Used Nissan Rogue 3rd Gen (2021-2025): Buyer's Guide

Nissan mailed recall notices for over 640,000 Rogue SUVs in April 2026. Engine bearing seizures. Throttle body failures. Both on the same 1.5-liter engine introduced for the 2022 model year. Some engines failed at fewer than 10,000 miles. Owners on NissanForums.com reported being quoted three months to get a replacement motor.

That's the thing you need to know before buying a 3rd gen Rogue. Not the cargo space numbers. Not the ProPilot Assist demo. Whether the recalls have been completed and whether the extended warranty is still active.

The third-generation Nissan Rogue (T33 platform, 2021-2025) is a genuinely better compact SUV than the generation it replaced. Quieter cabin, stronger power output, better fuel economy, and a more complete ADAS suite on mid and upper trims. But the engine it introduced in 2022 has a documented failure mode that turned thousands of nearly-new Rogues into tow trucks. If you buy one without checking recall status first, you're gambling with someone else's problem.

This guide tells you exactly what went wrong, which years are affected, and what to verify before you sign anything.

This Generation at a Glance

The 3rd gen Rogue debuted for 2021 on Nissan's CMF-CD platform (internal code T33), shared globally with the Nissan Qashqai. It was a clean-sheet redesign: stiffer body structure, a redesigned interior with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on most trims, and a significantly improved ride.

The generation contains one major hardware divide. The 2021 model launched with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. For 2022, Nissan swapped in a brand-new 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder VC-Turbo engine. Same platform, same name, fundamentally different powertrain.

The 2024 model brought a mid-cycle refresh: revised exterior styling, a new Google-powered infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display on upper trims, and a switch to USB-C ports exclusively.

Available Powertrains:

All 3rd gen Rogues pair with a continuously variable transmission. The 2022 updated CVT has 17 percent more gear ratio spread and 32 percent less internal friction than the unit in the 2021.

See current pricing and inventory at /market/nissan/rogue.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

2.5L PR25DD 4-Cylinder (2021 Only): The Safe Engine

The 2021 Rogue's 2.5-liter four-cylinder is not a performance engine. At 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, it's modest by compact SUV standards. But it has exactly one thing going for it that the VC-Turbo does not: it doesn't have an active recall for engine bearing seizure.

The PR25DD is not the old QR25DE from the second-gen Rogue. It's a newer design with higher compression, direct injection, and a variable valve timing system on both intake and exhaust cams. It doesn't share the oil dilution or bearing concerns that have defined the VC-Turbo's reputation.

The engine itself is not the problem with 2021 models. The problem is everything else. The 2021 Rogue launched with ten NHTSA recalls. That's not a typo. In a single model year, Nissan issued campaigns covering:

• Rear brake caliper bushing missing: brake fluid can leak, reducing stopping power
• Fuel pump: abnormal internal wear can cause pump failure and engine stall
• Fuel hose: not properly secured, increasing fire risk
• Wheel nuts: incorrect hardware that may not hold the wheel
• Backup camera: display malfunction in certain rental fleet vehicles
• Backup camera (second campaign): software causing blank-screen conditions
• Seat belt buckle: left-hand rear seat belt buckle can disengage
• Rear seat tether wires: improper installation
• Brake caliper (second campaign): different caliper assembly issue, also causing fluid leak

Most of these are production-quality issues that Nissan has addressed under warranty. The actual repair for each is straightforward. But an unverified 2021 Rogue may have anywhere from zero to ten open recall campaigns depending on its history.

The 2021 also carries the ProPilot Assist camera sensor issue that affects the whole generation. More on that in a moment.

What the 2021 does not have: the engine bearing failure problem. If you're buying a 2021 and every recall shows as completed in NHTSA's database, you have the generation's most reliable powertrain in a first-year build. That's a real trade-off.

1.5L KR15DDT VC-Turbo (2022-2025): More Power, More Risk

Nissan's VC-Turbo technology is genuinely impressive on paper. Variable compression ratio, meaning the engine mechanically adjusts its compression between 8:1 and 14:1 depending on load. At low load, it runs like a high-efficiency naturally aspirated engine. Under hard acceleration, it compresses less to handle boost. No other mainstream production engine works this way.

The problem is that this mechanical complexity introduces failure modes the 2.5L never had.

