2021 Nissan Rogue

Other Systems

The 2021 Nissan Rogue has generated 204 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “June 2025 rear door locks stopped working. (Odometer 12,538) I was unable to lock/unlock doors with key fob or with inside driver’s door lock/unlock button. Repaired 06/10/2025 at Mentor Nissan, 44060, by replacement of parts #82500-6R0B & 82501-6R0B: CONTROLLER-LOCK in both rear doors. Incident #2: Feb 2026 front driver-side door lock became inoperable, the same as had occurred with the rear door locks. I’m at Nissan Mentor today (02/17/2026) for evaluation & repair. (Odometer 15,200) Both of these door lock issues resulted in inability to enter/exit vehicle. Very dangerous if someone were unable to exit vehicle in emergency. Otherwise a big inconvenience requiring one to climb over other seats to enter/exit vehicle. The car is under extended warranty. June 2025 I paid $100 deductible plus tax & fee, totaling $110.21. Today’s repair cost to be determined. In each incident there were no warning lamps or messages. Both issues began with intermittent lock/unlock failure, then escalated to complete failure within 2-3 weeks. This has caused several inconveniences of not being able to enter the vehicle through the effected doors. And now the second incident again requires waiting for repair. In the first instance with rear door there was a wait of several weeks for the needed replacement parts. I anticipate the same delay with the front door repair. As I write this I’m at Mentor Nissan facility waiting for report from service department.” (NHTSA Complaint #11718429)

Electrical System

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Nissan Rogue include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 78 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “MY REAR BACK UP CAMERS STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALER. I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRENTY FOR ELECTRONICS SO THEY REPLACED THE CAMERA TO NO AVAIL. THEN THEY REPLACED THE A/V CONTROL UNIT WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBELM. AT THAT TIME THEY ADVISED ME THE REAR WIPER GROMMET LEAKED WATED WHICH CAUSED THE CAMERA CONNECTOR TO CORRODE. THEY ADVISED ME TO FIX THIS I MUST REPLACE THE TAILGATE. THERE IS NO REPAIR FOR THIS. I HAVE SEEN POSTING ON FACEBOOK AND OTHER PLACES SHOWING I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS IS HAPPENING TO. THE DEALER KNEW ABOUT IT BUT WHEN I QUESTIONED IF IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE THET PLAYED DUMB I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I HAVE NO REAR CAMERA NOW” (NHTSA Complaint #11718183)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 50 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “Head gaskets failed at 120,000 miles and had to replace engine. Now transmission failed at 180,000. This car is mostly used for airport taxi so mostly freeway miles.” (NHTSA Complaint #11703952)

Forward Collision System

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) defects — including malfunctioning forward collision warnings, lane keep assist failures, and erratic automatic emergency braking — can create dangerous driving conditions. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has 46 NHTSA complaints for this defect type. Owner reports include: “I had purchased a brand new 2021 Nissan Rouge SV AWD in 2021. I am now at 46,000 miles and I have had all system lights on and off since purchase. The first started with back hatch around 20 miles, went to go get it taken care of and it disappeared. I have broke down with electrical issues twice now, with error code of ‘Warning Malfunction’, ‘forward collision warning’, ‘air bag’, ‘forward collision light’ and ‘check engine” on dash. On Sunday August 10 2025, I was driving on the highway at 70 MPH, and my vehicle slammed on the brakes automatically with kids in the car. Looking at the dashboard showed forward collision light, with no cars near me. I then went 35 MPH to get off nearest exit. I made it home safely with minor issues to kids neck from the brake issue. Yesterday on August 13 2025 I went to my local supermarket to get milk, and the car wouldn’t start after I went shopping and showed a different error of ‘Malfunction’. In the winter time the light of forward collision comes on, and I have no control over my vehicle at all. I then assumed I needed better tires and purchased them, however it made no difference. This SUV is very dangerous, and I am terrified to even drive it. The airbag light has now been on also, and in addition to yesterday’s break down, the engine light is also on. I have an appointment again for my Nissan dealer now on Tuesday August 19 2025, and hoping this will be resolved. At 46,000 miles this should not be an issue, let alone danger my family. I also have videos, that won’t allow upload here. Please help me.” (NHTSA Complaint #11680660)

Fuel System

Fuel and propulsion system defects can cause stalling, fuel leaks, or power loss — all substantial impairments of use and safety. The 2021 Nissan Rogue has generated 42 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. Owner reports include: “The fuel pump and fuel level system appear to be malfunctioning. After refueling, the fuel gauge on the dashboard fluctuates continuously and does not provide a stable or accurate reading. This fluctuation continues for several minutes after pumping gas. The vehicle also struggles to start, requiring multiple attempts before turning on. On multiple occasions, the engine has shut off unexpectedly while the vehicle was in motion. This issue poses a safety risk because the vehicle can stall while driving, which increases the risk of a collision, especially in traffic or at higher speeds. The inaccurate fuel gauge also makes it difficult to determine the actual fuel level, increasing the risk of running out of fuel unexpectedly. The problem has occurred multiple times and is reproducible. The fuel pump and related components are available for inspection upon request. Dealer or independent service center confirmation is UNKNOWN at this time. Inspection by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives is UNKNOWN. Prior to the vehicle shutting off or struggling to start, symptoms included fluctuating fuel gauge readings immediately after refueling and continued erratic gauge behavior while driving. No warning lights are recalled at this time (UNKNOWN).” (NHTSA Complaint #11714462)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Nissan Rogue

The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Rogue by the NHTSA or Nissan. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Nissan Rogue:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Nissan to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Nissan must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Nissan Rogue qualifies as a lemon under California law, Nissan may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Nissan pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Nissan willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Nissan Rogue Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Nissan a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Nissan dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Nissan pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Nissan a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Nissan Rogue Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Nissan Rogue as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Nissan pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Nissan is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Nissan Rogue?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.