Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall – Has Your Rogue Been Recalled?

Fun fact, did you know that Nissan is responsible for popularising CVT transmissions? The first of its CVTs was introduced as far back as 1992. From then on, they went hard into CVTs. Throughout the 2000s, 2010s, and to this day, many of Nissan’s cars feature CVTs. However, it didn’t always go to plan, given their unreliability. It prompted the Nissan Rogue transmission recall, among others.

But not just recalls, with lawsuits, seas of discontent, and a ruined reputation for Nissan. They alone have broken the stereotype that all Japanese cars are well-built and dependable. Rather, Nissan has to deal with the aftermath of what happens when you design a bad transmission. They stutter when you accelerate, respond to inputs slowly, overheat to a crisp, and are loud, before ultimately failing.

Nissan’s CVTs have become a joke for how poorly and unreliable gearboxes can be. In the end, it has caused owners of Nissan cars countless trips to the workshop and thousands of dollars in repairs or replacements. Still, at least there’s some consolation, like being part of a Nissan Rogue transmission recall. But if you own this highly popular crossover-slash-SUV, would you be eligible for a recall?

• What’s A CVT Transmission?
• Nissan CVT Transmission Recalls
• Recalled Units & Models
• Nissan Transmission Warranty
• Class-Action Lawsuit
• Final Thoughts

CVT Transmission

Before we look into the Nissan Rogue transmission recall… Some background might help to provide a spot of context into the issue. Most of you would likely know what the Rogue is. For the unaware, it currently sits firmly in Nissan’s midsize crossover line-up. Like many other Nissans, it comes with the now-infamous CVT gearbox, built by the Japan Automatic Transmission Company, or JATCO.

CVTs were once heralded by Nissan as the natural evolution of automatic transmissions. Otherwise, it can be referred to as the ‘continuously variable transmission‘ or CVT. Quite simply, it differs from conventional automatics in that CVTs don’t have physical gears or cogs. The latter is how transmissions vary gearing ratios. Instead of gears, it utilizes a chain or pulley system, using either a steel or rubber belt.

It then runs through grooved cones, which alters the gearing ratios. Using this design, the ratios can be varied infinitely and do so seamlessly. This is because the transmission doesn’t have to change between a set of cogs or gears. The latter has limitations, for example, each cog or gear has a limited ratio. To go faster or slower, the transmission will have to swap between these cogs and gears, accordingly.

Meanwhile, all a CVT has to do is change the positioning of the pulleys. Thus, effectively allowing the belt or chain to transmit the right amount of power from your engine to the wheels. In doing so, there are plenty of benefits to using CVTs. Gear changes are smooth and seamless, although they can be a bit whiny and loud. Plus, CVTs could be more fuel efficient and theoretically, have fewer things that can go wrong.

CVT Transmission Problems

Unfortunately, there were severe downsides in this instance, as is the case with all the Nissan Rogue transmission recall chatter. In particular, Nissan’s CVTs – fitted onto the Rogue, among others – had many issues, not merely reliability in nature. Many owners of Nissans that have CVT gearboxes are left livid with how poorly they perform. And, how unreliable they are:

• Stuttering While Accelerating – Low-speed driving is especially problematic with some Nissan CVTs, like the one in the Rogue. Owners have noted how their CVTs would shudder at lower speeds. And, there are scenarios where CVT-equipped Nissans would outright stall in the middle of the road.
• Poor Response With Shifts – Unlike traditional autos, CVTs don’t have to pause during gear changes. Or, “hunt” for the right gears. It could shift relatively smoothly and progressively. Yet, Nissan’s CVTs are known to be rather slow with gear changes when it comes to responding to your inputs.
• Loud Whines – CVTs are usually louder during operation than conventional gearboxes. It’s by design, but not so with Nissan. Their CVTs are known to whine loudly, more so than others. This is usually more noticeable in a hotter climate, such as driving for long distances during the summer.
• Overheating – The key reason for the poor reliability of Nissan’s CVTs lies with the cooling. Apparently, Nissan’s cooling system for the CVT is insufficient to actually keep it cooled. As such, it doesn’t take a lot to overheat your Nissan’s CVT. At that point, it’ll show symptoms like shaking and shuddering.
• Transmission Failure – Worse, Nissan’s CVTs tend to fail at fairly low mileages. Generally, a gearbox doesn’t fail outright until it reaches six-figure mileage, at least. On the other hand, quite a few CVT-powered Nissan owners have documented how theirs had failed after just 60,000 miles.

Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

So then, what about this Nissan Rogue transmission recall? Having understood the complaints filed by past and present owners, Nissan has offered some solutions. As we’ll discuss more later, Nissan’s offered extended warranties, and reimbursements, and even lost a class-action lawsuit. However, they refused to issue a mass recall on defective Nissan CVTs. So far, we’ve yet to see a proper recall notice.

In fact, these issues with Nissan’s CVTs have been around for over 15 years. In the case of the Rogue, CVT-related issues began to appear as early as 2008. And, have yet to be met with a thorough fix. It’s been assumed that the design faults with Nissan’s CVTs, at least in the earlier years, need too much work to be fixed. Essentially, requiring a significant redesign inside and out, which would be costly.

Recently, the only transmission-related recalls that relate to the Rogue aren’t so that Nissan would finally solve the deficiencies, unreliability, and lackluster performance of their CVTs. Rather, they’ve been issued to fix relatively minor problems. So then, let’s take a closer look at all the model years concerning the Nissan Rogue, from 2008 to 2018. And, see if there is or isn’t a CVT recall issued (note the NHTSA reference numbers for the recalls):

2008 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

The 2008 Nissan Rogue was offered an extended warranty (more on that later) for its broken CVT. Unfortunately, there was never a full recall notice to fix those unreliable transmissions. Instead, a series of 5 recall campaigns were issued for the 2008 model year of the Rogue:

• 08V521000 On October 7th, 2008 (Affecting 204,361 Vehicles) – This relates to the OCS (occupant classification system) control unit. It’s built into the passenger seat cushion. It wasn’t built to specifications, which could impact the ability of the passenger airbag to deploy effectively.
• 09V393000 On October 5th, 2009 (Affecting 143,223 Vehicles) – The tire pressure monitoring system sensor is held by a nut. The latter of which is easily corroded and cracked. As such, it could cause the TPMS sensor-transmitter device to lose that nut, causing the TPMS lamp to light up.
• 09V411000 On October 19th, 2009 (Affecting 163,659 Vehicles) – There’s a screw that holds the steering gear cover. The problem is, it’s prone to falling out. With this screw now loose, your steering wheel’s pinion shaft might fall out of the steering gear. Hence, causing you to lose all steering.
• 10V401000 On September 10th, 2010 (Affecting 7,948 Vehicles) – These impact those cars fitted with a Garmin Nuvi 750 satellite navigation system. The batteries in these GPS units can overheat, heightening the risk of a fire.
• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – The harness connector within specific Nissan models could cause an electrical short. Snow, water, and road salt could seep into the driver-side carpeting. Thus, before eating away at the wiring harness.

2009 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

Just like the 2008 model year, 2009’s Nissan Rogue was also offered that same extended warranty for its CVT transmission. Once again, no full recall was issued, though 3 other unrelated recalls had been documented. Note, that these recall notices are similar to some of the ones in 2008.

• 09V411000 On October 19th, 2009 (Affecting 163,659 Vehicles) – There was a loose screw within the steering gear cover. Losing this could result in the pinion shaft disconnecting, causing you to lose steering completely.
• 10V401000 On September 10th, 2010 (Affecting 7,948 Vehicles) – The batteries within a Garmin Nuvi 750 GPS system can overheat. If left as is, it could cause a fire to break out.
• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – Water, snow, and road salt could seep into the driver-side carpeting. As a result, interacting with the wire harnesses causes an electrical short.

2010 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

This would be the final model year that Nissan issued an extended warranty program. Specifically, for any Rogue owner who’s been impacted by faulty transmissions (2008 to 2010). Still, no recall was issued for the CVT in this model year (2010). Instead, 2 other recalls were issued. These are once again similar to some of the ones found in 2008 and 2009:

• 10V401000 On September 10th, 2010 (Affecting 7,948 Vehicles) – Certain cars fitted with a Garmin Nuvi 750 navigation system may come with batteries that could overheat. And, cause fires.
• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – The wiring harness can short out the electrical system. This is due to snow, water, and salt seeping through the carpeting, as it eats into the harness.

2011 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

There have been many complaints stemming from CVT-related problems with the 2011 model year Rogue. Still, no recalls have been issued. Neither, will owners get extended warranties. Besides that, 2 recalls have been issued for the 2011 Rogue, with one similarity from earlier years:

• 11V565000, On November 23rd, 2011 (Affecting 7,365 Vehicles) – The circuit board for the electric power steering on some cars may not have been installed properly. This causes a lot of stress on the soldering, allowing it to crack. Consequently, you’d lose all power steering assist.
• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – Wiring harnesses with some models could be left exposed to salt, water, and snow. These would otherwise seep through the driver-side carpeting.