Engine Bearing Failure: The Generation-Defining Problem

The VC-Turbo's variable compression system requires additional moving linkages between the crankshaft and pistons. More moving parts means more bearings requiring consistent lubrication. In a significant number of engines, elevated oil temperatures cause the oil to break down faster than normal, starving those bearings of adequate lubrication. The bearings seize. The engine fails.

NHTSA recall campaigns R25A8, R25A9, R25B1, and R25B2 cover 323,917 Rogues with 1.5L or 2.0L VC-Turbo engines. A separate expansion recall, R25E2 and R25E3, targets 2023-2025 Rogues specifically for the same root cause. Owner notification letters went out April 8, 2026. These are open recalls as of this writing.

The remedy for an engine without confirmed bearing damage is an ECM reprogram that adjusts oil temperature management to protect the bearings. For an engine where the dealer finds metal debris in the oil pan, the remedy is a full engine replacement. Nissan is performing these replacements free of charge regardless of mileage.

Separately, Nissan extended the powertrain warranty on affected VC-Turbo engines to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. For a used buyer, this is significant: if the recall has been completed and the extended warranty is still active, a significant portion of the failure risk is covered.

Failure symptoms to know before a test drive: an engine knock or rumbling noise during cold starts, metal shavings visible in the oil at service, a "check engine" light accompanied by loss of power. Some owners have reported failure with no warning at all. One owner on NissanForums.com described their friend's 2022 losing motive power at 30,000 miles; the dealership quoted three months for a replacement motor.

PCV System and Fuel Smell: A Class Action in Progress

The 1.5L VC-Turbo's PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system uses rubber hose components that, in cold climates, absorb and seep fuel vapor. Owners in northern states report a persistent gasoline smell inside the cabin, particularly in winter. The smell can be strong enough to cause headaches during daily commutes.

Nissan issued a TSB for 2021-2023 Rogues with KR15DDT engines addressing the PCV hose, and dealers are instructed to replace the rubber component if the issue is present. However, multiple owners report the smell returning within days of the dealer fix. A class action lawsuit alleges the PCV defect is a design issue that the TSB does not fully resolve.

No safety recall has been issued for this; it remains a TSB-based fix and ongoing litigation. If you're buying a 2022-2023 Rogue in a cold-climate state, ask about fuel smell complaints. A few minutes of idling in a closed garage before purchase is worth the check.

Throttle Body Gear Fracture (2023-2025)

A second campaign targeting 318,781 Rogues addresses a separate failure: the electronic throttle body's polymer gear teeth fracture under specific conditions. A software change made at the start of 2024 production extended how long the plastic gear contacts a mechanical stopper, overstressing the teeth. When the gear fractures, the throttle can stick or stop responding. Loss of power. In some cases, the vehicle cannot be driven.

Dealers reprogram the ECM and inspect the throttle body, replacing it if damaged. The fix takes about 90 minutes. But for 2023-2025 Rogues where this recall is not yet completed, the failure risk is active.

ProPilot Assist Camera Issues (All Trims, All Years)

ProPilot Assist uses a front-facing camera mounted near the rearview mirror to enable lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Across the generation, owners report the system disabling itself with the warning "Forward driving aids disabled. Front sensor blocked" in conditions that should not trigger it: bright sunlight, temperatures above 100 degrees F, or heavy rain.

Nissan dealers have acknowledged the issue exists. Forum threads on NissanForums.com going back to 2021 document the same error recurring across multiple service visits with no durable fix. In some cases, owners have had cameras and brackets replaced without resolution.

This is not a safety recall issue in the sense of sudden brake failure. But ProPilot Assist is a significant selling point on SV and higher trims, and if it doesn't function reliably in your climate, that value evaporates. Test the system in direct sunlight during the test drive if you're buying in a warm-weather state.

Trim-Specific Notes

S: The entry trim. No ProPilot Assist. Basic driver assistance (automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert). 8.0-inch infotainment with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FWD only in the base configuration, AWD available. This is a straightforward family crossover without the ADAS complexity.

SV: The first trim with ProPilot Assist (standard). Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. 8.0-inch infotainment in 2022-2023, updated display in 2024. Heated front seats. This is where most buyers in the used market should look. It captures the core Rogue experience without the cost premium of upper trims.

SL: ProPilot Assist standard. ProPilot Assist with Navi-link available as an option (adds navigation-linked speed adjustments ahead of curves and exits). Heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel. The 2024 mid-cycle refresh brought a 12.3-inch Google Built-In infotainment display to the SL and above, a significant upgrade over the prior 9-inch unit.

