VehicleVerdict

2012 Nissan Rogue problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Nissan Rogue sits mid-pack among Rogue years: 434 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 434, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 136 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

434

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Rogue years?

Rogue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1,002 complaints1999: 1 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 615 complaints2009: 433 complaints2010: 421 complaints2011: 509 complaints2012: 434 complaints2013: 849 complaints2014: 607 complaints2015: 730 complaints2016: 750 complaints2017: 863 complaints2018: 1,002 complaints2019: 522 complaints2020: 235 complaints2021: 401 complaints2022: 356 complaints2023: 930 complaints2024: 253 complaints2025: 189 complaints2026: 35 complaints
Rogue NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rogue years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Nissan Rogue problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission13631%
Electrical System4711%
Other4510%
Engine4510%
Airbags419%
Speed Control419%
Fuel System194%
Tires & Wheels164%
Brakes143%
Seats82%
Body & Structure61%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Seat Belts41%
Steering31%
Suspension20%
Lighting10%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2012 Nissan Rogue have recalls?

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

15V032000Electrical SystemJanuary 26, 2015 · 468,815 units

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.

12V068000Tires & WheelsFebruary 22, 2012 · 2,983 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“At 60,000 miles the car had a cvt replacement. 70,000 miles later car needs second transmission replacement. Nissan is aware of their faulty cvt transmissions, but refuses to comply. Car is immaculate aside from cvt failure, not accidents. Used as station car. Car stalled in intersection. Luckily I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 1, 2021

“My son was driving at a highway speed of 55 out of Lawrence, KS. He noticed left headlight flickering and starting to smoke. He immediately pulled over and exited the vehicle. At that point, the whole front of the car was engulfed in flames. Very dangerous. I can provide pictures but for some…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 29, 2023 · fire

“My son was driving at a highway speed of 55 out of Lawrence, KS. He noticed left headlight flickering and starting to smoke. He immediately pulled over and exited the vehicle. At that point, the whole front of the car was engulfed in flames. Very dangerous. I can provide pictures but for some…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 29, 2023 · fire

“CONSUMER 2012 NISSAN ROGUE WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 31, 2013. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS BEING INVESTIGATED..*BF THE LAWYER ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER, STATED THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. THE DRIVER'S INJURY WAS CONSISTENT WITH DELAYED AND/OR PARTIAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 31, 2013 · crash

“WAS DRIVING NORTH ON INTERSTATE 75, ATLANTA, GA, WHEN THE FRONT LEFT TIRE CERTAINLY BLEW CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF CAR AND REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS AS WELL AS THE AUTO I HIT. PURCHASED THIS AUTO ON JUNE 25, 2013 WITH 8,283 MILES. NOTICED IN JULY THAT THE TIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 13, 2014 · crash

2012 Nissan Rogue — common questions

Is the 2012 Nissan Rogue reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rogue: 434 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Rogue problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (136 complaints), electrical system (47 complaints), engine (45 complaints).

Does the 2012 Nissan Rogue have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Nissan Rogue. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Rogue years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rogue years to avoid are 2018, 2023, 2017, 2013, 2016, 2015, 2019, 2021. The cleanest record among Rogue years belongs to 1999.

How safe is the 2012 Nissan Rogue?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Nissan Rogue earned an overall rating of 4 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.