2012 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

For the 2012 Nissan Rogue, 2 more recalls were issued (one familiar one from earlier model years – wiring harness). Yet, there’s not been a recall for the CVT:

• 12V068000 On February 22nd, 2012 (Affecting 2,983 Vehicles) – The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) in a small batch of cars wasn’t activated during manufacturing. Without that TPMS, you won’t be able to receive any alerts if one or more tires are underinflated.
• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – Salt, water, and snow could easily seep past the interior carpeting. Thus, leaking into and shorting out the wiring harness.

2013 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

As per usual, there’s not a single CVT-related recall for the 2013 model year Rogue. According to the NHTSA records, there was only 1 recall notice issued for this particular model year. Once again, it’s a problem that we’ve detailed in other model years:

• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – The driver-side carpets could allow snow, water, and salt to seep through. In doing so, it would eat into the wiring harness, and cause it to short out. There’s also a severe fire hazard if there’s an electrical short.

2014 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

Officially, the 2014 model year Nissan Rogue has the highest number of individual recall notices. For a more detailed look, check out our explainer on the 2014 Nissan Rogue problems. In total, there are 9 of them:

• 14V218000 On April 28th, 2014 (Affecting 1,644 Vehicles) – The intermediate shaft may have been connected to the upper steering assembly with the wrong bolts.
• 14V229000 On May 2nd, 2014 (Affecting 334 Vehicles) – The right-side wheels weren’t held and secured properly. It seemed that one lug nut on each wheel wasn’t tightened right. There’s a risk that the wheels might come off.
• 15V012000 On January 14th, 2015 (Affecting 893 Vehicles) – The fasteners for the front wheel hub assemblies on some cars weren’t torqued properly.
• 15V032000 On January 26th, 2015 (Affecting 468,815 Vehicles) – Water, snow, and road salt could easily seep into the wiring harness. Thus, causing an electrical short.
• 15V197000 On April 3rd, 2015 (Affecting 29,297 Vehicles) – Components within the fuel pump haven’t been nickel plated correctly. As a result, it might cause the fuel pump to fail.
• 16V149000 On March 11th, 2016 (Affecting 46,671 Vehicles) – This is a similar issue to the aforementioned recall notice. It concerns the incorrect nickel plating within the fuel pump.
• 16V219000 On April 15th, 2016 (Affecting 108,503 Vehicles) – The rear tailgate supports might not have received proper anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, they can fail and cause the rear lift gate to fall on you.
• 16V244000 On April 26th, 2016 (Affecting 3,296,947 Vehicles) – The front passenger OSC (Occupational Classification System) may read incorrectly. For example, it might register an adult as a child, or register there not being any passengers despite otherwise.
• 22V024000 On January 21st, 2022 (Affecting 688,946 Vehicles) – This is familiar with a previous recall. That’s the one regarding seepage into the wiring harness. Corrosion of the under-dash harness may result in you losing all electrics.

2015 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

The 2015 model year Rogue is the only one to have been issued a CVT-related recall. However, it’s not to fix the major issues people have with that transmission, rather it’s for the shifter unit. Besides this, there are 7 other recalls:

• 15V775000 On November 20th, 2015 (Affecting 33,880 Vehicles) – There was an issue with some shift selector knobs. It might be possible for them to shift out of “park” without depressing the brake pedals first. This could result in rollaway and subsequent collisions.
• 15V012000 On January 14th, 2015 (Affecting 893 Vehicles) – The front wheel hub fasteners weren’t torqued tightly enough.
• 15V368000 On June 12th, 2015 (Affecting 110 Vehicles) – Some cars had the wrong tire size imprinted on the tire labels.
• 15V453000 On July 21st, 2015 (Affecting 6,595 Vehicles) – Driver-side front and rear doors may not latch properly.
• 16V219000 On April 15th, 2016 (Affecting 108,503 Vehicles) – Rear tailgate supports can rust and fail to stay upright.
• 16V244000 On April 26th, 2016 (Affecting 3,296,947 Vehicles) – Front passenger airbags might not deploy adequately due to an OCS error.
• 16V911000 On December 19th, 2016 (Affecting 757 Vehicles) – The wrong ECU and OCS may have been installed on some cars.
• 22V024000 On January 21st, 2022 (Affecting 688,946 Vehicles) – Snow, water, and road salt could seep into the wiring harness.

