CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION 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 powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Nissan Rogue have filed 312 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
312
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Rogue | 92 |
| 2010 Rogue | 119 |
| 2011 Rogue | 189 |
| 2012 Rogue | 134 |
| 2013 Rogue (this page) | 312 |
| 2014 Rogue | 113 |
| 2015 Rogue | 132 |
| 2016 Rogue | 170 |
| 2017 Rogue | 118 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 312 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Nissan Rogue, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 18 model years of Nissan Rogue we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 312.
Powertrain accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR BINDING FEELING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN AWD MODELS; ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR JUDDER FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN AWD MODELS; ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR JUDDER FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Nissan Rogues describe a pattern of CVT transmission failure tied to three core scenarios: highway driving in hot weather, extended highway use at sustained high speeds, and climbing hills or steep grades. After 30–90 minutes of driving under these conditions—especially when ambient temperature exceeds 90°F—owners report sudden loss of acceleration, RPMs climbing to 3,000–5,000 with no corresponding speed increase, and the vehicle decelerating from 70–80 mph down to 10–40 mph despite a fully depressed gas pedal. Many had to shut off the vehicle, wait 15–30 minutes for the transmission to cool, and restart it to regain power; the cycle repeats. Some owners report dramatic near-accidents: coasting across busy interstate lanes, nearly hit by semi trucks, unable to merge or maintain speed in traffic.
Nissan issued technical bulletins (NTB14-002D, NTB12-057, NTB16-090) identifying transmission fluid overheating and fail-safe mode activation as the root cause. The factory design lacks a transmission cooler; later model years received one. Owners confirm dealers acknowledge the issue as common but cite inability to diagnose without a stored fault code or the ability to replicate the failure during a brief test drive in cool weather—a catch-22 that leaves most repairs unpaid.
Separately, some owners report intermittent slipping and loss of responsiveness during city driving or stop-and-go traffic, worsening over time. A small number describe burnt transmission fluid, grinding noises, and total loss of drive—indicating internal mechanical failure.
Nissan extended transmission coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles for 2008–2010 Rogues and 2014+ models, citing defects resolved. The 2013 model year was excluded, even though the same defect persists. Owners filed complaints with Nissan Consumer Affairs and cited class-action lawsuits; responses were consistently dismissive once vehicles passed the factory 60,000-mile/5-year warranty window. Repair costs cited range from $3,500 to $6,000, with some requiring additional transmission cooler installation (~$1,000+) to prevent recurrence.
Same Nissan Rogue powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Loss of Power / Fail-Safe Mode Activation
The CVT transmission enters a fail-safe (limp mode) condition during extended highway driving, hot weather, or sustained high speeds, causing dramatic loss of acceleration and power. Owners report RPMs climbing to 3,000–5,000+ with no corresponding speed increase; the vehicle decelerates from highway speeds (65–80 mph) down to 10–40 mph despite floored accelerator.
When: Typically after 30–60 minutes of continuous highway driving at speeds 60+ mph, especially in ambient temperatures above 90–100°F, while driving uphill, or during extended grades. Issues reported from 30,000 miles onward; widespread by 60,000–90,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration or inability to exceed 40–60 mph despite floored gas pedal; RPMs spike upward (3,000–5,000+) with no increase in vehicle speed; Vehicle decelerates without brake application during highway driving; Loud whining, grinding, or rattling noise during acceleration; Check Engine light comes on (inconsistent; often absent); Vehicle must be shut off and allowed to cool for 15–30+ minutes to regain power
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement or overhaul of CVT transmission; many owners cite repair costs of $3,500–$6,000. Some received transmission fluid flushes and cooler installations. Post-2010 models (earlier Rogues) had extended warranty coverage; 2013 models were not included despite same defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued Technical Service Bulletins (NTB14-002D, NTB12-057, NTB16-090) acknowledging the issue. Extended warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for 2008–2010 Rogues. Refused extended coverage for 2013 models. Dealers state they cannot diagnose without replicating the problem or a stored code. A class-action lawsuit settlement covers 2014–2018 Rogues but excludes 2013. Nissan Consumer Affairs frequently cited as unhelpful or non-responsive.
CVT Transmission Overheating and Thermal Failure
The CVT transmission fluid overheats during sustained operation under specific conditions (high ambient temperature, prolonged highway driving, uphill grades), triggering the fail-safe mechanism or causing internal valve body or torque converter degradation. No transmission cooler is factory-installed on 2013 models.
