The 2021 Rogue Sport uses Nissan's Jatco CVT transmission paired with a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder. While newer than its problematic predecessors, this platform still shows CVT cooling issues and some catastrophic engine failures tied to oil starvation and pre-ignition events.
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission overheating warnings on dash, Limp mode activation during highway driving or towing, CVT fluid discoloration or burnt smell, Erratic shifting or shuddering under acceleration
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and flush CVT fluid. Often requires dropping the transmission pan for inspection. 3-5 labor hours depending on access and whether external or internal cooler failed.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or rattling from engine bay, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power with check engine light, Engine seizure without warning in severe cases
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or short block replacement required. Includes pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft work, and often head gaskets. 20-30 labor hours for rebuild, less if using reman short block. Some cases covered under extended powertrain warranty.
Estimated cost: $5,000-9,000
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration at idle, Visible transmission sag when inspected on lift, Increased cabin noise during acceleration
Fix: Replace one or more transmission mounts. Front mount fails most often due to CVT weight and vibration characteristics. 1.5-2.5 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Fuel Filter Clogging (Early Buildup)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 45,000-75,000 mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration, Hard starting after sitting overnight, Loss of power on highway on-ramps, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes
Fix: Replace in-tank fuel filter assembly. Requires dropping fuel tank or accessing through rear seat service panel depending on configuration. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Immobilizer Key System Malfunction
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Vehicle won't start despite good battery, Security light flashing rapidly on dash, Key fob recognized but engine won't crank, Intermittent no-start requiring multiple key cycles
Fix: Often requires reprogramming BCM or replacing steering column immobilizer ring. Dealer-level diagnostics typically required. Subject to recall 21V-800 for certain VINs. 1-2 labor hours plus programming.
Estimated cost: $300-800
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—heat is this transmission's enemy
Use only Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid; aftermarket substitutes accelerate wear
Monitor oil consumption closely between changes; burning oil is early warning of ring/bearing trouble
Avoid lugging the engine below 2,000 RPM under load to reduce pre-ignition risk
Pass unless you find one with documented CVT fluid changes and extended powertrain warranty still active—the engine failure risk is real and expensive.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top-post battery; located in engine bay
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Control Modules — 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport
Every control module on the 2017-2022 Nissan Rogue Sport — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Anti-lock Brake System Control Unit (ABS)1.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side near strut tower, mounted to hydraulic control unit
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Brake bleeding required after replacement; VIN programming recommended but not always mandatory for function; most aftermarket tools can perform configuration
Around View Monitor Control Unit (AVM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash, near AV unit (if equipped with 360-degree camera)
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Camera calibration required; only on models with 360-degree camera system; not standard equipment
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)1.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind lower dash panel, attached to steering column assembly
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement; neutral position relearn mandatory
📍 Engine bay, driver side firewall, mounted on bulkhead near brake master cylinder
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ VIN programming and immobilizer pairing required; some aftermarket tools (Autel MaxiSys, Launch X431) can program with proper security credentials but dealer tool recommended for reliability
Automatic Air Conditioning Control Unit (A/C)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash, integrated into climate control panel assembly
🔧 Self-relearn procedure or basic scan tool
⚠️ Actuator calibration relearn required; most units are plug-and-play with automatic adaptation
📍 Integrated into BCM, behind driver side lower dash panel
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Gateway function integrated into BCM on this model; not a separate module
Body Control Module (BCM)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.7 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side lower dash panel, left of steering column
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Controls most body functions and integrates CAN gateway; VIN and configuration programming required; key registration must be performed after replacement
Nissan Anti-Theft System / Intelligent Key Control Module (NATS)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into BCM, behind driver side lower dash panel
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Key registration and immobilizer pairing critical; all keys must be re-registered if BCM replaced; some aftermarket tools can program keys but dealer tool most reliable
Power Back Door Control Module (PBD)1.0 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Inside liftgate, driver side near hinge (if equipped with power liftgate)
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Height calibration required; only on models with power liftgate option
Sonar Control Unit (SONAR)0.9 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper cover, center position near hitch area
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required; configuration typically automatic after installation
Supplemental Restraint System Control Module (SRS)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console area, under center floor carpet between front seats
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Battery disconnect required; crash data must be cleared; VIN programming and occupant classification calibration needed
Adaptive Front Lighting System Control Module (AFS)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind headlight assemblies or integrated into BCM (if equipped with adaptive headlights)
