2012–2013 S35 (1st generation)
2012–2013 Nissan Rogue Common Problems and Years to Avoid
5 documented problems with the 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 1 of them are serious. 3 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2012–2013 Nissan Rogue recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| No recall, Nissan CVT warranty extension (10 yr/120k) applied to 2008–2010 only | CVT failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode | major |
| NHTSA 15V-032 | Driver-floor harness connector corrosion (recall) | moderate |
| NHTSA 12V-068 | TPMS not activated from the factory (recall) | minor |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
CVT failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode
majorThe 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.
Driver-floor harness connector corrosion (recall)
moderateSnow 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.
Front wheel bearing / hub noise
moderateA 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.
Engine mount wear, vibration and clunk
minorWorn 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).
TPMS not activated from the factory (recall)
minorA 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.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Nissan Rogue model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Nissan Rogue built from 2012 through 2013 — the S35 (1st generation), compact crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue
- 2012Carryover year; trim ladder simplified to S, SV, and SV with SL package
- 2013Final year of regular first-generation sales; Special Edition package added
- 2014–2015Sold alongside the new T32 as the budget 'Rogue Select', S trim only, 16-in steel wheels (215/70R16), same QR25DE/CVT powertrain. All S35 parts data on this page applies to Rogue Select.
2012–2013 Nissan Rogue problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue?
- The recurring ones are: cvt failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode; driver-floor harness connector corrosion (recall); front wheel bearing / hub noise; engine mount wear, vibration and clunk; tpms not activated from the factory (recall). Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by cvt failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode (2012–2013 (and 2014–2015 Rogue Select)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue?
- 3 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: No recall, Nissan CVT warranty extension (10 yr/120k) applied to 2008–2010 only (cvt failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode), NHTSA 15V-032 (driver-floor harness connector corrosion (recall)), NHTSA 12V-068 (tpms not activated from the factory (recall)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2012–2013 Nissan Rogue repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: cvt failure, whine, shudder, overheat limp mode, $3,500–$5,000 for a replacement/remanufactured CVT; ~$200–$300 for a fluid drain & fill; driver-floor harness connector corrosion (recall), Free under recall; front wheel bearing / hub noise, $250–$500 per corner, parts and labor; engine mount wear, vibration and clunk, $150–$450 depending on which mounts.
Sources
- AMSOIL lookup, 2013 Nissan Rogue 2.5L QR25DE (5W-30, 4.9 qt, 25 ft-lb plug)
- Nissan Parts, 15208-65F0E oil filter fitment (Rogue 2008–2020)
- NHTSA recall 15V-032, harness connector corrosion, 2008–2013 Rogue / 2014 Rogue Select
- NHTSA recall 12V-068, TPMS not activated, 2012 Murano/Rogue
- Wheel-Size.com, 2013 Nissan Rogue OE fitments (215/70R16, 225/60R17, 225/55R18, 33 psi)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Nissan Rogue EPA ratings
- Nissan USA Newsroom, 2014 Rogue Select press kit (16-in wheels, 215/70R16)
- Edmunds forums, Nissan CVT warranty extension to 10 yr/120k (2003–2010 CVT vehicles)