissan steering wheel
Photo by Pixabay

Problem: One complaint many Nissan Rogue owners have indicated is that some of the older models have the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It has recently been replaced with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine for the 2022 models. However, the issue is that the previous models do not generate enough torque to accelerate the vehicle forward.

Solution: The are numerous aftermarket trimmings you could add to your Nissan Rogue to improve the acceleration. However, this would void the warranty. Until now, Nissan has not given an official fix for this problem and only a few people ever mention it. We believe that it would come down to your driving style as to whether this would be a problem.

FAQ

Is The Nissan Rogue Reliable?

Nissan vehicles are mostly reliable in all aspects. If we disregard the transmission issues many Nissan models have dealt with, the engine inside the Rogue models is durable. A few possible issues might need fixing by a skilled mechanic. However, the Nissan Rogue should easily give you more than 50,000 miles without any real problems.

How Safe Is The Nissan Rogue?

All cars rely on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to give them a safety rating for the vehicle. In the case of the Nissan Rogue, it boasts a 5-star rating for the 2021 Nissan Rogue model. However, some previous models were mostly given a 4-star rating due to some failures in the safety sensors.

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