2012 Nissan Rogue: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2012 Nissan Rogue
On the 2012 Nissan Rogue, the failure owners report most often is CVT failure, and the reports cluster around 85,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other wheel or tire problem, reported by a median of 15,000 miles. Overall it scores 72 out of 100, high risk for a 2012.
High risk for a 2012 — 121st riskiest of the 271 2012 vehicles we can rate. 434 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 44 named failure modes on the 2012 Nissan Rogue, and the three most-reported carry 35% of everything filed.
CVT failure leads with 69 reports, about 1.0 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 70k to 100,000 miles.
Other powertrain problem follows with 49 reports, usually reported between 50k to 102,500 miles.
Complete transmission failure follows with 36 reports, usually reported between 77k to 112,500 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into transmission (159), electrical (40) and adas (36).
The mileage the reports cluster at
282 of the reports on the 2012 Nissan Rogue came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 70,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 30% by 50,000 miles, 77% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 2 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 12% of the dated reports.
22% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other wheel or tire problem around 16k, other electrical problem around 53k, airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault around 61k and other engine problem around 63k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 44. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 2 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 11 mention a crash, 13 a fire and 4 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.89, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: CVT failure at $3,000–$8,500, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, complete transmission failure at $2,800–$8,000 and other electrical problem at $250–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
50% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVT failure | transmission | 69 | 41 | 70k | 86k | 100k | 1.0 | $3,000–$8,500 | Critical |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 49 | 35 | 50k | 72k | 104k | 0.7 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 36 | 29 | 77k | 99k | 113k | 0.5 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 28 | 19 | 41k | 53k | 68k | 0.4 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 25 | 17 | 26k | 71k | 80k | 0.4 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Other engine problem | engine | 24 | 14 | 45k | 63k | 111k | 0.4 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 17 | 12 | 49k | 61k | 63k | 0.3 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Overheating | cooling | 16 | 12 | 79k | 94k | 98k | 0.2 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 12 | 8 | 11k | 16k | 19k | 0.2 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 11 | 7 | — | 44k | — | 0.2 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 8 | 4 | — | 47k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 8 | 3 | — | 52k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Oil leak | engine | 7 | 4 | — | 20k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 7 | 5 | — | 58k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 6 | 5 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 6 | 4 | — | 33k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 4 | 3 | — | 65k | — | 0.1 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 4 | 3 | — | 140k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 4 | 1 | — | 38k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 3 | 1 | — | 145k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 3 | 2 | — | 2k | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 3 | 3 | — | 126k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 3 | 3 | — | 3k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 2 | 1 | — | 57k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 73k | — | 0.0 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 85k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Audio or connectivity failure | infotainment | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $150–$900 | Low |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 2 | 2 | — | 51k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 2 | — | 35k | — | 0.0 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 2 | 2 | — | 46k | — | 0.0 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Complete engine failure or seizure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 210k | — | 0.0 | $4,500–$12,000 | Critical |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 94k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Transmission slipping | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$5,500 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 25 | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 15k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 1 | 1 | — | 10k | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 1 | — | 12k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 1 | 1 | — | 100 | — | 0.0 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 38k | — | 0.0 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 47 | 28 | 47k | 61k | 80k | 0.7 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2012 Nissan Rogue draws about 6.5 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 87th percentile of complaint rates among 2012 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 66,973 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2012 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
CVT failure
Originally the car would hesitate, bog,only while turning or slightly rolling. Additionally now it hesitates from a dead stop. Sometimes it hesitates,goes,then hesitates again. It is an intermittent problem but it occurs while pulling out into traffic or turning through a light. I'm afraid the car will stall and I'll be hit broadside or from behind. The dealer has looked at the car 4 times and says it's the way the CVT transmission works. The car did not do this during the first 2000 miles. I have been driving for 50 years and never had a car operate so dangerously. I am in a lease and nissan will not take the car back. Thank you for your time. *tr
Originally the car would hesitate, bog,only while turning or slightly rolling. Additionally now it hesitates from a dead stop. Sometimes it hesitates,goes,then hesitates again. It is an intermittent problem but it occurs while pulling out into traffic or turning through a light. I'm afraid the car will stall and I'll be hit broadside or from behind. The dealer has looked at the car 4 times and says it's the way the CVT transmission works. The car did not do this during the first 2000 miles. I have been driving for 50 years and never had a car operate so dangerously. I am in a lease and nissan will not take the car back. Thank you for your time. *tr
Other powertrain problem
After a panic stop which activates the ABS system, this vehicle is unresponsive to throttle input for an excessive period of time (10 seconds or more). This has been demonstrated to the dealer and a new, similar vehicle showed the same performance. The dealer indicates it must be inherent with the vehicle, no fix is available from nissan. This unresponsiveness after a panic stop is un-safe. *tr
While driving at 30 MPH and attempting to accelerate the throttle went to the floor with no response from the RPM's or vehicle speed. Power sersumed after about 5-10 seconds. Additionally when starting from a red light the vehicle would not respond from the throttle being depressed and would only move at about 5 MPH for 5-10 seconds then power would resume. This has happened multiple times in 2 week period. First service visit they duplicted the condition and replaces brake pedal sensor. After three days issue returned. Second visit the adjusted brake sensor. Now have car back and will see if issue is resolved. This is a very dangerous situation.
