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2021 Nissan Rogue Sport: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern forward collision avoidance; the 2022 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2023

1
recalls
23
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
Among the quietest Rogue Sport years (#5 of 6 by complaints, age-adjusted)5-star NHTSA overall safety rating1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 23 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)6 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)2 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)2 complaints
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. There were no actions taken that would reasonably explain a fire of this nature. This incident could have resulted in severe injury or death. I believe this may be related to a manufacturer defect involving fire risk, and I am submitting this report so NHTSA can investigate and take appropriate safety action to protect other drivers and passengers.Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2026
Door lock actuators on driver side doors failed after less than 4 years. Both were "burnt" out according to Nissan tech. Unable to lock, unlock doors. Safety concerns.Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2026
I was on the freeway, going 65mph. Suddenly, i felt my car partially brake. Thank God I was close to an exit and got off safely. My car partially braked again while i was going 35mph down the street. As i cautiously drove home, the FCW kept blinking, even though there was ample distance between me and other cars, and at times, no car in front of me. It's winter time and there's snow on the ground. This could cause an accident!!!Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
I was driving on a four lane road, no car in front in my lane, only a car in the lane to the left and a car behind, when the forward collision warning came up and immediately activated the automatic emergency braking. There were no cars or objects in the road ahead that would have triggered the forward collision warning. Fortunately the car behind did not hit me despite the abrupt and unexpected stop. For context, I have had an ongoing issue with this car detecting shadows when in reverse (mostly in my driveway) and thinking they are objects or people, which triggers the automatic emergency braking. On the day of the incident described above the weather condition was sunny.Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Dec 2025
The radiator fan has failed, causing the air conditioning to not work unless the car is at high speeds, and at low speeds, the engine is at risk of overheating. The issue seems to be a bad bearing in the fan.Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. While driving, the Forward Collision Warning/Automatic Emergency Braking system will sometimes activate without reason. The vehicle applies the brakes suddenly, even when there are no obstacles, vehicles, or hazards in front of me. This false activation occurs intermittently and poses a safety concern, as it can cause unexpected braking in traffic. The issue has happened under normal driving conditions, without any obstructions on the road.Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Aug 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated briefly and applied the automatic emergency braking system, and the vehicle quickly decelerated. The contact stated that system activated without any other vehicles or objects nearby. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,500.Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jul 2025
I am having a problem with my Front Driver Side Door Lock Actuator, because of the faulty actuator, the car door remain unlocked while driving and this is a big safety riskOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2025
While in drive mode my car just shut off. The dash cluster, screen, etc remained on. I was able to put the car in park and start it again, however this could have caused me a horrible accident losing power while in drive like this. I just purchased this vehicle in June of 2024. It has 81k on it. I called the dealership which I bought it at Mccarthy Auto in Sedalia MO. They said I should call Nissan.Owner report · Steering · Sep 2024
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 I purchased car from but no information to help. I'm upset. I have read that this is an ongoing problem with the make, year, and model. Do I have any recourse to address to the maker, Nissan?Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · May 2024

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER23V093000 · Feb 2023

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.

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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines2.0L
FuelGasoline
Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback

How other years compare

Check your exact Rogue Sport by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport reliable?

NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. The most complained-about area is forward collision avoidance.

Does the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:immobilizer/proximity:key/sender. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.