Platinum: ProPilot Assist with Navi-link standard. Bose audio, leather seating, panoramic sunroof. The 12.3-inch display is standard. Top-of-range pricing; in the used market, Platinums carry a premium that doesn't always make economic sense unless you specifically want Navi-link and ventilated seats.

Rock Creek (2025 only): A new trim with exterior styling cues suggesting off-road capability: black trim, all-terrain-adjacent tires, unique color options. No mechanical lift or locking differential. It looks the part; its actual off-road capability is similar to any other AWD Rogue. Don't pay an off-road premium expecting off-road performance.

The 2024 refresh is a meaningful dividing line for infotainment. If the SL or Platinum-level features matter to you, 2024+ gives you a substantially better screen and Google Assistant integration. The 2022-2023 SL's 9-inch display is usable but not competitive with what the 2024 brought.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

The 2021 is the sleeper option. Ten recalls sounds alarming, and it is for any unverified unit. But once you confirm NHTSA's VIN lookup shows all campaigns closed, you own the generation's simplest, most proven engine. The 2.5L PR25DD is not exciting, but it doesn't have an active engine replacement program either.

The 2022 is a tricky year. It introduced the VC-Turbo and all of its issues. Prices have softened relative to 2023 models because of the recall publicity. A 2022 with confirmed recall completion, documented ECM reprogramming, and the extended warranty still active is workable. A 2022 without that documentation is a risk.

The 2023 has the most used inventory in this generation (over 7,600 listings as of May 2026) and the best selection for buyers. But it also has the most engine-related complaints in CarComplaints.com's database. The complaints average under 2,000 miles at failure, which means some of these cars broke down nearly new. Verify both the bearing recall and the throttle body recall before purchase.

The 2024 benefits from later production ECM calibrations that Nissan implemented in response to the failures. It also has the best technology package for the price at this point in the used cycle. The throttle body recall is active but the fix is quick. This is the year we'd recommend for buyers who prioritize driving technology and can verify recall completion.

Best value if recalls are current: 2023 SV or SL AWD with documented ECM reprogram. Largest inventory, competitive pricing, and if the recall work is confirmed, the extended warranty covers the biggest risk.

Safest engine option: 2021 with all ten recalls closed.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Do not waive this for any 3rd gen Rogue. The recalls are not hypothetical.

Step one for any 3rd gen Rogue, before anything else:

Run the VIN at /tools/recall-lookup. For 2021 models, confirm all 10 campaign numbers show as completed. For 2022-2025 VC-Turbo models, specifically look for campaigns R25A8, R25A9, R25B1, R25B2 (engine bearing) and the throttle body campaign (2023-2025). If any open recall appears, ask the dealer or seller to complete it before purchase. A private seller may not be able to; a dealer can.

For 2021 models (2.5L PR25DD):

• Confirm all 10 recall campaigns show as completed in the NHTSA VIN lookup
• Check brake fluid reservoir level and look for any wetness around the rear calipers; the 2021 brake caliper recalls involved missing bushings that cause fluid leaks
• Test the backup camera on startup. A blank screen or significant delay may indicate the camera recall was not performed properly
• Test ProPilot Assist (if SV or above) in direct sunlight. Note any "Forward driving aids disabled" warnings during the test drive

For 2022-2025 models (1.5L KR15DDT VC-Turbo):

• Start the engine cold. Listen for 30 seconds before moving. Any metallic knock, rumble, or ticking that does not fade as the engine warms is a red flag for bearing wear. Walk away or demand Nissan confirm no bearing damage via inspection under warranty
• Ask for the most recent oil change records. Look specifically for any mention of metal particles, oil contamination, or service related to the recall
• Smell inside the cabin with the engine idling for 10 minutes in an enclosed space. A distinct gasoline odor indicates the PCV system defect. If a fix has been attempted, ask for paperwork. Confirm the smell doesn't return after a few minutes of idling
• For 2024-2025 models: confirm the throttle body recall has been addressed; ask if the vehicle has ever experienced a sudden loss of power while driving
• Test the ProPilot Assist actively. Drive on a highway segment if possible. Note whether the system disables itself in bright sun or with oncoming headlights
• At any speed check: feel for CVT hesitation, shuddering at low speed, or a whining noise above 45 mph. The CVT in this generation is improved over the second gen, but it is not immune to the transmission issues Nissan has long carried

For any AWD model:

• The AWD system on the 3rd gen Rogue is electrically actuated, not mechanical. It does not engage automatically when parked or at very low speed. To test it, accelerate on a wet or loose surface and verify all four wheels respond. Abnormal clunking from the rear can indicate rear differential or coupling issues in high-mileage examples.

