The 2021 Rogue launched on a new platform with the VC-Turbo 1.5L three-cylinder as the primary engine, replacing the older CVT-plagued generations. Early signs point to catastrophic internal engine failures on the 1.5L turbo at surprisingly low mileage, while the 2.5L four-cylinder (less common) shows typical Nissan CVT concerns.
1.5L VC-Turbo Catastrophic Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, severe knocking or rattling from engine bay, Metal shavings in oil, low oil pressure warning, Engine seizes or throws a rod without prior warning in some cases, Check engine light with misfire codes or cam/crank correlation faults
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Nissan has issued recalls for internal hard parts but coverage is inconsistent. Short block replacement typically 18-24 labor hours, full rebuild 25-30 hours if pistons, rings, bearings, and crank are damaged.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission overheating warning on dash, Limp mode or refusal to shift properly when hot, Pink or milky transmission fluid indicating coolant cross-contamination, Sudden loss of drive or erratic shifting after cooler ruptures internally
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush CVT and cooling system if contamination occurred. If coolant entered CVT, full transmission replacement often necessary. Oil cooler replacement alone is 3-4 hours; with CVT replacement add 8-10 hours.
Symptoms: Rear brakes dragging, abnormal heat or burning smell from rear wheels, Premature rear pad and rotor wear, often one side more than the other, Parking brake warning light or ABS activation during normal braking, Reduced fuel economy due to constant brake drag
Fix: Replace rear calipers (often both sides for even wear). NHTSA recalls cover some VINs but not all. 2-3 hours labor for both rear calipers including bleed and adjustment.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Backup Camera and Display Glitches
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Backup camera shows black screen, distorted image, or 'camera unavailable' message, Intermittent display freezing or failure to activate in reverse, Guidelines not displaying or misaligned on screen, Total infotainment system crash requiring hard reboot
Fix: Software reflash or camera module replacement. Recalls issued for some builds. Diagnosis 0.5-1 hour, camera replacement 1.5-2 hours if hardware fault, software update 0.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $200-800
Fuel Pump and Fuel Line Failures
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 15,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition, engine cranks but won't fire, Stalling at idle or under load, especially when fuel tank below half, Rough idle, hesitation, or loss of power under acceleration, Fuel smell in cabin or visible leak under vehicle near tank
Fix: Replace fuel pump assembly or repair/replace fuel lines and fittings depending on fault location. Recalls cover some VINs for pump and line issues. Pump replacement 2-3 hours, fuel line repair 1-2 hours.
Estimated cost: $600-1,400
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration at idle, especially in drive with brake applied, Clunking noise when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Abnormal movement or rocking sensation during acceleration or deceleration, Visible sag or misalignment of drivetrain when inspected on lift
Fix: Replace one or more engine/transmission mounts, typically the front or rear mount shows failure first. 1.5-2.5 hours labor per mount depending on location and access.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Owner tips
If buying a 1.5L VC-Turbo model, verify all engine-related recalls completed and request oil consumption test records—Nissan has extended warranty coverage on some VINs but not all
Change CVT fluid every 30,000-40,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims; use only Nissan NS-3 spec fluid
Inspect rear calipers and brake lines annually, especially in rust-belt states—corrosion accelerates caliper seizure
The 2.5L four-cylinder is mechanically simpler and more reliable if you can find one, though less common in this generation
Hard pass on the 1.5L turbo unless it's a screaming deal with a bulletproof extended warranty—too many grenaded engines under 60k miles; 2.5L models are safer bets but still carry CVT risk.
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 battery location under hood
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Every control module on the 2021-2026 Nissan Rogue — 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.
Transmission Control Module (TCM)4.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hrCVT transmission (standard on all automatic models)▸ programming details
📍 CVT: integrated into CVT valve body inside transmission. Manual: not applicable
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Requires transmission fluid drain and valve body removal. VIN programming and adaptive value initialization required. CVT fluid refill and relearn procedure adds 0.5 hours. 2021+ uses updated CVT8 transmission.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into electric power steering column assembly, below instrument panel at steering column
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Typically replaced as assembly with steering column motor. Steering angle sensor calibration and zero-point learning required after replacement.
Anti-lock Brake System Control Module (ABS)1.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side inner fender, mounted to ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel/Launch aftermarket tools
⚠️ Integrated with hydraulic unit; module alone can be replaced without bleeding if careful. Brake bleeding recommended. Basic configuration and wheel sensor calibration required.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, door locks, power windows. VIN programming and configuration required. Intelligent Key registration must be performed after replacement. 2021+ has expanded feature set.
Around View Monitor Control Module (AVM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hrSL and Platinum with Around View Monitor (360-degree camera)▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, center, near AVN unit
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with camera calibration
⚠️ Requires camera alignment and calibration procedure. Standard backup camera is integrated into AVN unit, not separate module. 2021+ has improved resolution.
Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side fender, mounted to inner fender panel
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Controls fuel pump, cooling fans, horn, and multiple power distribution functions. Also houses NATS immobilizer. VIN programming required.
📍 Engine compartment, driver side fender, integrated into Intelligent Power Distribution Module
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Integrated with IPDM. All Intelligent Keys must be re-registered after replacement. Immobilizer pairing with ECM required. Some high-end aftermarket tools (Autel IM608 Pro) can program keys.
Intelligent Driver Alertness Control Module (I-DA)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hrSL and Platinum with Intelligent Driver Alertness (2021+)▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, integrated with BCM or cluster
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Monitors driver attention and steering patterns. Software-based function integrated with other modules; rarely requires standalone replacement. Calibration via CONSULT-III Plus.
Radar Control Module (RADAR)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hrStandard on SV and above with Safety Shield 360 (ProPILOT Assist on SL/Platinum)▸ programming details
📍 Behind front bumper, center, behind lower grille
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with radar alignment tool
⚠️ Forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Requires precise alignment with special target after replacement or front-end collision repair. 2021+ has enhanced radar range.
Telematics Control Unit (TCU)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hrStandard on SV and above with NissanConnect Services▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, passenger side, near glove box
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription and Nissan server activation
⚠️ Requires Nissan server activation and subscription pairing. Controls remote services, emergency call, stolen vehicle tracking. 2021+ has enhanced connectivity features.
Transfer Control Module (TCCM)1.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrAWD models (standard on SL and Platinum; optional on S and SV)▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, mounted to transfer case assembly
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel
⚠️ Controls AWD engagement and torque distribution. Basic relearn procedure required after replacement. 2021+ has refined AWD logic.
📍 Behind instrument panel, center console area, near BCM
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Manages CAN bus communication between networks. VIN programming required. 2021+ has enhanced security protocols but still not full SGW lockout like European brands.
Power Back Door Control Module (PBD)1.2 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrSL and Platinum trims with power liftgate▸ programming details
📍 Rear liftgate, driver side, behind interior trim panel
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel
⚠️ Height memory and pinch protection calibration required after replacement. 2021+ Platinum adds hands-free kick sensor functionality.
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall, mounted on bulkhead above brake master cylinder
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ VIN programming and immobilizer pairing required. 2021+ models have enhanced security. Some aftermarket tools (Autel MaxiSys Ultra) can program with proper security credentials.
Automatic Air Conditioning Control Module (A/C)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center instrument panel, integrated into climate control head unit
🔧 Self-relearn procedure or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ Automatic climate control models. Self-calibration procedure available via button sequence. Manual climate control models use simple switch panel with no module.
Audio Visual Navigation Unit (AVN)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center instrument panel, integrated into touchscreen head unit
🔧 Self-initialization or CONSULT-III Plus
⚠️ 2021+ uses updated NissanConnect system with larger touchscreen (8-inch or 9-inch). Automatic CAN bus initialization on startup. Backup camera calibration may be needed.
Supplemental Restraint System Control Module (SRS)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center console, beneath center stack, behind climate controls
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Disconnect battery and wait 3 minutes before removal. VIN programming and crash data initialization required. Some aftermarket tools can clear codes but not program new modules.
Adaptive Front Lighting System Control Module (AFS)1.0 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrSL and Platinum trims with LED headlights and adaptive lighting▸ programming details
📍 Behind front bumper, driver side, near headlight assembly
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel
⚠️ Controls headlight leveling and cornering function. Headlight aim calibration required after replacement. 2021+ Platinum has matrix LED headlights with expanded functionality.
⚠️ Odometer programming required to transfer mileage. VIN programming required. Federal law requires documentation of mileage transfer. 2021+ uses fully digital cluster on higher trims.
Sonar Control Module (SONAR)0.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrStandard on SV and above with rear parking sensors; front sensors on SL/Platinum▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper, center, above hitch area
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or Autel
⚠️ Controls front and rear parking sensors. Sensor calibration typically automatic but can be manually triggered. 2021+ has expanded sensor coverage.
Driver Seat Control Module (DSCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrSL and Platinum with power driver seat and memory function▸ programming details
📍 Under driver seat, integrated into seat frame
🔧 Self-relearn via seat memory buttons
⚠️ Controls power seat adjustment and memory positions. Memory positions stored in module; relearn via seat memory buttons after replacement. 2021+ Platinum has heated/ventilated seats controlled by this module.
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door, integrated into master window switch assembly
🔧 Manual auto-up/down initialization procedure
⚠️ Controls all four power windows. Auto-up/down relearn required via window switch procedure after replacement or battery disconnect.
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
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.
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.
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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
26mpg
Highway
33mpg
Combined
29mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
Fourth generation (T33) redesign started mid-2020 as 2021 model
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 2.5L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.