Are you planning to purchase a 2011 Nissan Rogue and you want to find out more about the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be a lot to cover on this topic.
- History Of Nissan
- What Is The Nissan Rogue?
- Rogue Specs
- Rogue Price
- Common Problems
- Reliability
- Recalls
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Performing a well and thorough research before you buy a car is always the right thing to do. Nowadays the used market is full of cars, there are hundreds of models and each of these models has a separate generation and this generation has many model years between them.
And let me tell you, not all model years of the same car perform the same in terms of problems and reliability. Usually, the first or two model years of each generation are the most problematic and you should definitely have to note that.
But don’t worry because we are going to help you out understand more about the problems that the Rogue has. First, we are going to learn more about Nissan and its history. Then we will cover the Nissan Rogue and learn more about the different generations that were released onto the market.
After that, we will discuss the 2011 model and learn more about its specs, 2011 Nissan Rogue problems, and also about its recalls and reliability. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
History Of Nissan
Now before we dive into the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems, let’s discuss a little bit about Nissan and learn more about the company in general. Why do we think that this is essential? Well, it always helps to have a bit of context if want to learn more about the history of this company. So, let’s discuss it a little bit.
Now let’s take a look at Nissan and learn a little bit about the history of this brand. So, who is Nissan? Well, Nissan is one of the big three carmakers from Japan, along with Toyota and Honda.
Nissan was founded in 1914 as DAT and unlike other carmakers that were doing other things before they enter the carmaking industry, DAT, on the other hand, went directly on making cars. And their first model was the DAT.
It was only in 1931 when DAT was renamed into Datsun, which meant “the son of DAT”. And the Type 11 was the first model under this new name.
When it comes to the history of Datsun in the US market, we can say that this brand started selling its cars around 1960 when it created its branch, Nissan Motor Corporation in the USA. And sold their car under the Datsun name.
But ever since the company was renamed into Nissan, there was a big bias from the executives when it came to the Datsun name. So, starting in 1982, until 1984, everything was rebranded into Nissan. This was when did Datsun become Nissan.
Nowadays, Nissan has a whole lineup in almost every segment in the US and is extremely competitive when it comes to offering good prices for performance. And the Rogue is one of their best sellers. But what about the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems? More on this, in a bit.
Nissan Rogue Generations
Now let’s learn more about the Nissan Rogue in general before we dive into the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems. So, what is the Nissan Rogue?
Well, the Rogue is a compact crossover SUV that is sold by Nissan since 2007. More specifically, the 2008 was the first model year. And as of today, there is a total of three generations released to the market.
The first generation debuted in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the model was destined to replace the Nissan Xterra model in some markets. But for the US market, the Rogue was offered along the Xterra until 2015.
The first generation was produced from 2007 until 2015. The second generation was introduced in 2013 and was produced until 2020. And from the 2021 model year, the new third generation of the model was introduced.
And the Rogue is sold in really massive numbers. 2018 was a record with 450,000 units sold in US and Canada.
In this article, we are primarily focused on the first generation of this model. And in the following chapters, we are going to learn about the specs, as well as the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
2011 Nissan Rogue Specs
Now let’s move on to the specs of the 2011 Nissan Rogue and learn about the common features that this model included.
As we noted previously, the 2011 model was the model from the first generation of the Nissan Rogue, initially released in 2007.
This is a compact crossover SUV that is based on the Renault-Nissan C platform. The platform was shared with the Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, and Renault Koleos. All of the cars were assembled in Japan. More specifically in Kanda, Fukuoka at the Nissan Shatai plant.
What is interesting about this model was the fact that it implemented a new and revolutionary design. When you first see it, you just know that this is a JDM car with the styling cues that it implements.
Also, the Rogue was offered in a few different trims. Namely, the S, SV, and SL trim levels. The S was basically the base trim which even as a base included a lot of features such as ABS, traction control, AC, cruise control, keyless entry, and AUX output.
But what about the dimensions and size? Let’s cover more on that before we learn about the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
2011 Nissan Rogue Dimensions & Size
Let’s now discuss more about the dimensions and size of the 2011 Rogue before we dive into the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems. We think that this is quite an essential piece of data for you because it will give you a perspective on the size of the Rogue and if it’s enough for your needs.
Nevertheless, the Rogue has a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. The overall length of the model is about 182.9 inches and the model is 70.9 inches wide. The model is 65.3 inches tall. The curb weight of the car is 3,528 lbs. And as you can see, it is not a crazy heavy vehicle. Which is excellent.
In terms of cargo space, the Rogue is really practical. With the rear seats up, you get about 28.9 cubic ft of cargo space. When you fold the rear seats down, you get 57.9 cubic ft. Another thing we would like to mention is ground clearance, which is really important for an SUV.
The exact ground clearance for this model is 8.3 inches, so you can do some off-road adventures with the Rogue without major issues. But what about the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems? More on the problems we will cover in a bit.
