2012 Nissan Rogue parts and specs

What changed for the 2012 Nissan Rogue

• 2012Carryover year; trim ladder simplified to S, SV, and SV with SL package

Known problems with the 2012 Nissan Rogue

5 of the 5 issues we track for the 2012–2013 generation are documented against the 2012 model year, and 3 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• CVT failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode

  majorNo recall, Nissan CVT warranty extension (10 yr/120k) applied to 2008–2010 only

  The RE0F10A CVT is the S35's defining weakness: a whine that rises with road speed, shuddering from a stop, revs flaring without acceleration, and an overheat 'fail-safe' that cuts power on long grades or hot days. Failures cluster from 60,000–120,000 miles. Nissan's earlier 10-year/120,000-mile CVT warranty extension covered only 2008–2010 Rogues, 2012–2013 cars got no extension, so budget accordingly on a used example. Fresh NS-2 fluid every 30–60k miles and an external CVT cooler are the known mitigations.

  Typical cost: $3,500–$5,000 for a replacement/remanufactured CVT; ~$200–$300 for a fluid drain & fill

• Driver-floor harness connector corrosion (recall)

  moderateNHTSA 15V-032

  Snow and salt water can seep through the driver's carpet into an under-dash harness connector, corroding it and causing electrical shorts, symptoms range from battery drain and accessory faults to, in rare cases, connector overheating. Nissan recalled 2008–2013 Rogue and 2014 Rogue Select; dealers inspect and repair the harness free. Check the VIN if you're in a salt-belt state.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Front wheel bearing / hub noise

  moderate

  A growl or hum that changes with speed (and often with lane changes) is very commonly a worn front hub bearing on this generation, frequently before 100,000 miles. It's a bolt-on hub assembly, so repair is straightforward. Don't confuse it with CVT whine, bearing noise changes when you swerve gently; CVT whine changes with throttle.

  Typical cost: $250–$500 per corner, parts and labor

• Engine mount wear, vibration and clunk

  minor

  Worn upper/front motor mounts cause idle vibration through the cabin and a clunk on throttle tip-in or when shifting between R and D. A widely reported wear item on higher-mileage QR25DE Rogues. Inspect visually; replace the torn mount(s).

  Typical cost: $150–$450 depending on which mounts

• TPMS not activated from the factory (recall)

  minorNHTSA 12V-068

  A small batch of early-2012-production Rogues left the plant with the tire pressure monitoring system never activated, so the low-pressure warning would not illuminate. Dealers activated the system free under a compliance recall. Long since addressed on almost all cars, but a VIN check is free.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

Full detail, costs and sources on the Nissan Rogue problems and years to avoid guide.