CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Nissan Rogue engine problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Nissan Rogue have filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Rogue | 15 |
| 2010 Rogue | 15 |
| 2011 Rogue | 12 |
| 2012 Rogue | 19 |
| 2013 Rogue (this page) | 35 |
| 2014 Rogue | 21 |
| 2015 Rogue | 17 |
| 2016 Rogue | 16 |
| 2017 Rogue | 27 |
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Nissan Rogue in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Rogue owners describe two interlocking problems. First, repeated power loss and deceleration during highway driving—the vehicle drops from highway speeds to 25-45 mph despite full throttle input, with RPMs rising but no acceleration response. These episodes occur after 1-3 hours of driving, worsen in summer heat and at altitude, and require extended cooling periods to resolve. Second, CVT transmission failures that eliminate acceleration entirely, forcing multiple restarts during a single trip. These failures start at 50,000 miles and continue through 118,000 miles.
Stalling at traffic lights and during merges creates additional hazards—vehicles roll backward on inclines or fail to accelerate away from intersections. Engine overheating triggers thermal shutdown; owners report needing 10-15 minute cooldown periods before the car will move again. One vehicle caught fire at 260,000 miles.
Owners uniformly report that dealerships deny problems exist, even when the owner or mechanic diagnoses transmission failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 120,000 miles on some models after repeated complaints, but not retroactively for all owners. Some manufacturers offered 50-60% cost coverage for transmission replacement, but repair bills run $3,000-5,000 out of pocket once the standard warranty expires. Owners express frustration that Nissan acknowledges this as a known issue yet refuses to address vehicles just outside the warranty window.
Same Nissan Rogue engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power loss and deceleration on hills/sustained driving
Engine loses power and vehicle decelerates unexpectedly during highway driving, especially uphill or after extended operation. RPMs increase without corresponding speed gain. Vehicle can drop from 70 mph to 25-45 mph. Happens during summer heat or mountain passes. Vehicle must cool down before normal operation resumes.
When: 1-3 hours into highway driving; during uphill grades; in summer/hot weather; at mileage ranging from 4,822 to 118,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while accelerating; Vehicle speed drops despite full throttle; RPM increase without acceleration response; Cruise control disengages; Vehicle must cool before resuming normal speed; Worse in hot weather/summer months
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan customer service has acknowledged this as a common problem with 2013 Rogues per owner report; warranty extended to 120,000 miles on some models; some owners report transmission fluid replacement was attempted but ineffective; one owner mentions sister's car had heat sensor added to address overheating on one side
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan acknowledged common problem with 2013 Rogues; extended warranty to 120,000 miles on some models (not all); one manufacturer offered to cover 50-60% of transmission repair costs on cases 11 and 16; generally denies defect and refuses warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles
CVT transmission failure with loss of acceleration
CVT transmission loses ability to transmit power, resulting in complete loss of acceleration despite full throttle input. Vehicle may stall on highway or become uncontrollable. Check engine light may illuminate. Transmission requires replacement. Some owners report transmission 'slips' or feels like it shifted to neutral.
When: 50,000 to 110,000 miles; multiple instances during highway driving; can occur repeatedly during single trip
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration at highway speeds; RPM rises to 8,000 without power delivery; Vehicle slips like it shifted to neutral; Vehicle stalls on highway; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle must restart to regain power temporarily; Transmission noise when stepping on gas pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Requires transmission replacement; transmission fluid replacement attempted but ineffective; one owner reports independent mechanic diagnosed failed transmission while dealer denied; another reports AutoZone diagnostic showed failed catalytic converter; repairs cost $3,000-5,000 out of pocket after warranty expires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denies transmission defect despite multiple recalls for CVT on Rogue and Murano models; extends 120,000 mile/10-year warranty on some models but not all; offers to cover 50-60% of repair cost in some cases; generally refuses to replace transmission outside extended warranty period
Vehicle stalling at stops and low-speed maneuvers
Engine stalls when vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or during low-speed maneuvers. Vehicle may restart but stalls again. Happens both on inclines and flat surfaces. Can cause safety hazard if vehicle rolls backward or driver cannot accelerate away from intersection.
When: At traffic lights and stops; on inclines; at low mileage (4,175 miles reported) and higher (105,000 miles); evening and night hours noted
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at traffic light or stop; Engine stalls during low-speed acceleration from stop; Vehicle hesitates before stalling; Vehicle rolls backward on incline after stall; Engine restarts after stall; Stalling repeated multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold adjustment and motor mount replacement attempted but did not resolve issue; transmission oil not cooling and transmission replacement plus air cooler installation needed in one case; no successful repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to duplicate problem on multiple diagnostic visits; manufacturer notified in some cases but offered no resolution; some offered partial cost coverage (50-60%) for transmission replacement
Limp mode and restricted acceleration (transmission)
Vehicle enters limp mode on highway, severely restricting acceleration. Vehicle will not accept throttle input properly and operates at reduced power. Condition clears after vehicle is turned off and restarted, then repeats after extended driving.
