2018 NISSAN ROGUE Power Train Problems
38 complaints about Power Train
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Power Train Complaints (38)
The Intake Manifold Control is not working correctly for an unknown reason. It causes a heavy idle and the car to struggle going up hills at times.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was slightly uncontrollable while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: NTB10-029I. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Mileage: 36,000
2018 Nissan Rogue with 110,000 miles transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. Stranded my granddaughter. Vehicle was inspected by a garage and they have confirmed that a new transmission is required. Cannot replace with a used one because there are none available since this has occurred in many vehicles apparently. No warning or signs of this prior to the transmission going out and unable to put into gear. The vehicle is available for inspection.
2018 Nissan Rogue AWD: CVT Transmission problem. Grinding at high RPM and Transmission fluid leaks.
The vehicle has hesitated intermittently for some time. More recently, it becomes stuck in 1st gear, revving to over 4,000 RPM. The only temporary fix for both issues is to turn off the engine and restart. Service Visits: 1. 7/22/2025 – Tacoma Nissan – 77,663 miles - Reported intermittent sluggishness and hesitation when accelerating. - No codes found. - Requested CVT fluid check per TSB. Dealer refused unless I paid for a full fluid change. 2. 7/24/2025 – Korum Nissan – 77,731 miles - Paid for CVT fluid change since Tacoma Nissan refused to inspect without it. - Problem persisted. 3. 7/28/2025 – Korum Nissan – 77,960 miles - Reported hesitation and possible limp mode. - No codes found; no repairs made.I am filing this complaint regarding my 2018 Nissan Rogue S AWD with an ongoing CVT transmission problem. This model is known to be affected by documented transmission issues, and Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) — specifically NTB15-083b and NTB20-035a — covering situations exactly like mine, where the transmission exhibits hesitation, poor acceleration, or becomes stuck in low gear without storing any diagnostic trouble codes. Relevant TSB Guidance as It Applies to My Case: - NTB15-083b and NTB20-035a instruct that even when no DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) are present, service departments must follow Nissan’s CVT performance diagnostics. - This includes checking CVT fluid condition, inspecting for internal pressure loss, and assessing for mechanical wear that may require replacement. - These TSBs also address repeated hesitation, sluggish acceleration, or limp mode behavior that temporarily resolves when the ignition is cycled — exactly what my vehicle experiences. Despite three documented service visits in July 2025 confirming my complaints and matching these TSB descriptions, the dealerships did not follow the required TSB procedures or replace the transmission. With my factory warranty expiring on August 24, 2025, I am at immediate
Transmission
The CVT transmission in my 2018 Nissan Rogue failed catastrophically at 92,000 miles, far below industry standards for drivetrain reliability. This failure, tied to known defects and past class-action litigation, caused severe safety risks and financial hardship. Despite these issues being well-documented and covered in extended warranties for some vehicles, Nissan never informed me of any potential risk, leaving me unprepared. The failure caused a sudden loss of power, limiting the vehicle to 40mph, creating a dangerous situation, especially on highways where maintaining speed is critical. I had to drive the compromised vehicle to a Nissan dealership for diagnosis, putting myself & other motorists in danger. The issue was confirmed and reproduced during diagnostics, with an estimated repair cost of nearly $10,000. Before this, an independent mechanic had also diagnosed the problem, citing transmission failure with documented codes. However, Nissan refused to accept outside documentation, requiring diagnosis from their service center. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared before the failure. Symptoms like difficulty accelerating and erratic RPM fluctuations began about a week prior but offered no formal alerts. Nissan’s refusal to provide assistance after the diagnosis cited the vehicle being out of warranty and my failure to use Nissan dealerships for regular service. This ignored challenges such as the rural location of their service centers and COVID-related limitations during my ownership. This failure highlights a broader safety & reliability issue with Nissan’s CVT transmissions, which the company has failed to address adequately through recalls or customer notifications. I urge the NHTSA to investigate these defective transmissions and require Nissan to take necessary actions, including recalls, to protect consumers from safety risks and financial burdens. The faulty transmission remains in my possession and is available for inspection upon request
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to three independent mechanics who determined that there was a malfunction error and CVT judder. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 141,832.
