2021 Nissan Rogue: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

The best-value third-generation pick: it uses the proven 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and avoids the later VC-Turbo engine-failure problem, but launched with an unusually high number of first-year recalls. 1 known issue pattern is documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Nissan Rogue ranged from $26,050 to $35,830 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10
Mixed track record

The best-value third-generation pick: it uses the proven 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and avoids the later VC-Turbo engine-failure problem, but launched with an unusually high number of first-year recalls.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=rogue&…
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/rogue
  • cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/nissan/rogue

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=rogue&…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=rogue&modelY…
  • wardsauto.comhttps://www.wardsauto.com/news/nissan-recalls-642k-rogue-suvs-engine-damage-n…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • A notably upscale, well-designed interior that reviewers compare favorably to pricier European SUVs, with good materials and tech.
  • Excellent fuel economy for a compact SUV, with front-wheel-drive models EPA-rated up to about 30 city / 37 highway.
  • Inexpensive to maintain and repair: RepairPal rates it 4.0/5.0 with a low average annual repair cost.
  • Comes with a full suite of standard driver aids and available ProPILOT Assist.
  • Spacious for its footprint with flexible, generous cargo room and easy-to-use rear seats.

Cons

  • The ride can feel firm and unsettled on rough pavement and the three-cylinder engine sounds coarse when pushed.
  • The Rogue depreciates faster and holds its value less well than top-selling rivals like the CR-V and RAV4.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
S $26,050 $29,490 — —
SV $27,740 $30,490 — —
SL $32,400 $35,990 — —
Platinum $35,830 $39,390 — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (2)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-nissan-rogue-price
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-rogue-price

Depreciation

$8k $16k $24k $32k 202120232025202720292031
2021 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($26,050). Higher trims started higher (up to $35,830), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 25% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-rogue/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $450–500/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $1,600–1,700/yr

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/rogue
  • moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-rogue-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2021 Nissan Rogue have?

Documented issue patterns include: The rearview camera can fail to display an image and the forward-collision/automatic-emergency-braking system can activate with no obstacle present; Nissan issued backover-prevention recalls (22V527000, 24V748000). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue reliable?

The best-value third-generation pick: it uses the proven 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and avoids the later VC-Turbo engine-failure problem, but launched with an unusually high number of first-year recalls.

How much did the 2021 Nissan Rogue cost new?

Between $26,050 and $35,830 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.

Is the Nissan Rogue expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.

Checking a listing right now?

The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.

Add to Chrome · Free

No account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.

Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.