When: Occurs after 1 hour or more of highway driving; happens repeatedly during single trip; 118,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters limp mode during highway driving; Will not accept throttle input; Restricted acceleration; Problem repeats after vehicle cools and is restarted; Occurs in fast lane creating hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic identified as CVT transmission issue; repair cost estimated at $3,000-5,000 out of pocket after warranty expiration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Engine overheating with thermal shutdown
Engine overheats during extended highway driving and loses power/stalls as thermal protection activates. Vehicle must sit for 10-15 minutes to cool before resuming normal operation. Problem worsens in summer and at high altitude.
When: After 2-3 hours of highway driving; during summer months; at high altitude/mountain passes; 45,000 to 96,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats during extended driving; Loss of power when overheating occurs; Engine stalls due to overheating; Requires extended cooling period before restart; Problem more severe in summer; More severe at altitude
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports sister's Rogue had heat sensor installed to address overheating on one side; owner expects recall but has not seen resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan was working on recall in hotter areas like Texas first, then expanding to other regions per owner; recall status unclear; no successful manufacturer repair documented
Engine fire
Fire erupted from driver's side footwell during highway driving. Strong abnormal odor preceded fire. Fire department extinguished fire. Vehicle totaled and not repaired.
When: At 260,000 miles; while driving at 50 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Strong abnormal odor from vehicle; Fire in driver's side footwell; Other drivers honking to alert
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to salvage yard and not repaired; fire origin unknown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted and made aware but provided no assistance; manufacturer not made aware
Loud engine noise and rattling
Vehicle makes loud rattling, howling, or diesel-like engine noises. Howling occurs at speeds over 65 mph. Diesel-like noise in cold weather until engine warms. Noise present at low speeds (30-40 mph) with vibration.
When: At 4,175 miles (rattling); under 25 miles (scary noise at highway speeds); 30-40 mph; over 65 mph; cold weather startup; 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling sound from engine; Loud howling noise at speeds over 65 mph; Diesel truck-like engine noise in cold weather; Scary sound from right side of vehicle; Noise present at low speeds with vibration; Noise cannot be duplicated on demand
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose rattling noise; one 2009 model had same issue Nissan could not fix after many visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer technician unable to diagnose; no repairs completed
Engine vibration at low speed and idle
Vehicle vibrates substantially at low speeds (30-40 mph) and at idle/traffic lights. Vibration forces driver to shift to neutral, causing vehicle to potentially roll backward. Problem persists from new vehicle through high mileage.
When: At low speeds 30-40 mph; at traffic lights (stationary in Drive); from early ownership through 100,000+ miles; cold weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Substantial vibration at low speeds; Vibration at idle in Drive; Vibration forces shift to Neutral; Vehicle rolls backward when shifted to Neutral at stop; Loud engine noise with vibration in cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold adjustment and motor mount replacement attempted but did not resolve; recurring issue on same owner's 2009 model that Nissan could not fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution achieved on related 2009 model after many dealership visits
Valve cover/gasket oil leak
Valve cover gasket leaks engine oil, which drips and causes deterioration of components below (tie rod boots, etc.). Leak visible at 100,000+ miles.
When: Since approximately 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil leaking from valve cover/gasket; Oil dripping to components below; Deterioration of tie rod boots and other components; Visible oil seepage
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle in shop for repairs; owner planning to document upon pickup
Antifreeze odor from engine and vents
Antifreeze odor detected coming from vehicle air vents and exterior at low mileage. Indicates possible coolant leak.
When: At 4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze odor from air vents; Antifreeze odor from outside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no repair documented
Transmission slipping or popping out of gear
Transmission slips feeling like vehicle shifted to neutral, requiring driver to manually shift to Low and back to Drive. Vehicle also pops out of gear on rough terrain and uphill.
When: One month after purchase; on rough dirt roads and uphill driving; happening since initial ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips feeling like neutral shift; Loss of acceleration when slip occurs; Vehicle slows on highway until manually corrected; Transmission pops out of gear on rough roads; Problem recurring since initial ownership
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented
Faulty fuel level sensor
Fuel gauge needle stays stuck at full or empty regardless of actual fuel level in tank. Check engine light stays illuminated.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge stuck on full; Fuel gauge stuck on empty; Check engine light stays on; No accurate fuel level indication
Codes mentioned: Faulty fuel level sensor
AC compressor failure
AC compressor stops functioning. AC fan runs but no cold air is delivered whether vehicle is in motion or stationary.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: AC compressor non-functional; AC fan runs but produces no cold air; No AC cooling in motion or at stop
Sudden unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates suddenly even when driver's foot is not on accelerator pedal.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without pedal input; Unexpected speed increase
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Nissan Rogue?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Nissan Rogue?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 43,000 and 102,450 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,000; a quarter make it past 102,450. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Nissan/Rogue.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.