2015 Nissan Rogue engine problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Owners report stalling without warning, transmission failures with loss of acceleration at stops, and engine power loss—several safety hazards documented at low mileage. Extended warranties for CVT transmission issues are available but inconsistently applied by Nissan, leaving some owners denied coverage despite matching symptoms.
The 2015 Nissan Rogue engine complaints cluster heavily around stalling without warning, transmission problems, and power loss—all documented as safety issues. Multiple owners report the engine cutting out while driving or stopped at traffic lights, with some vehicles requiring multiple software updates that don't fix the problem. Several owners describe loss of acceleration after coming to a complete stop, forcing them through intersections even with the gas pedal fully down. One owner's transmission seized mid-freeway drive; another required complete engine rebuild due to factory defect.
Transmission jerking, shuddering, and fluid leaks are reported at 72,000 and under 81,000 miles. Owners applied for extended CVT warranty coverage but were denied, despite Nissan offering this program for "certain" vehicles. Diagnostic codes P1740 and P0744 appear in repair records.
Additional failures include intake manifold (plastic construction, $1,071.48 to replace), rear main seal leak, head gasket failure with warranty denial, loud cold-start clanging worse with A/C on, persistent burning plastic odor from new, and RPM drop with judder when stopped with A/C running. Some failures occur at very low mileage and early in ownership, and no warning lights precede many of the safety-critical events.
Same Nissan Rogue engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling without warning
Engine stalls while driving or at stops with no prior warning lights or indicators. Some owners report the vehicle restarts successfully after stalling; others report it stalls again immediately upon restart.
When: Occurs at various speeds, at traffic lights, during freeway driving, and in snow storms. One owner reported first occurrence at 73,336 miles; another at 107,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving; Stalls at traffic lights or stop signs; Engine warning light comes on after stall; Vehicle may restart but then stall again; Occurs with no apparent reason
Codes mentioned: P1740, Chassis control system error
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships performed ECM software updates; however, failure recurred in multiple cases. One owner was advised transmission replacement needed (code P1740).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2014 Rogue fuel pump recall (NHTSA Campaign 15V197000) cited by one 2015 owner as related issue; 2015 model year not included in that recall. Nissan extended CVT transmission warranty for certain models, but some affected 2015 owners were told their vehicle did not qualify.
RPM drop and judder at stops with A/C running
Significant RPM drop causing vehicle judder when stopped in traffic or at lights with the A/C on, then RPMs return to normal. Issue present from time of purchase and persists for years.
When: Occurs when vehicle is in gear, stopped, with A/C running. Present from day of purchase (at 35,000 miles when purchased); persists over 7+ years.
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs drop significantly at stops; Vehicle judders; RPMs return to normal after a few seconds; Occurs when A/C is running
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took vehicle to dealership early on; dealership could not replicate the issue and reported nothing was wrong.
Loss of acceleration after complete stop
Vehicle fails to accelerate properly when leaving a complete stop, even with full pressure on accelerator pedal. Creates safety hazard as vehicle rolls through intersections or fails to move when light turns green.
When: Occurs at traffic lights and stop signs after coming to a complete stop. Reported in vehicles with under 81,000 miles and at 72,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration when leaving a stop; Insufficient response to accelerator pedal pressure; Vehicle rolls through intersection instead of accelerating; No warning lights or indicators; Transmission shaking and shuddering during operation
Codes mentioned: P1740
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic revealed transmission failure; CVT body replacement was advised. Repair costs not specified by owners except for general statement that extended warranty did not cover the repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan extended CVT transmission warranty for certain vehicles, but affected owners were denied coverage, told their specific vehicles did not qualify.
Transmission jerking, shaking, and shuddering
Transmission exhibits jerking, shaking, and shuddering during normal operation. Accompanied by loss of acceleration and fluid leaking from transmission.
When: Occurs during normal driving after approximately one year of ownership at 72,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks, shakes, and shudders; Loss of acceleration; Fluid leaking from transmission area; Poor performance and lack of power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership advised CVT body replacement was needed. Owner stated repair was not covered despite extended warranty program for CVT transmissions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan extended CVT transmission warranty for certain vehicles; however, this vehicle was denied coverage despite owner reporting same symptoms as covered vehicles.
Engine seizure
Engine seized while vehicle was being driven on highway, requiring immediate pullover and towing. Dealer determined engine seized due to factory defect and required complete engine rebuild.
When: Occurred during highway driving at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shut down suddenly while driving; Complete engine seizure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild required due to factory defect.
Intake manifold assembly failure (plastic component)
Intake manifold assembly made of plastic failed, requiring replacement. Check engine light illuminated upon failure.
When: Timeline not specified; vehicle purchased approximately 1 year prior to complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Plastic intake manifold assembly failure
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold assembly replacement cost $1,071.48.
Loud banging or clattering noise on cold start
Loud banging or clattering noise from engine when stationary and first starting. Noise is worse when A/C is on and goes away after a few minutes.
When: Occurs when engine first starts from stationary position, particularly when A/C is on.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging or clattering noise from engine; Noise worse when A/C is running; Noise dissipates after a few minutes; Occurs on cold start
Burning plastic odor from engine
Strong burning plastic odor emanates from vehicle, present from new. Odor is persistent, nausea-inducing, and clings to interior. Causes occupants to become nauseous.
When: Present from vehicle purchase (leased November 2014, new condition). Persists at least 6 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning plastic odor from engine compartment; Odor causes nausea in driver and passengers; Odor clings to tongue and interior; Persistent; windows must be open continuously
Rear main seal leak
Leak discovered in rear main seal during routine service. Dealership initially claimed it was buildup of oil from manufacturing and cleaned it, but owner's mechanic observed active dripping.
When: Discovered during routine service at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from rear main seal; Active dripping observed by independent mechanic
Repairs/costs cited: Nissan dealership claimed it was manufacturing buildup and cleaned area; independent mechanic disputed this finding.
Head gasket failure
Check engine light illuminated, and dealership diagnosed head gasket failure. Initial shop stated it was radiator; Nissan dealership later diagnosed head gasket but later denied warranty coverage.
When: Occurred after temperature gauge spiked to hot at a red light. Check engine light came on less than a month later.
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge spiked to hot; Check engine light illuminated; Head gasket failure
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator repair cost over $500 at initial shop. Nissan later claimed head gasket repair was not covered by warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan initially stated head gasket repair was covered by warranty; later denied coverage.
Loss of power and low RPM response to throttle input
Vehicle loses power during highway driving at elevation. RPM stays below 3,000 even with accelerator pedal fully depressed to the floor. Engine light comes on. Vehicle requires prolonged rest before regaining drivability.
When: Occurred while traveling up mountain hill to Arizona at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power suddenly; RPM remains below 3,000 with full throttle input; Engine light illuminated; Requires 30 minutes of rest before vehicle can be driven
Codes mentioned: P0744
Loss of engine strength at stoplight requiring system restart
Engine loses power while stationary or at stoplight. Vehicle loses 'strength' and requires turning off and restarting the entire system to regain power.
When: Occurs when vehicle is stopped at traffic lights or stationary with engine running.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses strength while stopped; Loss of power at stoplight; Requires system restart to regain power; Computer diagnostics show no codes
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2015 Nissan Rogue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 38,700 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 87,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,700; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $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.