2016 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

Unfortunately, owners of the 2016 Nissan Rogue weren’t included in any CVT transmission-related recalls, either. However, there are 6 recalls in total:

• 16V219000 On April 15th, 2016 (Affecting 108,503 Vehicles) – Corrosion in the rear lift tailgate supports can cause it to fail.
• 16V244000 On April 26th, 2016 (Affecting 3,296,947 Vehicles) – Frontal passenger airbags might not deploy properly owing to an OCS error.
• 16V911000 On December 19th, 2016 (Affecting 757 Vehicles) – Incorrect ECU and OCS installed, causing issues with airbag deployment.
• 17V663000 On October 18th, 2017 (Affecting 4,883 Vehicles) – Recliner joints on the lower rear seat frame haven’t been welded properly.
• 17V716000 On November 14th, 2017 (Affecting 210 Vehicles) – The front passenger seat frames weren’t welded correctly.
• 22V024000 On January 21st, 2022 (Affecting 688,946 Vehicles) – Road salt, water, and snow can easily seep onto the wiring harness.

2017 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

As usual, no CVT transmission recalls for the 2017 model year Nissan Rogue. Instead, you’re greeted with 3 other unrelated recalls:

• 16V244000 On April 26th, 2016 (Affecting 3,296,947 Vehicles) – An OCS error is causing the frontal passenger airbags to deploy inadequately,
• 17V663000 On October 18th, 2017 (Affecting 4,883 Vehicles) – The lower rear seat frame might feature incorrectly welded recliner joints.
• 21V839000 On October 26th, 2021 (Affecting 5,905 Vehicles) – Contacting the ECU bracket could damage the wiring harness. This can blow a fuse that stalls the car.

2018 Nissan Rogue Transmission Recall

We’ll throw the 2019 model year Nissan Rogue in here as well, as they have similar recall notices. None of them relate to the CVT, but there are 2 thus far:

• 19V654000 On September 12th, 2019 (Affecting 1,228,830 Vehicles) – The backup camera might fail to show an image.
• 21V839000 On October 26th, 2021 (Affecting 5,905 Vehicles) – Damage to the wiring harness might cause a fuse to blow. Thus, stalling the car.

Nissan CVT Transmission Warranty

So, we mentioned earlier that a Nissan Rogue transmission recall never happened. But, they did offer a warranty extension to cover it. Unfortunately, the coverage is very limited. In essence, this doubled the prior powertrain warranty coverage. Before, it covered 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). After the warranty extension program, it can now cover 10 years to 120,000 miles.

Among other Nissan cars, the Rogue was among the models that could qualify. However, it was only offered to owners of the 2008, 2009, and 2010 model years. This warranty essentially covers the cost associated with CVT repairs, whole CVT replacements, and replacing individual parts within a CVT. It tallies the total amount required to get it working again, including a reimbursement program.

Nissan CVT Transmission Lawsuit

There is, mind you, at least some good news for those wondering about a Nissan Rogue transmission recall. Very recently, Nissan had settled a class action lawsuit surrounding its unreliable CVTs, with a total payout of $277.7-million. Nissan had denied all claims that they’ve failed to act upon fixing and resolving issues with their defective CVTs. Nevertheless, they’ve agreed to settle all claims, anyway.

This lawsuit will encompass Nissan Rogues from the 2014 to 2018 model years. It also includes other models such as the Nissan Pathfinder (2015 to 2018) and Infiniti QX60 (2015 to 2018). This lawsuit is more than just a settlement. For starters, it’s opened up other avenues for owners to claim from Nissan. Some of the benefits that you’ll get as a member of this class-action lawsuit are:

• Warranty Extension – For the Nissan Rogue, the original warranty covered 60,000 miles or 60 months (whichever comes first). Now, it’s been extended by 24 months and 24,000 miles, totaling 84 months or 84,000 miles. This new extended warranty deal will cover the entire CVT transmission assembly. It includes the valve body, torque converter, and transmission control unit.
• Reimbursement – Prior to the aforementioned extended warranty, owners and lessees would have to cover all costs related to fixing up the CVTs. If so, these out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. If the repairs were done at a Nissan dealership, the full amount would be repaid. Should those repairs be done elsewhere, Nissan will now reimburse you up to $5,000, accordingly.
• Vouchers – Should you prefer not to accept the reimbursement (or aren’t able to), you could accept a voucher, instead. Nissan would offer you a $1,000 voucher for purchasing or leasing a new car. However, you’ll have to use this voucher within 9 months of the lawsuit’s settlement date.

1. The Backstory

Recent allegations have been swirling around Nissan and its continuously variable transmission (CVT). Several consumers claim that Nissan knowingly sold vehicles with faulty CVTs, prompting multiple class-action lawsuits.