Complete transmission failure
I was driving on the freeway on my way home from work. The car started to decelerate from about 68 MPH down to 40 MPH. I was pressing the pedal down more and more to try and accelerate but the car would not accelerate. It just kept going slower and slower as the minutes passed by. Soon I was driving slower than the big semi's and I had to pull to the last lane (slowest lane) because I could not keep up with the regular flowing traffic. This is not the first time it happens to me. I had this problem last year and nissan had to replace the transmission. Now with a new transmission and 30,000 miles into it, the same thing is beginning to happen. I truly believe the CVT transmissions in nissan are defective and unreliable. I cannot drive my car for 2 hours before this problem begins. Everything on the panel indicates that the car is performing fine but then it goes into this "auto shut off" mode and the car stops performing correctly.
2012 nissan rogue CVT transmission failed while accelerating on a 2 lane merge from one interstate onto another putting the occupants at risk while attempting to get to the side of the road. Nissan has a long standing issue with the CVT transmission that allegedly was resolved after a redesign. Nissan acknowledged the issue (not covered by warranty d/t mileage but declined to apply an extended warranty that was in place for earlier models). Dealer repaired at a cost of 1/4 of the vehicle cost was for a rebuild, warranty for this only covers 1 year/12k. Not much comfort regarding longevity or personal safety within this vehicle.
Recalls on the 2012 model year
NHTSA has issued 2 recall campaigns covering the 2012 Nissan Rogue, affecting an estimated 68,464 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover electrical system and tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
468,815 vehicles 2015-01-26- Defect
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured March 7, 2007, to November 26, 2013, and 2014 Nissan Rogue Select vehicles manufactured September 23, 2013, to July 2, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience an electrical short in the harness connector due to a mixture of snow/water and salt seeping through the carpet on the driver side floor near the harness connector.
- Consequence
- An electrical short can cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the kick panel wiring harness connector and will if necessary install a new harness connector and waterproof seal, free of charge. The recall began on February 26, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
2,983 vehicles 2012-02-22- Defect
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 murano and rogue vehicles, manufactured from november 23, 2011 through january 11, 2012. During assembly, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) was not activated. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 138,tire pressure monitoring system.
- Consequence
- A non-active TPMS cannot warn a driver that a tire is underinflated. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash.
- Remedy
- All of the affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. Dealers have been instructed to activate all of the tire pressure monitoring systems.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2012 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Where 2012 sits in the model line
High risk for a 2012 — 121st riskiest of the 271 2012 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 19 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2025 comes out best at 64 and 2018 worst at 80, with 2012 itself at 72.
If the model year is negotiable, 2025 and 2022 score lower than 2012 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2007–2013 generation specifically, 2009 is the strongest year at 69 and 2013 the weakest at 73.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2007-2013 generation, 2009 Nissan Rogue scores best at 69 and 2013 Nissan Rogue worst at 73.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other wheel or tire problem from about 11k, other speed control problem from about 26k, other electrical problem from about 41k and other engine problem from about 45k.
On a 2012 Nissan Rogue with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other wheel or tire problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
What this page cannot tell you
434 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 434 reports, 282 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 65% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Rogue?
The most-reported failures are cvt failure (69 reports, median 85,000 miles), other powertrain problem (49 reports, median 72,500 miles) and complete transmission failure (36 reports, median 100,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2012 Nissan Rogue problems start?
Other wheel or tire problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 15,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 70,000 miles.
Is the 2012 Nissan Rogue reliable?
It scores 72 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 121st riskiest of the 271 2012 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2012 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Nissan Rogue is best?
Within the 2007–2013 generation, 2009 scores best at 69 out of 100 and 2013 worst at 73. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed