Launched for 2021 on an all-new platform, the third-generation Nissan Rogue (T33) is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee and Kyushu, Japan. It breaks from its predecessors on three counts: a new architecture, a CVT Xtronic that finally works as advertised, and a turbocharged engine replacing the 2.5L naturally aspirated unit that had served the Rogue for over a decade. That switch solved a real reliability problem.
- 1.5L VC-Turbo engine bearings — Two Transport Canada recalls (2025 and 2026); manufacturing defect causing abnormal noise, power loss, and in rare cases an underhood fire; engine warranty extended to 10 years/200,000 km.
- Fuel smell in the cabin (2021–2023, mostly 2023) — Oil dilution via a porous PCV system component; technical service bulletin issued, no official recall.
- Spontaneously shattering rear glass — Affects 2021–2025 models; no recall or bulletin in Canada; U.S. class action filed January 2026.
- Backup camera losing image — Three separate Transport Canada recalls (2021–2022, 2024–2025); multimedia system restarts violating Canada’s CMVSS 111 standard.
Technical Overview
The Rogue T33 has used three powertrains over its run. The 2.5L PR25DD was the only engine offered in 2021; from 2022 to 2023, both engines coexisted depending on trim level; since 2024, the 1.5L VC-Turbo is the sole gasoline option. AWD is available across all trim levels.
| Generation | Model Years | Engine | Output | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd Gen (T33) | 2021 | 2.5L PR25DD, 4-cyl. | 181 hp / 181 lb-ft | Xtronic CVT |
| 3rd Gen (T33) | 2022–2023 | 2.5L PR25DD (S) or 1.5L VC-Turbo (SV and up) | 181/181 or 201 hp / 225 lb-ft | Xtronic CVT |
| 3rd Gen (T33) | 2024–2025 | 1.5L VC-Turbo, 3-cyl. (sole gasoline option) | 201 hp / 225 lb-ft | Xtronic CVT |
Most Common Problems
Transport Canada lists eleven official recalls for the Rogue, plus a handful of low-population Canadian recalls — front seatbelt pretensioners, moisture-sensitive airbags, rear seatbelt bolts, automatic headlights, and improperly torqued wheel nuts. All are minor. Throughout this article, Transport Canada recall numbers (YYYY-NNN format) apply directly to Canadian vehicles; NHTSA numbers in parentheses are their U.S. equivalents, cited for reference only.
1.5L VC-Turbo Engine Bearings
This is the generation’s most serious issue — and it’s a two-part story.
Transport Canada recall 2025-356 covers 37,836 Canadian vehicles from model years 2021 to 2024. A bearing manufacturing defect can cause abnormal noise, seizing, or power loss — and in rare cases, an underhood fire. Nissan extended the engine warranty to 10 years or 200,000 km, transferable to subsequent owners. Since owner notification only began March 27, 2026, many Canadian vehicles have not yet been repaired — check your VIN now at recalls-rappels.canada.ca. A U.S. class action (Becker v. Nissan), active since April 2026, covers 2021–2023 Rogues, 2019–2023 Altimas, and 2019–2023 QX50s; no equivalent action has been filed in Canada to date.
The second recall, Transport Canada 2026-056 (U.S. equivalent: NHTSA 26V081), targets 2024–2025 models — 47,559 vehicles. The cause is distinct: a possible crack in a gear inside the throttle body chamber. The notification window is the same — March 2026.
Fuel Smell and Oil Dilution
This issue primarily affects 2021–2023 models, with a notable concentration on 2023s. The “blow-by” phenomenon inherent to direct-injection engines contaminates oil via porous PCV system components. Nissan issued bulletin NTB23-055 (June 21, 2023, revised twice): replacement of a PCV hose, covered under warranty or goodwill, without an official recall. If your dealer refuses the repair, cite this bulletin number explicitly.
A class action was filed in the U.S. in April 2023 (Young v. Nissan), targeting direct-injection engines in 2021–2023 Rogues. This U.S. lawsuit does not apply directly to Canadian buyers, but the problem is documented on Canadian vehicles. Affected Canadian owners can contact Nissan Canada or seek recourse through CAMVAP (Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan).
Spontaneously Shattering Rear Glass
This file is recent and still open. Owners of 2021–2025 Rogues report a sharp crack followed by the liftgate glass shattering, sometimes without any prior impact, as early as 15,000 to 20,000 km on the odometer. A U.S. class action was filed in January 2026 in a Tennessee court, alleging a defect in the soda-lime glass. The lawsuit does not target Canadian buyers, but the problem is reported in Canada as well. No Transport Canada recall or official bulletin exists to date. If your dealer refuses the warranty claim, filing a complaint with Transport Canada (tc.gc.ca) can help accelerate a Canadian recall. Not to be confused with the panoramic sunroof issue on the 2nd-generation Rogue (2014–2020).