2. Which Models Are Involved?

• Nissan Rogue (2014-2018)
• Nissan Pathfinder (2015-2018)
• Infiniti QX60 (2015-2018)

Moreover, previous lawsuits from 2020 have covered other models like the Nissan Versa, Versa Note, Sentra, Altima, and Juke.

3. What’s the Core of the Issue?

Nissan vehicles, equipped with CVT transmissions, reportedly manifest issues like poor transmission performance, shuddering, shaking, and even total transmission failure. Despite receiving numerous complaints directly and through the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority (NHTSA), Nissan is accused of neglecting the issue.

4. The Cost to Consumers

Transmission repairs are notoriously expensive. When these Nissan CVTs malfunction, owners find themselves staring at repair bills ranging from $3,500 to a staggering $8,000. Many consumers complained of paying these hefty sums even when their cars were still under warranty.

5. Settlement Details

Nissan has agreed to a significant settlement of $277.7 million, despite denying any wrongdoing.

Nissan is offering a warranty extension for the transmission assembly and control unit, adding 24 months or 24,000 miles. So, Nissan vehicles will now have coverage for 84 months or 84,000 miles, while Infiniti vehicles get 96 months or 96,000 miles.

If you’ve paid out-of-pocket for relevant transmission repairs after your warranty expires, Nissan has agreed to reimburse you. The full amount will be given if a Nissan dealer did the work. For repairs done elsewhere, Nissan will cover up to $5,000. Repairs should be within the mileage and time limits of the extended warranty.

Nissan is also introducing a $1,000 voucher for those looking to buy or lease a new vehicle. However, it’s an either-or scenario—you can either claim the voucher or get reimbursed for repairs, but not both. To avail, you’ll need to provide evidence of your CVT-related expenses.

6. What’s the Catch?

It’s crucial for Nissan owners to remember that a judge still needs to approve these settlement terms. The final hearing is set for March 21, 2022. If you’re a Nissan owner hoping to opt-out or object to the settlement, mark February 22, 2022, on your calendar, as it’s the last day to do so.

This saga around Nissan’s CVT transmissions is a stark reminder for consumers to remain vigilant. Always monitor your vehicle’s performance, stay updated with recalls, and never hesitate to raise concerns about potential defects. The road ahead may seem bumpy, but knowledge and awareness can steer you to safer shores.

NHTSA Safety Recall Results (35)

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided a list of several vehicle recalls affecting Nissan vehicles.
• Nissan is recalling some 2017 Rogue vehicles due to water leakage, which may corrode the dash side harness connector.
• Certain 2022 Titan, Titan XD, Frontier, and 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles are being recalled due to an inoperative rearview display caused by the in-vehicle infotainment system that continuously reboots when the vehicle is restarted.
• Some 2021-2022 Rogue vehicles are being recalled because the rear seat belts for the left-hand and right-hand rear seats may not retract properly.
• Certain 2022 Rogue vehicles are being recalled due to the fuel tank being punctured during vehicle modifications.
• Nissan is recalling some 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid vehicles, as the hydraulic brake booster assembly may overheat internally, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
• Certain rental vehicles including the 2021-2022 Rogue, 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder, and Titan are being recalled as the infotainment head unit may reboot when the Sirius XM subscription is set to “Not Subscribed”, resulting in an inoperative rearview camera.
• Certain 2022 Rogue vehicles are being recalled due to a manufacturing error which may result in an area on the bottom wall of the fuel tank being too thin.
• Nissan is recalling some 2014-2016 Rogue vehicles because the electrical connector for the under-dash harness may corrode due to water and salt intrusion from the driver’s side footwell.
• Some 2021 Rogue vehicles are being recalled because of abnormal wear inside the fuel pump that may cause it to overheat and fail.
• Certain 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid vehicles are being recalled due to damage to the engine harness caused by contact with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) bracket, resulting in a blown fuse.

Final Thoughts

That just about rounds off our quick guide on a Nissan Rogue transmission recall. While yes, they’ve denied a mass recall ever since, at least Nissan offered that warranty extension. So, be sure to check it out if you have a 2014 to 2018 model year Nissan Rogue. This won’t completely fix that broken and unreliable CVT. But at least, you’ll receive some compensation and reimbursements for fixing it.

Yet, some continued to wonder are Nissan Rogues good cars, or how long do Nissan Rogues last. The fact that Nissan continues to ignore a pressing matter such as clear design flaws with the CVTs might hamper the Rogue’s appeal. They’re technically good cars, and they should last a long time. But with a transmission that repeatedly fails, performs poorly, and is unreliable, it’s perhaps best to look elsewhere.