Mileage: 141,832
After driving home from an appointment tonight 9/14/2024, my Nissan Rogue 2018 began shuttering, stalling and jerking. I was only 3 miles from home, and it happened all the way home, with times I didn't think the vehicle was going to restart. I was in saturday afternoon traffic and cars where swerving around me avoiding my car, and trying to not hit me. Vehile mileage is 71,256 miles and only myself as owner in it's entire history. I've had allthe oil and fluid changes necessary for it to operate. I have left a message by contacting Nissan USA, and will be contacting attorney because I am almost certain it's my CVT transmission failing.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change; several hours after the service, the vehicle stalled while driving 35 MPH without warning. The contact stated that the failure recurred soon after restarting the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Mileage: 57,000
Check engine light popped on prior to the vehicle stalling and having issues going into gears. Stalls and rolls back, potentially causing an accident, but did not. Pulled to a mechanic who stated that the transmission was failing at 170,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side rear tire deflated. The contact replaced the tire with the spare tire. The contact stated after driving three miles, the contact noticed that the vehicle was driving abnormally. The contact parked the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear differential. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 83,600.
Mileage: 83,600
Piston rod broke and fell through oil pan causing damage. Ultimately resulting on car shutting down on freeway and having to be towed in the early hours of the morning. This could’ve resulted in major accident putting myself and others lives in danger. I’m unsure if problem has been reproduced. Vehicle has yet to be inspected by manufacturer. There were no warnings messages or symptoms previous to what happened.
Vehicle May not Accelerate Several drivers have reported that their vehicle will stop accelerating in traffic. It may shift into neutral, or it may appear to be in gear while the RPMs climb but there is no forward motion.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) started to Jerk on Friday October 27, 2023. Vehicle 2018 Nissan Rogue SV only has 55,871 miles. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, vehicle started jerking and I had to stop the vehicle on a main road and pull over to the side. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No.
The vehicle feels like it is bucking or shimmies when accelerating from a stop. The vehicle lags when it accelerates on roads and highways from the time I step on the gas and lasts a few seconds. The vehicle sometimes feels like it's grinding when driving. The issues seemed to start happening around the 89,000 mileage reading. It is frightening to feel, that if need be, the transmission will fail, and cause an accident on roadways and highways. There are currently no warning lamps or indications of a problem when these issues occur.
So the CVT transmission on my 2018 Nissan Rouge has begun to fail. I ask my personal mechanic and took it to Star Nissan in Illinois and both said that the transmission is wearing out quicker than normal, they suggested I see if it had been recalled, and to my surprise, it hasn't and they are guessing that the transmission was worn out before I bought it. They were recalled for the same problem but were never taken. The bad thing is that there is no error or light that says the transmission is failing. I drive with the car on a daily and risk my life and others just cause the car doesn't move and I need to turn it off and turn it back on so it resets. The car smells like burning metal from the transmission. When I go 20 the rpms hit 5000 which should be normal.
Transmission jerks continually when accelerating from a stopped position until 20+ mph is reached.
Car shut off by yourself while we were driving on the highway. The key just kind of fell apart.the key fob thing kinda bent over and the car just turned off. Scared the family came to a halt and called aaa. They saw the key bent over and showed us. Called nissan and they said it was not under warranty. because Called dealer, and they said I had to get a new one. Says it cost $500 for each fob. Crazy!
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be flushed and an oil change needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle had not been taken to another independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Mileage: 45,000
Transmission system failure
The vehivle itself locked up and stopped while driving in the middle of traffic.
Vehicle is three years old. Never used the spare previously. Had a nail in the tire, so called Nissan Care to come and change it. Nissan Care arrived, used the spare that came with the vehicle and changed the tire. Immediately upon driving it, my wife heard weird noises, including grinding under her feet and grinding near the front right of the vehicle. Some knowledgeable car experts at her work told her she needs to get it checked out. She drove on it for less than 15 minutes before hearing a loud pop from the back, at which point the vehicle started smoking. She drove it to a nearby dealer. The dealer indicated the spare tire was not the same size as the others and because the vehicle has an intelligent all wheel drive system, this caused the rear differential to explode. Nissan RO # 6112906 is the reference number at Martin Nissan in Skokie, IL.
