VehicleVerdict

2021 Nissan Rogue Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport is among the quieter years of the Rogue Sport on NHTSA's books: 59 complaints (32% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (29% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

59

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Rogue Sport years?

Rogue Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted148 complaints2017: 96 complaints2018: 130 complaints2019: 148 complaints2020: 78 complaints2021: 59 complaints2022: 17 complaints
Rogue Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rogue Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1729%
Electrical System712%
Brakes610%
Other610%
Engine610%
Steering58%
Speed Control35%
Airbags23%
Transmission23%
Body & Structure23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Fuel System12%
Lighting12%

Does the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V093000Electrical SystemFebruary 16, 2023 · 712,458 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles equipped with a jackknife style ignition key. The jackknife key may collapse into a folded position while driving.

Consequence

Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.

21V555000Seat BeltsJuly 21, 2021 · 4,083 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, reducing the protection offered to an installed child seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

A seat belt retractor that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt and as necessary both outer rear seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is RT049 & RT050.

21V525000Body & StructureJuly 9, 2021 · 13,215 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Rogue Sport vehicles. The liftgate hinges can separate from the vehicle during a rear end crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

Consequence

Separated hinges compromise the protection offered by the liftgate, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the left and right liftgate hinges, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A7.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The FCW system would come on for no reason. I've had the car 3 months this had been a problem as well as other crash warnings of the vehicle during this time period. then on May 31st I was in an accident that I should have gotten a warning as to to close but didn't. I had reported to the dealership…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 31, 2024 · crash

“I am reporting a serious safety incident involving my 2021 Nissan Rogue, which caught on fire unexpectedly on Feb. 6, 2026 approximately 4:30 am. The fire originated from the vehicle without warning and posed an immediate danger to life and property.The vehicle was parked at the time of incident.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 6, 2026 · fire

“Sensors that stop the car reversing if someone is behind them malfunction and you cannot reverse. Sensors that are meant to slow car for fwd collision do not work at all, or stay on with no obstruction causing you not to be able to drive. Dealer stated issue when temp is below 35 degrees and reset,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 30, 2021 · crash

“My new 2021 rogue sport does not always excellarate, especially on U turns or wait I g to make a turn. I have had the car less than 3 months and near afraid to drive it. It almost does one or more of these when out driving. I mentioned it to the dealership and they say it has a break in point and I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 18, 2022

“The steering wheel and brake peddle locked (unable to steer or pump brakes) causing me to lose control of the car. I ended up sideswiping a tree and rear-ending a parked pickup truck, totaling my car. This malfunction was an ongoing issue that I initially reported to the dealership which the car…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 24, 2022 · crash

2021 Nissan Rogue Sport — common questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 59 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Rogue Sport year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Rogue Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (17 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).

Does the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Rogue Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rogue Sport years to avoid are 2019. The cleanest record among Rogue Sport years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.