CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Nissan Rogue powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Nissan Rogue have filed 170 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 75,000 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
170
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Rogue | 134 |
| 2013 Rogue | 312 |
| 2014 Rogue | 113 |
| 2015 Rogue | 132 |
| 2016 Rogue (this page) | 170 |
| 2017 Rogue | 118 |
| 2018 Rogue | 31 |
| 2019 Rogue | 22 |
| 2020 Rogue | 3 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 170 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 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
Powertrain accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 170 powertrain 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.
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.
FLUID LEAK CAUSED BY TRANSFER ASSEMBLY RIGHT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OIL SEAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TRANSFER ASSEMBLY SEAL REPLACEMENT FOR AWD FRONT DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA âWRITEâ PROCEDURE 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Rogue's CVT transmission is failing across a wide span of mileage—from around 26,000 miles to well over 120,000—with symptoms that follow a consistent pattern: sudden loss of power, engine revving to 4,000–6,000 RPM while the car barely moves or slows down, jerking, shuddering, and hesitation. Some owners lose all acceleration on highways; others experience intermittent "limp mode" where the vehicle caps out at 15–50 mph no matter how hard they press the pedal. Stalling while in traffic or on interstates is common and dangerous.
Dealers either cannot replicate the issue or diagnose it correctly, citing no trouble codes when check-engine lights haven't yet illuminated. When diagnosis does occur, replacement is typically the only fix ($5,000–$9,000). Nissan settled a class-action lawsuit and extended the CVT warranty to 84,000 miles / 7 years, but most owners either fall beyond that mileage threshold by the time symptoms appear or are denied coverage through partial-repair alternatives. One owner had a newly installed transmission fail within two weeks. Additional failures include transfer case grinding, AWD system problems after transmission work, and infotainment units dying prematurely. Owners report feeling unsafe; several mention nearly being hit by other vehicles when the car unexpectedly lost power or stalled on busy roads.
Same Nissan Rogue powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Loss of Power / Severe Hesitation
Engine revs high but vehicle loses power or severely underpowers, unable to accelerate above 20–50 mph even with pedal to the floor. Often occurs without warning while driving on highways or city streets.
When: Across mileage range 26,000–131,000 miles; failures documented from under 50k to well beyond 84k warranty limit
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration / inability to accelerate above 20–50 mph; Engine revs to 4,000–6,000 RPM with minimal speed increase; Check engine light (sometimes illuminated, sometimes not); Jerking, shuddering, and hesitation; Vehicle feels like it's pulling or dragging
Codes mentioned: P17F1 (CVT transmission fault), P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B), Check engine light without specific code retrieval by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement ($5,000–$9,000); one case cited $6,996.44 for full job. Partial valve body repair with 50/50 cost split offered in lieu of full replacement in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended CVT warranty from 60,000 miles / 5 years to 84,000 miles / 7 years via settlement in class-action lawsuit (Stringer v. Nissan). Many owners denied coverage due to mileage overage or warranty expiration before failure. TSB referenced in narratives: 'Information to Prevent CVT Replacement Due to Misdiagnosis of Noise.' Nissan's Diagnostic Validation Team consulted but often denied full replacement, offering partial repairs instead.
CVT Transmission Slipping / Jerking / Lurching
Transmission slips between gears, causing abrupt jerking motions, lurching, and lack of smooth power delivery. Vehicle may behave as if in neutral momentarily before engaging.
When: Reported across 45,000–125,000 miles; some incidents within original 60k warranty, most beyond it
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping or feeling like neutral engagement; Abrupt jerking or lurching upon acceleration; Delayed response to accelerator pedal; Vehicle judders or vibrates; Inconsistent or hesitant response from stop
Codes mentioned: P17F1 (CVT transmission fault), Check engine light (frequently illuminated)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires full CVT replacement in most cases ($5,000–$9,000). One lessee had transmission replaced twice with indication of third replacement needed. Debris found in transmission pan in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under extended warranty (7 years / 84,000 miles) in settlement context, but denials common once mileage exceeded threshold. Some dealers covered 50% of replacement cost under goodwill; others denied entirely. Nissan service advisors acknowledged pattern but offered limited remedies.
CVT Transmission Stalling / Complete Loss of Motion
Vehicle suddenly stalls or completely loses motive power while driving, leaving it immobilized. Engine may die while electrical components remain functional, or transmission disengages entirely.