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Headlight aiming calibration required; only on models with adaptive/auto-leveling headlights; not standard
Audio Visual Control Unit (AV)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dash, integrated into touchscreen head unit
🔧 Self-relearn or basic scan tool
⚠️ Radio code may be required on some models; Bluetooth and audio settings require user reconfiguration
Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM-E/R)0.7 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side near battery, mounted on fender well
🔧 Autel, Launch, or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Controls fuel pump relay and multiple power distribution functions; VIN programming recommended for proper integration
⚠️ Odometer programming requires dealer tool and legal documentation; VIN and configuration must be programmed
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door panel, integrated into master window switch assembly
🔧 Window auto-up/down relearn procedure
⚠️ Window auto-up/down relearn required; simple procedure without scan tool
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · 25V437000
2025-06-27 · PE23023
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Rogue, 2019-2020 Altima, 2019-2022 Infiniti QX50, and 2022 Infiniti QX55 vehicles equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. The engine bearings may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine failure.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 23V791000
2023-11-22
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The left and/or right rear brake caliper assemblies may be missing an internal bushing, allowing the O-ring seal to move and brake fluid to leak.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right rear brake calipers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC933. The two vehicles that were previously inspected under recall 21V-286 and did not receive a brake caliper replacement will need to have the new remedy completed.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.
Consequence: Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · 22V772000
2022-10-13
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2022 Titan, Titan XD, Frontier, and 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles. The in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system may continuously reboot when the vehicle is restarted, which can result in an inoperative rearview display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The IVI software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R22B8, R22C1, and PC923/25.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles. The rear seat belts for the left-hand and right-hand rear seats may not retract properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 209, "Seatbelt Assemblies."
Consequence: Seat belts that do not retract properly may be difficult to operate, preventing their usage, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear seat belts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 27, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC915.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 22V527000
2022-07-21
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan rental vehicles. When the Sirius XM subscription is set to "Not Subscribed," it may cause the infotainment head unit to reboot, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Infotainment system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A5 PC901 PC902.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. Abnormal wear inside the fuel pump may cause it to overheat and fail.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 27, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21B8.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR · 21V555000
2021-07-21
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR)
may deactivate early, reducing the protection offered to an installed child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A seat belt retractor that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt and as necessary both outer rear seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is RT049 & RT050.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS · 21V525000
2021-07-09
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The liftgate hinges can separate from the vehicle during a rear end crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: Separated hinges compromise the protection offered by the liftgate, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right liftgate hinges, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A7.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY · 21V474000
2021-06-24
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The second-row upper tether wires may have been improperly welded to the seatback frame, preventing a child seat from being securely anchored. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: An insecurely anchored child seat can move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear seatbacks as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC812.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 21V286000
2021-04-22
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue vehicles. The rear left and/or right brake caliper assemblies may be missing an internal bushing, allowing the O-ring seal to move and brake fluid to leak.
Consequence: A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and/or right rear brake calipers, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 10, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC804.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS · 21V186000
2021-03-17
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The incorrect wheel nuts may have been installed, and may loosen causing wheel vibration.
Consequence: The wheel vibration may break the wheel studs and cause the wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wheel nuts and replace any incorrect ones, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC799.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · 21V068000
2021-02-11
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The fuel hose may not be secured in the proper position and the fuel tank lock ring may not be fully seated.
Consequence: An improperly secured fuel hose may leak, increasing the risk of a fire. The fuel hose may also disconnect completely, causing the engine to stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, reposition and secure the fuel hose and lock ring, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC791.
Vehicle Info — 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport
Performance
Horsepower
141hp
Torque
147lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
26mpg
Highway
31mpg
Combined
28mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Seating
5seats
EPA class
Small Station Wagons
Wiper blades
Same as 2020 model year. Standard J-hook attachment.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport 2.0L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.