Running Costs

*Estimate excludes engine replacement costs, which are covered under the extended warranty for recall-affected vehicles.

Oil changes run approximately $130-145 for both engines. The VC-Turbo requires full synthetic; do not cut this to conventional oil. CVT fluid service at 30,000 miles costs $200-300 at a dealer; this is not optional on a Rogue, as neglected CVT fluid dramatically shortens transmission life. Out-of-warranty CVT replacement is $3,500 to $5,000.

The VC-Turbo's extended warranty (10 years or 120,000 miles, if the recall campaign was completed) is the biggest maintenance variable. If the engine fails within that coverage window, Nissan replaces it at no cost. If it fails outside that window or on a vehicle where the recall was not properly documented, the owner absorbs the repair. Used buyers should confirm the extended warranty is transferable and still active on any VC-Turbo Rogue they consider.

The 3rd gen Rogue does not offer a hybrid option in the US market. Competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid deliver 37-40 mpg combined in their hybrid configurations; the Rogue's 33 mpg combined is competitive among non-hybrid compact SUVs but not exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 3rd gen Nissan Rogue 1.5 VC-Turbo engine reliable? Not without qualification. The engine has two active NHTSA recall campaigns covering over 640,000 vehicles for engine bearing seizure and throttle body gear failure. Nissan extended the warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for affected engines. If the recall is complete and the extended warranty is active, the risk is manageable. An unverified VC-Turbo Rogue carries documented failure risk.

Which year 3rd gen Nissan Rogue should I buy? The 2021 is the safest engine choice (2.5L NA, no bearing recall) once all 10 production recalls are confirmed complete. Among VC-Turbo models, the 2024 has the most recent ECM calibrations and the best infotainment package. Any year between 2022-2025 requires verification that the engine bearing recall (and throttle body recall for 2023-2025) was completed before purchase.

What is the Nissan Rogue engine recall about? Nissan's campaigns R25A8 through R25B2 (and expansion R25E2/E3) cover VC-Turbo engines where elevated oil temperatures break down engine oil, reducing lubrication to the bearings. Bearings seize, leading to engine failure. The fix is an ECM reprogram that protects oil temperature. If metal debris is found in the oil pan, Nissan replaces the engine at no charge. Notification letters went out April 8, 2026.

Does the 2021 Nissan Rogue have the VC-Turbo engine? No. The US-market 2021 Rogue uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder (PR25DD) producing 181 horsepower. Nissan introduced the 1.5-liter KR15DDT VC-Turbo for the 2022 model year. The engine bearing recall does not apply to 2021 US-market Rogues.

How long does the Nissan Rogue CVT last? Third-generation Rogue CVTs are newer and better-designed than the units in the second-generation. Owner reports of high-mileage failures are less frequent. With proper service (fluid change every 30,000 miles), 150,000-200,000 miles is achievable. Neglected fluid, aggressive towing, or heavy stop-and-go traffic at high mileage can shorten CVT life significantly. Out-of-warranty replacement runs $3,500-$5,000.

Bottom Line

Check the recalls before anything else. For a 2021, confirm all ten campaigns are complete at NHTSA.gov or /tools/recall-lookup. For any 2022-2025, specifically verify the engine bearing recall (R25A8/A9/B1/B2 and R25E2/E3) and the throttle body recall are both showing as complete. Ask for documentation that the ECM was reprogrammed, not just that the car was "inspected."

The 2024 SV or SL AWD with confirmed recalls is the best version of this generation you can buy today. It has the updated infotainment, a later production run with better engine calibrations, and the 10-year/120k extended warranty still active on most units. The 2021 with closed recalls is the safest engine for buyers who want to avoid the VC-Turbo saga entirely.

CarScout members can track price drops on specific Rogue trims and model years as more units clear the recall cycle at usecarscout.com. Subscriptions start at $5/week.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database (campaigns R25A8-B2, R25E2-E3, R21B8, R21C5), EPA fuel economy data, CarComplaints.com owner reports, and real owner experiences from NissanForums.com, forums.nicoclub.com, and BobIsTheOilGuy.com. See the full Nissan Rogue market data for current pricing and inventory.