When: At mileage from under 10,000 to 121,000 miles; multiple incidents reported within warranty period and far beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling while driving (electrical remains on); Complete loss of power / inability to move vehicle; Vehicle stops without warning (no lights or prior indication); Engine dies at traffic lights, gas stations, on roadways, and highways; Slight hesitation 2 miles prior to complete failure (one case)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (typically illuminated only after stall), P17F1 (CVT transmission fault) — documented in supplemental complaint
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required ($5,000–$9,000). One owner reported second replacement transmission failed less than two weeks after installation; now on third transmission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty extension to 84,000 miles / 7 years applies, but denials documented due to mileage overage or inability to reproduce. Nissan installed 'technology' in one case to record future failures. Goodwill assistance limited; one case covered 50% of labor, parts only in another.
Infotainment / Head Unit Failure
Head unit / infotainment screen goes black, stops working, or becomes unresponsive. Replacement units may be refurbished rather than new; technicians damaged surrounding trim during replacement.
When: Under 10,000 miles on vehicle with new purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Screen goes black; Head unit stops working / becomes unresponsive; XM/satellite radio subscription not transferred to replacement unit
Repairs/costs cited: Four separate replacements made on one vehicle; dealership damaged surrounding trim during service. Replacement units were not actually new (one unit was 4 years older than the vehicle).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Replaced units four times but quality control poor; refurbished parts used instead of new units despite representation.
Transfer Case / AWD System Failure
Loud grinding noises from transfer case or AWD housing during acceleration/deceleration. Gear oil leaks from transfer case and AWD housing. AWD warning light intermittently illuminates.
When: After CVT transmission replacement; one case at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or banging noise from engine/transmission area; Shuddering and vibration during acceleration and deceleration; AWD warning light on display; Loss of power with loud grinding sound (felt like rear wheels locked); Burning rubber odor; High temperature warning message
Repairs/costs cited: Gear oil leaking from transfer case and AWD housing; gasket not replaced during transmission service work. One vehicle in service center four times, 30 days in one instance, still unresolved. Dealer kept placing new transfer cases without investigating root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case covered under manufacturer warranty but repairs repeatedly unsuccessful. Dealer covered half cost in at least one instance but could not resolve issue.
Engine Stalling While in Motion / Loss of Electrical Power
Engine shuts off intermittently while vehicle is moving, causing loss of power steering and brakes. Differs from transmission stalling in that engine itself stops responding.
When: One case reported; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Loss of power steering and brakes while in motion; Cannot place car in park while moving; must shift to neutral and restart; Radio and dashboard lights remain on during stall; Use of air conditioning or heat appears to worsen issue; Check engine light flashed once prior to incidents; Problem occurs on longer drives (not typically highway)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (flashed once prior to failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to Nissan dealership for 5-point inspection and test drive; issue could not be replicated. No repairs made.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to replicate issue and advised owner it was unsafe to drive; no diagnosis or remedy provided.
Transmission Noise / Whining / Grinding
Loud whining, purring, grinding, or banging noise from transmission during acceleration. Noise increases with engine revs.
When: Across various mileages; one case around 50k miles; noises can persist after transmission service
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining or purring noise during acceleration; Grinding or banging sound from transmission/engine area; Engine whining and juddering; Noise occurs at higher RPM
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was denied transmission replacement because Nissan determined the noise was not 'loud enough' despite powertrain warranty. TSB 'Information to Prevent CVT Replacement Due to Misdiagnosis of Noise' applied; Nissan classified vehicle as 'working properly' despite unpleasant noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin exists to prevent CVT replacement over noise alone. Nissan and dealers used this bulletin to deny replacement even though owners reported it under warranty. Case manager recommended independent dealership diagnosis as alternative (owner had no nearby alternatives).
Hesitation / Delayed Acceleration
Intermittent hesitation or significant delay between pressing accelerator pedal and vehicle response. Acceleration response times inconsistent and unpredictable.
When: Reported from 49,000 miles onward; one case noted issues for 12+ months with progressive worsening
Symptoms owners cite: Significant delay from accelerator press to vehicle movement (up to 5 seconds in one case); Inconsistent acceleration response; Once acceleration engages, often moves faster than expected; Progressive worsening over time; Occasional jerking on uphills
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (came on after complete failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement needed ($5,000+). One owner declined repair due to cost ($9,000 estimate); vehicle parked.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership marked as 'no trouble found' while acknowledging it sounded like a common transmission issue. Extended warranty covers to 84,000 miles; owner past threshold.