2011 Nissan Rogue Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, it is worth noting that this model did not offer a lot of powertrain options. And we think that this is one of the shortcomings of this vehicle. You are quite limited to the same engine and transmission in any Rogue from this generation.
The engine used in the Rogue is a 2.5L inline-4 engine. This engine is known under the codename QR25DE. What is worth noting is that this engine produces about 170hp on the Rogue. Which is quite decent for the size of the car. Even though there could have been a benefit of installing a more powerful engine in this application.
The transmission used in the Rogue from 2011 is the CVT transmission. A CVT transmission for those who don’t know is a continuously variable transmission. If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our guides on the CVT transmission life expectancy, are CVT transmissions reliable, and the CVT transmission repair cost.
Quite a different type of automatic compared to the classic automatic transmissions. And unfortunately, this transmission has some issues. And more about these issues we are going to elaborate later on when we are going to discuss the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
2011 Nissan Rogue Fuel Economy
Now let’s cover the fuel economy of the 2011 Nissan Rogue before we dive into the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
The fuel economy of this model is really decent. This model gets an impressive 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The average combined range is about 24 mpg. Which in our book is a really decent number for a vehicle of its size.
Nowadays the Rogue is a lot more fuel efficient. The current model is averaging 32 mpg with no problems. This is why if you want something fuel efficient, you should always go for a new vehicle instead of a used one.
2011 Nissan Rogue Safety
Another thing that we would like to cover before we dive into the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems is the safety of the model. Is this model considered safe or not? Let’s elaborate more in-depth and learn about it.
The first thing to note is that this model was subject to a lot of testing. Both, by the NHTSA, as well as by the IIHS, which are the two main governing bodies in the US that evaluate car safety.
On the NHTSA testing, the Rogue performed well. And got 5 stars on most of the tests. Even though on some tests like the frontal passenger and the rollover test only got 4 stars. But overall, this model got 5 stars.
So, we can consider the car safe, at least for its time in 2010 when it was tested. This is important to note because evaluations changed over the years and cars are not evaluated quite the same.
On the IIHS testing, the model performed similarly well. Except for the small driver-side overlap where the model got a poor rating since the dummy inside faced serious leg injuries because the A-pillar got crumbled into the foot area.
So, you might want to check the video above and see how the Rogue performed in this testing. Now let’s move on to a different topic before we start learning about the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
2011 Nissan Rogue Value
Another thing that we would like to discuss before we dive into the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems is the value of this car. Let’s learn how much the 2011 Rogue is worth nowadays.
The minimal price for which you can purchase this model is about $5,000. That is the bare minimum that you can get this car for. But what is worth noting is that these cars are often with very high miles. Usually, somewhere in the range of 120,000 and 160,000 miles.
A decent sub-100,000-mile model will likely cost you somewhere in the range of $10,000. And if you want an even lower-mile car, you can expect to pay up to $13,500. These are the prices on Autotrader.com. And if you want to see some listings, you might want to head up there. Now let’s cover the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
2011 Nissan Rogue Problems
Now let’s get to business and start learning about the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems. What is worth noting is that we are going to cover all the common Nissan Rogue problems reported in the following chapters.
First, we are going to focus on the engine problems. Then, we will move on to the transmission problems which are the most important for you as a future Rogue owner, and lastly, the other miscellaneous issues that the Nissan Rogue is struggling with.
And while you’re here, feel free to head over to our detailed write-up on the 2016 Nissan Rogue common problems and the 2019 Nissan Rogue common problems to learn if the later model years are any better.
Also, we’ve previously discussed the Nissan Rogue vs the Ford Edge, and the Nissan Rogue vs the Subaru Forester, to see if it’s any better than its crossover-SUV rivals.
2011 Nissan Rogue Engine Problems
Now let’s discuss the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems. Let’s begin with the engine issues that this model has. As we noted previously, the engine used in the Rogue is a 2.5L inline-4 with the codename QR25DE.
And we can right off the bat tell you that this engine is really good. And we are not kidding. The engine really lasts for a long time and if you see a higher mileage Rogue, when it comes to the engine, you shouldn’t be worried a lot if the engine was maintained properly.
But still, there is something to cover about it since not everything is perfect. The first problem with this engine is the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold has something known as a pre-catalyst.
And this pre-catalyst can disintegrate and allow junk to enter your engine since it is really close to the engine block. And damage the engine in the process. The solution for this problem is to remove the pre-catalyst or install aftermarket headers.
If you want more info, our resources on an exhaust manifold leak, exhaust manifold repair, as well as the cost of replacing the exhaust manifold might prove insightful.
And here we come to the second biggest problem is that once you do modifications to the manifold, your manifold will create more heat, damaging the alternator in the process. The alternator is located right next to the manifold. The solution to this problem is to install a heat shield between the manifold and the alternator.