Backup Camera and Multimedia System
Three separate Transport Canada recalls targeted the backup camera between 2021 and 2025. Recall 2022-398 affected 2021–2022 fleet/rental vehicles: an inactive SiriusXM subscription triggered a system restart and caused the camera image to disappear. Recall 2022-599 addressed a software instability on 2021–2022 models. Recall 2024-590 targeted SL and Platinum trims for 2024–2025 (6,957 vehicles in Canada). In all three cases, the fix is an OTA or dealer software update, addressing non-compliance with Canada’s CMVSS 111 standard. A separate recall, 2022-498, covered improperly retracting rear seatbelts on 2021–2022 models (493 vehicles).
Other Technical Service Bulletins Worth Knowing
Several issues generated bulletins without triggering official recalls: inoperative heater blower in cold weather (NTB23-032, three revisions between April 2023 and September 2024 — particularly relevant in cold Canadian climates); rear vibration related to the AWD transfer case (NTB23-051, NTB21-094B, 2022–2023); windshield water leaks (NTB21-097B) and rear wiper water leaks (NTB22-068A); sunroof gurgling (NTB23-072); 12V battery testing recommended (NTB23-049, 2023 — worth noting for Canadian winters). Cracking leatherette on seats — especially on 2021–2025 Platinum trims — is frequently reported without a confirmed bulletin.
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The Good News: The CVT
The CVT on first- and second-generation Rogues earned a disastrous reputation: class actions, warranty extensions from 5 to 7 years on 2014–2018 models, three reprogramming bulletins. The T33’s Xtronic CVT tells a completely different story. No dedicated bulletins, no notable complaint trend — roughly one complaint per model year on CarComplaints, one of the lowest rates in Rogue history.
Other Powertrains
The 2.5L QR25DE (2008–2020) had a considerably quieter track record on first- and second-generation Rogues. Its one notable issue: high oil consumption that could foul the catalytic converter, documented in bulletin NTB12-111 (2008–2015).
The 2.5L PR25DD (2021–2023) is a revised version of the QR25DE. This engine equipped the base S trim from 2021 to 2023, while the VC-Turbo took over in SV and higher trims.
The 2026 PHEV uses a 2.4L gasoline engine paired with two electric motors — a distinct architecture from the VC-Turbo, not covered by the bearing recalls. Too recent to establish a reliability record.
What Owners Are Saying
Assembly opinions are divided: interior materials are rated above average for the segment, but body rattles and wind noise come up frequently in owner reports. The multimedia system frustrates a subset of owners, largely due to the camera recalls. ProPILOT Assist earns praise on highways; in heavy traffic, it’s considered less convincing. The lane-departure warning is seen as too subtle. The CVT consistently draws positive comments — the recommended 30,000 km fluid service interval is well-received. In Canada’s cold provinces, owners flag the cold-weather blower bulletin and recommend 12V battery testing each fall. No documented rust trend at this stage. J.D. Power scores: 81/100 for 2025–2026; Consumer Reports: approximately 4/5 — both pre-dating the major engine bearing recalls.
In Conclusion
The Rogue marks a genuine break from the troubled CVT era. But from 2021 to 2025, every model year carries at least one Transport Canada recall tied to turbo engine bearing issues — recalls so recent that a VIN check at service.nissan.ca or recalls-rappels.canada.ca is non-negotiable before any used purchase. Model year quick-reference:
- 2021 — TC 2025-356; rear seatbelts (2022-498), LATCH anchors (2021-397), rear brake calipers (2021-245), fuel pump (2021-754, 2021-062), camera (2022-398, 2022-599); PR25DD engine only.
- 2022 — TC 2025-356; camera 2022-398, 2022-599; verify whether PR25DD (S trim) or VC-Turbo (SV and up).
- 2023 — Fuel smell (NTB23-055); TC 2025-356; same 2.5L/turbo split as 2022.
- 2024 — TC 2025-356, TC 2026-055, TC 2026-056; camera 2024-590 (SL, Platinum); VC-Turbo is the only gasoline engine.
- 2025 — TC 2026-055, TC 2026-056; camera 2024-590 if SL or Platinum.
- 2026 — Too recent for an established record; PHEV not covered by VC-Turbo recalls; check VIN on any gasoline model.
- All years — Spontaneously shattering rear glass: no Transport Canada recall, no official fix; file a complaint at tc.gc.ca if affected.
A Rogue with its engine recalls addressed remains a defensible choice in the compact SUV segment, backed by a transmission that finally delivers and standard safety features across all trims. The recency of these recalls, however, makes thorough verification essential — whether buying new or used.
