Is the Nissan Rogue Still a Reliable SUV? What Drivers Should Know After the Massive Recall

A major recall affecting over 600,000 Nissan Rogue SUVs has raised reliability concerns. Here’s what owners and buyers should know about the engine issues.

A Nissan Rogue compact SUV parked outdoors, highlighting the popular crossover model that recently faced large-scale recalls due to engine reliability concerns.

The Nissan Rogue has spent years sitting comfortably near the top of the compact SUV segment. It’s practical, easy to drive, and efficient enough to appeal to everyday commuters and small families. But recently, the Rogue has found itself in the spotlight for a less positive reason — a series of recalls involving hundreds of thousands of vehicles.

Naturally, when news like that breaks, the same question pops up everywhere online: can the Nissan Rogue still be trusted?

The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. Like many things in the automotive world, the reality sits somewhere in the middle.

Read: Munich Court Halts Renault Clio and Mégane Sales in Germany Over Patent Dispute

What Triggered the Recall?

Nissan recently issued a recall affecting more than 600,000 Rogue SUVs built between 2023 and 2025. These models use the company’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine, a relatively new design that focuses on efficiency and performance.

According to safety regulators, a fault involving internal engine components and cooling parts could lead to a sudden loss of power while driving. Obviously, losing engine power unexpectedly is something no driver wants to experience, especially at highway speeds.

In rare situations, the problem could go a step further. A failed bearing inside the engine may damage the engine block and allow hot oil to leak out. That raises the possibility of engine fire, which is why regulators moved quickly on the recall.

The good news is that Nissan believes fewer than 1% of the affected vehicles actually have the defect. Even so, when a recall involves hundreds of thousands of vehicles, it tends to attract attention — and concern.

Another Recall Appears

As if one large recall wasn’t enough, Nissan also announced a second one not long after.

This time, the issue affects around 318,000 Rogue SUVs from the 2024 and 2025 model years. The problem lies in the electronic throttle body assembly, a component that controls how much air flows into the engine.

If the throttle body fails, the engine may not respond properly to acceleration input. While this doesn’t necessarily mean an immediate breakdown, it can certainly affect performance and drivability.

Unlike the first recall, Nissan estimates that all vehicles included in this second recall could potentially experience the issue, which makes it a broader technical concern.

Still, the company has stated that no injuries or accidents related to the issue have been reported so far.

Read: Canada’s EV Mandate “Repeal”: A Policy Shift or Just a Different Route to the Same Destination?

Does This Hurt the Rogue’s Reputation?

Recalls are never good publicity, but they also aren’t unusual in today’s auto industry. Nearly every major manufacturer has faced them at some point.

The bigger question is whether these issues point to a deeper reliability problem with the Rogue itself.

Some automotive databases and consumer complaint platforms have already started examining reports related to engine failures in certain 2021–2023 Rogue models. In fact, those complaints helped trigger a federal investigation into the engine’s reliability.

Adding to the discussion, the Rogue’s VC-Turbo engine had previously been recalled in 2025 because of defective bearings that could lead to engine failure. When multiple recalls involve similar components, it naturally raises eyebrows among analysts and potential buyers.

That said, reliability isn’t determined by a single recall event. Vehicles are complex machines with thousands of parts, and manufacturers frequently update designs as problems surface.

Interestingly, early reports suggest that the 2026 Rogue still holds a respectable reliability score of around 84% from J.D. Power. That indicates that many owners continue to have positive experiences with the SUV overall.

Of course, some buyers may still compare alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, both of which have long-standing reputations for durability.

Red Nissan Rogue SUV alongside VC-Turbo engine close-up highlighting the mechanical issues behind the recent recall affecting more than 600,000 vehicles.

What Should Rogue Owners Do Now?

If you own a Rogue that falls within the recalled model years, there’s no need to panic. The recall process is fairly straightforward.

Owners can visit a Nissan dealership, where technicians will inspect the vehicle and update the engine control software. In most cases, the service takes about an hour.

If the inspection finds more serious damage, the dealership may replace the engine entirely. Although that repair takes longer — sometimes up to 15 hours of work — it will be done free of charge.

For the throttle body issue, technicians will inspect the system and replace the component if necessary. That repair typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Drivers can also check their vehicle’s recall status online using their VIN number through official safety databases.

The Bottom Line

The Nissan Rogue remains one of the most popular compact SUVs in North America, and its combination of comfort, efficiency, and technology still makes it attractive to many drivers.

However, the recent recalls serve as a reminder that even well-established models can run into unexpected engineering challenges.

For current owners, the important thing is simple: stay informed and complete the recall service if your vehicle is affected. For buyers considering a Rogue, it may be worth following updates and comparing reliability records across the segment.

In the end, how Nissan handles these fixes — and how future models perform — will likely determine whether the Rogue keeps its reputation intact.

Read: 2026 Audi S5 Avant Review — The Smart Person’s Performance Car?

Thank you for Reading! Stay Connected! 

Love exploring the world of automobiles? If this article revved your engines, don’t miss out on more exciting updates, reviews, and insights from the world of cars, bikes, Auto Gadgets, Gears, and Automotive Trends & Market Forecast.

Hit Follow or Subscribe to stay in the loop for all things automobiles. The journey starts here!

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is based on publicly available automotive reports, safety notices, and manufacturer statements at the time of writing. Vehicle recalls and reliability ratings may change as manufacturers release updates or new technical information. Readers are encouraged to verify recall details using their vehicle identification number (VIN) through official safety databases or authorized dealerships before making maintenance or purchasing decisions.