Shift Flare / RPM Surge During Acceleration
Engine RPMs spike sharply (to 4,000–6,000) while vehicle accelerates slowly or not at all. Transmission appears to slip out of gear momentarily.
When: Reported across 26,000–116,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs surge to 4,000–6,000 while vehicle underpowers; Discrepancy between engine revs and wheel speed; Engine races but car barely moves or slows down; Transmission feels like it's hunting for a gear; High-pitched engine whine
Codes mentioned: P17F1 (CVT transmission fault), Check engine light frequently illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Requires full CVT replacement; one estimate $6,996.44. Software updates (TCM/ECM reprogramming) attempted in some cases but did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case received 50/50 cost split goodwill offer for partial valve body repair instead of full replacement, contradicting dealership recommendation and TSB guidance. Extended warranty to 84,000 miles / 7 years covers replacement if within mileage.
Limp Mode / Speed Governor Activation
Vehicle enters 'limp mode' and is limited to 15–40 mph with inability to exceed threshold despite accelerator pedal fully depressed.
When: Multiple occurrences from 83,000 miles onward
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle limited to 15–50 mph maximum speed; Cannot accelerate above threshold even with pedal to floor; RPMs high (4,000+) but speed capped; Transmission appears to be in a protective mode; Issue can resolve after vehicle is restarted and sits idle
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (may or may not be illuminated), Transmission control codes (error codes reset by independent mechanic in one case, preventing dealership diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement required. One owner reset error codes at independent shop, which prevented dealership from confirming failure. Dealership recommended $150 software update that did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty applies to 84,000 miles; owner at 83,453 miles had limited mileage remaining to trigger failure within warranty window.
Vehicle Vibrational / Shuddering Issues Post-Service
Persistent shuddering, vibration, or wobbly/bouncy suspension feel after dealership service visit. Vehicle may slip/slide out of lane at highway speeds.
When: One case noted onset after routine oil change / tire rotation service at 24k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle feels wobbly or bouncy at 40+ mph; Slipping / sliding out of lane at 60+ mph; Vibration or shuddering; Vehicle struggles on small uphills (30 mph); Wheels/tires don't grip road evenly; Progressive worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified possible axle or drivetrain issue; stated repairs would be under warranty. Owner chose not to pursue due to safety concerns and opted to trade vehicle in.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty; dealership provided loaner vehicle while investigating.
Recall Remedy Delay / Non-Compliance
Nissan issued recall notices but did not provide remedy within reasonable timeframe. Owner notified of recall 22V-024 in early 2022; remedy stated as 'anticipated Spring 2022' but not available 8+ months later.
When: Recall issued early 2022; no remedy available as of mid-August 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's power window inoperative (related to recall 22V-024); Vehicle experiences transmission stalling/jerking/lagging as well
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; recall remedy not developed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22V-024 issued but remedy not available 8+ months after notification. Owner given repeated assurance that letter with remedy details would be mailed; no follow-through. Extended CVT warranty (7 years / 84,000 miles) issued but owner at 88,000 miles, ineligible.
Transmission Failure After Recent Replacement
Newly installed transmission fails within days or weeks of replacement, requiring second or third replacement.
When: One case: second replacement failed less than two weeks after initial replacement (May 14–May 27, 2020)
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling out on highway; Same issues recurring as before replacement; Accelerator response poor; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Owner on third transmission; first covered by warranty (parts only, not labor, costing $2,000 out-of-pocket); second replacement failed immediately and replaced again at dealership's option.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covered parts for first replacement (not labor). Subsequent replacements at dealership's cost/decision.
Synthesized from 170 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I have been having issues with the transmission in my 2016 Nissan Rogue. At the date of the filing of a class action lawsuit regarding this issue there were 38 complaints lodged with the NHTSA regarding this same issue, for just that year of the model. That total does not include any complaints regarding the Pathfinder, Altima, Infinity, Versa, or Sentry, or prior or consecutive years of the…
The transmission on this car began slipping and refused to go into gear. It clunked and bucked along at low speeds. Once in drive it was fine, but would not go into another gear. We were able to get it home and there is has sat until 12/28/20 when we were able to get it towed. When we tried to get it into gear, it would not move from park to neutral even. We did not go to a dealer as they were…
Was driving car and transmission died in the middle of the road. Had to have it towed to repair shop and needs a new transmission. Nissan only covers up to 60000 miles and I am over that so if is costing me $5000 to replace it
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Nissan Rogue?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 170 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 83 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 58,000 and 98,200 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 98,200. 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/2016/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.