I was driving on the highway in fairly heavy traffic, going with the flow of traffic at approx. 65 miles per hour. I was in the passing lane when I felt the vehicle lose power (I initially thought it was a strong headwind as we were experiencing the tail-end of a hurricane here in the northeast). This happened for only a second and then everything seemed normal again. It happened again and I realized none of the trees on the side of the road indicated we were having any wind at all. I immediately worked my way into the right hand lane and as I did, the engine revved to about 5,000 RPMs and the vehicle lost power. There were highway maintenance vehicles in the breakdown lane so I put the vehicle in neutral and coasted beyond them so I could get into the breakdown lane. I narrowly avoided being hit by a tractor trailer when this vehicle's transmission disengaged without any warning. I only have 93,000 miles and the vehicle was bought brand new by me and driven only highway miles. There were absolutely no warning signs or emergency warning lights on the dash to indicate any type of failure. I was able to get this to the local Nissan dealership and they told me the transmission had failed and would need replacement at the cost of $4,600.00 and that Nissan would do nothing to offset any part of this repair. This vehicle is a death trap that I would never put another dime into. Someone will get killed if this is happening to other people. I almost did. After some research, it appears Nissan has avoided having a recall, despite multiple issues being reported on several sites, over what appears to be several years. If you value your loved ones, stay away from Nissan as the transmission failing on the highway without warning could be a deadly mistake. It nearly was for me, and an accident reconstruction team would never think to tear apart the transmission, especially with no warning lights or codes indicated.
VEHICLE TRANSMISSION STUTTERS AND STRUGGLES TO SHIFT IN HIGHER GEARS. OCCASIONALLY KNOCKS. THE TRANSFER CASE WAS FAULTY 3 MONTHS AGO AND BROKE/FELL APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE TRANSFER ARM HAD SNAPPED. THE TRANSMISSION STILL MAKES THE SAME HEAVY KNOCKING AND OCCASIONALLY 'SLIPS' AS THE CVT TRANSMISSION HESITATES TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE HAS VERY SLOW ACCELERATION BECAUSE OF THIS AND EVEN WHEN ACCELERATING AT A SLOW SPEED LIKE FROM A STOP SIGN THE TIRES WILL JUMP AS IF THE AXLES ARE MOVING FASTER OR SLOWER THAN THE TRANSMISSION IS FIRING.
Mileage: 55,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN ROGUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70-80 MPH WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ROUTE 22 NISSAN (56 US-22, HILLSIDE, NJ 07205) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
Mileage: 25,000
WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING, VEHICLE IS MAKING WEARIED BROKEN POPPING NOISE FROM REAR WHEELS OR AXLE. I HAVE REQUESTED THE NISSAN DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THIS ISSUE SINCE 3 WEEKS AND THEN THEY CALLED NISSAN ENGINEER FOR HELP BUT STILL THEY ARE ALSO UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE SO NISSAN ENGINEER CREATED ENGINEERING REVIEW REQUEST FOR THIS ISSUE. TILL NOW NO UPDATE FROM THE DEALER OR NISSAN AND THERE IS NO ET FOR THE FIX.
Mileage: 46,250
WIFE GOT HOME FROM STORE PULL UP DRIVEWAY SHUT VEHICLE OFF WAS STEPPING OUT WHEN THERE WAS A POP AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD TAKING HER ALONG DOWN THE DRIVEWAY CRASHING INTO SLIDING GATE.*DT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER,CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS INJURED. DEALER FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF MALFUNCTIONING OF THE VEHICLE. POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.*JB*JB *AS*TR
Mileage: 14,288
TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY JERKS. IT IS CONSTANTLY FEELING LIKE IT IS FIGHTING ITSELF GOING DOWN THE ROAD. MECHANICS HAVE TEST DRIVEN IT AND CAN'T FEEL IT SOMETIMES OR CAN'T DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. BEEN THIS WAY SINCE I PURCHASES THE CAR. I BOUGHT IT WITH 42 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.
Mileage: 40,000
CAR TENDS TO SHUT OFF. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME WITH NO RESOLUTION OTHER THAN, 'PERFORM ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC AND GET A RENTAL.' I WAS PARKED. WAS READY TO LEAVE AT/OR ABOUT AN HOUR LATER; WOULDN'T START. IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY.
1. WHEN I STOP THE CAR IN FRONT OF A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL OR GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND THE LEVER IN POSITION "D" MY BACK FEELS VIBRATION. I SEE THE PASSENGER SEAT SWINGING. I PUT MY HAND ON THE HEADREST AND FEEL THE VIBRATION. 2.WHEN I KEEP THE SPEED OF 30 ... 35 MPH I FEEL THE VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL, I HEAR THE HUM FROM THE TRANSMISSION, THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR HAS AN OSCILLATION. 3.WHEN I DRIVE A CAR ON THE ROAD, THE WHEEL CROSSES A PIT OR KNOB, THE RIGHT REAR SEAT SHAKES NOISILY. 4.WHEN I DRIVE CAR 65 MPH AND PUSH BRAKE PEDAL GENTLY I FEEL PULSE BEATING ON STEERING WHEEL, BODY, SEATS. 5.WHEN I WAS WASHING THE CAR AT THE CAR WASH, THE TAILGATE SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED. I'M AFRAID TO VISIT THE AUTOMATIC CAR WASH BECAUSE IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. 6.KICK MOVING LIFTGATE OPENING DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. 7. TECH REPLACED THE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM TUBE BUT IT DOESN'T WORK.