When: After 30–90 minutes of highway driving in ambient temperatures above 90–100°F, especially on hills or at sustained high speeds (65+ mph). Conditions compound with air conditioning use and towing.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid temperature exceeds safe threshold; Vehicle enters fail-safe mode, limiting speed to 5–50 mph; White smoke or steam visible from engine/transmission area; Jerking, shuddering, or slipping sensation while driving; Vehicle loses power on hills or during acceleration after prolonged highway driving
Codes mentioned: P0744, Transmission overtemp codes (varies by dealer/scan tool)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement (~$3,500–$6,000) or transmission cooler kit installation (~$1,000–$1,500 additional). Dealers confirmed lack of factory cooler is root cause. Multiple owners had to pay out-of-pocket for cooler installation even after warranty-covered transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan acknowledged transmission fluid overheating as a known issue in TSBs. No factory recall or retrofit recall issued for 2013 models. Extended warranty for 2008–2010 Rogues covered this; 2013 owners denied coverage. Nissan Consumer Affairs stated awareness but declined assistance on out-of-warranty vehicles. No goodwill repair programs documented in these narratives.
Intermittent CVT Slipping and Loss of Responsiveness
Transmission slips or becomes unresponsive during low-speed maneuvers, traffic, or stop-and-go driving. Acceleration feels sluggish or delayed; pedal to the floor produces no response or minimal response before sudden engagement. Separate from the highway limp-mode issue, though may escalate to it.
When: Can occur during initial acceleration after stopping, low-speed traffic, or unpredictably during city driving. Often triggers by 60,000–90,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Delay in acceleration response after depressing throttle; Transmission feels like it 'slips' or 'hesitates' to engage; RPMs do not rise in sync with pedal pressure; Vehicle barely moves when starting from a stop, even with full throttle; Jerking or shuddering during gear engagement; Problem worsens or repeats after transmission fluid change
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report transmission fluid changes ($200–$250) as temporary fixes; within months to a year, same problem recurs, necessitating full transmission replacement or internal repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers often misdiagnose as MAF sensor, motor mount, or other components before confirming transmission. Nissan Consumer Affairs refused coverage on out-of-warranty vehicles (past 60,000 miles or 5 years).
CVT Transmission Internal Failure and Degradation
CVT transmission exhibits internal mechanical failure—burnt fluid, failed torque converter, damaged valve body, failed internal seals or gaskets. May occur as a sequel to overheating or as a separate failure mode in some vehicles.
When: Reported from 30,000 miles to 140,000 miles. Multiple repairs on same vehicle suggest design defect rather than owner abuse.
Symptoms owners cite: Burnt transmission fluid smell or brown/discolored fluid; Whining or grinding noise from transmission; Transmission slipping, shuddering, or losing power; Loss of all forward or reverse motion; Vehicle stuck in one gear or unable to shift; Transmission fluid leak from gaskets or seals
Codes mentioned: P0744
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required; costs $3,500–$6,000 for parts and labor. Some owners report multiple replacements (refurbished units) within 1–2 years, indicating systemic defect. One owner reported four transmission repairs in four years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denied warranty coverage on vehicles exceeding 60,000 miles or 5 years, regardless of known defect history. TSBs acknowledge the problem but do not trigger recalls for 2013 models. Extended warranty extended only for 2008–2010 and later model years (2014+), excluding 2013.
Synthesized from 312 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
While driving on the highway the car the vehicle shudders/vibrates and the stops accelerating even when the throttle is pressed to the floor. Example: If I am driving at 80 miles an hour with my foot on the throttle, the vehicle will begin to decline in speed (dropping to 70 or 60 miles an hour) and will not accelerate any faster once additional pressure is placed on the throttle. After thorough…
With around 60k miles I noticed that when driving extended distances, my Nissan rogue would not allow me accelerate pass 65mph. I had never experienced this before so I took it to my local dealership to have it evaluated and see if any computer codes popped up. Nothing came up. This issue kept going on so I took it back a year later around 79k miles and suddenly some codes appeared for CVT…
My 2013 Nissan rogue suddenly began losing acceleration ability. The RPM's would rev up high with no increase in speed. This happened on several occasions while driving in traffic with the car behind me having to slam on brakes or swerve to avoid impact. Even more dangerous, the vehicle has done this when turning left across traffic lanes. Even with plenty of time to turn, the vehicle would not…
Transmission stopped working suddenly after pulling onto busy road and I was forced to pull over to shoulder to avoid being hit by other cars
P0744. Torque Converter Clutch Circuit. Intermittent issue, TSB issued back in 2008 but only affected certain models in that year. (NTB09-148a). current vehicle-2013 Nissan Rogue has intermittent code and has issue traveling down highway above 70 mph.
CVT transmission with 117,000 miles. Told by dealer I need a new transmission @ a cost of $4k for a remanufactured transmission. Nissan extended transmission warranty to 120,000 miles for '03-'10 Nissan rogue model years but refuse to pay for or at least partially cover cost to replace transmission. Dealer said Nissan rogue CVT transmissions continues to be an ongoing problem for model years…
At 83,500 miles, the CVT started whining and shifting was occasionally difficult. RPM's fluctuated at all speeds. Diagnosis indicated the CVT was defective and needed to be replaced.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Nissan Rogue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 312 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 228 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 65,000 and 103,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 103,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.