Another problem is the intake manifold which is a specific design with dual inlets. So, the screws that hold the flaps can fall off and ruin the engine. And the last problem is oil consumption. The solution reportedly was installing a special oil catch can that can tackle the problem.
2011 Nissan Rogue Transmission Problems
And now let’s discuss about the elephant in the room when it comes to the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems. And these are the transmission problems that this model has. It is a real pity that you can’t purchase this model with a manual or a traditional automatic. Instead, you are limited to only a CVT transmission.
And the Nissan CVT transmission breaks quite a lot. For the 2011 model year, there is a total of 90 complaints that we could find concerned with failures. And once these transmissions fail, you have to either rebuild them or replace them. Which can be very expensive. This is why the Rogue is a very expensive gamble.
At first, there will be some shudder and vibrations, then the whining will become too loud and the transmission will fail completely. And these transmissions can fail as low as 30,000 miles. For more details, you can learn more in our discussion on the Nissan Altima CVT transmission replacement cost.
In order to be safe, we would recommend not pushing the car too hard and not towing with it. Since this way of using the Rogue will quickly deteriorate the transmission and you will have to replace it. Now let’s move on to the next 2011 Nissan Rogue problems.
Other Miscellaneous Problems
Now let’s discuss the other miscellaneous problems that are often present in this model year of the Nissan Rogue.
The biggest problem with this model is the clear coat coming off the car. There is a total of 9 reports on this specific problem on carcomplaints.com. And when this happens, you will highly likely need to repair the clear coat by performing a respray on the panel that is affected.
When it comes to the cosmetical problems, there were also reports of the door handles breaking off, and rust spots in the rear end, more specifically around the back window.
In addition to this, there were reports of problems with the heater core failing as well as the AC compressor failing. There is a total of 7 reports for AC compressor failure.
There are also some other reports on problems with the accessories, lights, and other small problems. But enough of the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems, let’s take a look at the reliability.
Nissan Rogue Reliability
In terms of reliability, we can only give this model an average score. And this is the case because of the notorious CVT transmission.
These transmissions gained a lot of notoriety in the car industry. This was mainly due to the fact that they don’t last for a very long time like competitor transmissions.
Some people have to replace them as low as 30,000 miles. And this basically ruins the overall reliability of the car. So, beware of these 2011 Nissan Rogue problems before you buy. On top of that, make sure you’re diligent about the best and worst model years of the Nissan Rogue to avoid (which also carries through to later models, such as the 2014 Nissan Rogue problems).
2011 Nissan Rogue Recalls
Now as we covered the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems, let’s take a look at the recalls in which this model participated.
There is a total of two recalls for the 2011 model year that we could find. And both of these recalls are connected to electrical problems found on the Rogue.
Namely, one for a possible electrical short underneath the carpet. And the second recall was concerned with the electric power assist. This problem was due to the problem with the circuit board of this system. This might cause issues such as how your Nissan Rogue won’t start.
Unfortunately for a lot of owners, there was no Nissan Rouge transmission recall. Since this is the component that plagues a lot of the models from this generation of the Nissan Rogue. This is why we recommend performing a thorough inspection before you make a purchase on the model. Now let’s conclude this article.
2011 Nissan Rogue Problems: In Conclusion…
In this article, we covered quite a bit when it comes to the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems. First, we learned what is the Nissan Rogue and why the Rogue is so popular. We covered the specs of the model as well as the MPG, and price that this model delivers.
After that, we moved on to cover the 2011 Nissan Rogue problems and learned quite a bit when it comes to the issues that this model is troubled with. Especially the transmission problems that are deal breakers. Lastly, we discussed recalls and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
When Did Nissan Rogue Come Out
Nissan Rogue first debuted in 2007 and the first model year was the 2008 model year. As of now, there is a total of three generations of the Rogue that were released to the market with the most recent one released in 2021.
Does Nissan Rogue Have 4 Wheel Drive
Unfortunately, Nissan Rogue does not have a 4WD system. But the model implements an AWD system. It is not the same. But it is good for mild off-roading duties.
Where Is Nissan Rogue Made
The first generation of the Rogue was produced in Japan at the Nissan Shatai factory. But starting from the second generation, the production was moved to the factory in Smyrna, Tennessee. And every new Rogue in the US comes from this factory.
Are Nissan Rogues Good Cars
Overall, they are good cars. The only thing that greatly affects their reliability is the unreliable CVT transmission. Especially the first and the second generation of the Rogue. So, be really aware of this problematic transmission before you buy.
Are Nissan Rogue Reliable
In general, the Rogue is really reliable. The only unreliable part of this model is the CVT transmission. And unfortunately, there is no way to avoid it since it is the only option for this specific model. Before you purchase, make sure that the transmission is in relatively good condition.
Do Nissans Hold Their Value
This greatly depends on the model. Models that come only with the Nissan CVT transmission do not hold the value as other models in their lineup. Mainly because these transmissions often break down and are expensive to replace.