Mileage: 4,000
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AT 46,000 MILES WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT
Mileage: 46,480
1. WHEN I STOP THE CAR IN FRONT OF A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNAL OR GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND THE LEVER IN POSITION "D" MY BACK FEELS VIBRATION. I SEE THE PASSENGER SEAT SWINGING. I PUT MY HAND ON THE HEADREST AND FEEL THE VIBRATION. 2.WHEN I KEEP THE SPEED OF 30 ... 35 MPH I FEEL THE VIBRATION ON THE STEERING WHEEL, I HEAR THE HUM FROM THE TRANSMISSION, THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR HAS AN OSCILLATION. 3.WHEN I DRIVE A CAR ON THE ROAD, THE WHEEL CROSSES A PIT OR KNOB, THE RIGHT REAR SEAT SHAKES NOISILY. 4.WHEN I DRIVE CAR 70 MPH AND PUSH BRAKE PEDAL GENTLY I FEEL PULSE BEATING ON STEERING WHEEL, BODY, SEATS. 5.I STOPPED ON RED LIGHT, WHILE I RELEASE BRAKE PEDAL I HEAR SOUND LIKE 'CLICK'. 6.RIGHT WINDSHIELD VIPER HAS STOP POSITION IN FRONT OF MY EYES. I HAVE SPOT ON WINDSHIELD IN THE FIELD OF VIEW. 7.UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVER SEAT, NO SIDE SUPPORT. I'M 6 FEET TALL AND 90 POUNDS, SIZE L. 8.WHEN I WAS WASHING THE CAR AT THE CAR WASH, THE TAILGATE SPONTANEOUSLY OPENED. I'M AFRAID TO VISIT THE AUTOMATIC CAR WASH BECAUSE IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. 9.KICK MOVING LIFTGATE DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. 10.DEALER DIDN'T MAKE REBALANCING TIRES. I HAVE TWICE INFORMED THE HANLEES HILLTOP NISSAN DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT THEY DID NOTHING. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED. I BOUGHT A CAR, I DID NOT BUY A VIBRATION! IT HURTS MY HEALTH.
SOUND FROM CVT OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN VEHICLE IS DECREASING IN SPEED WITH BRAKE DEPRESSED AT ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR. OCCURS ONLY WHEN VEHICLE SPEED IS SLOWING DOWN SIMILAR TO DOWNSHIFT WHEN DECELERATION TO A STOP.
TWICE WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE CAR ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS BUT INSTEAD STALLED IN BETWEEN GEARS, CAUSING THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP. GAS PEDAL WOULD NOT WORK. HAD TO PULL OVER TO KEEP FROM BEING HIT BY TRAFFIC. I READ ABOUT THIS HAPPENING WITH OTHER YEAR ROGUES WITH CVT TRANSMISSION. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AND REPAIR. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $125 FOR A DIAGNOSIS. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 40K MILES. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 2 MONTHS.
Mileage: 38,205
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN ROGUE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE COLLISION WARNING SENSOR ACTIVATED AND AN ABNORMAL POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE TRANSMISSION. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A GRINDING, METAL-ON-METAL SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR'S AUTO MAX (LOCATED AT 4100 10TH AVE S, GREAT FALLS, MT 59405, (406) 727-0340) TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE COLLISION WARNING SENSORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. THE OFFER WAS RESCINDED AFTER THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,945. *TR
Mileage: 1,945
CVT. RPMS RISING AND FALLING WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, WITHOUT ANY REASON. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD! CAR FAILS TO RESPOND TO GAS PEDAL, CAUSING SERIOUS HAZARDOUS ISSUES ENTERING TRAFFIC. CAR LOSES POWER ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE!
Mileage: 26,000
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 NISSAN ROGUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO ANY OTHER GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE REVERSING, THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD BEFORE THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE MAINTENANCE AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PERUZZI NISSAN (165 LINCOLN HIGHWAY, FAIRLESS HILLS, PA 19030, 215-943-6200, 877-610-5522). THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER TWO DAYS AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE YET FROM THE SERVICE CENTER MANAGER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE A PERMANENT REMEDY TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 2,000.
Mileage: 2,000