2011 Nissan Rogue Transmission Problems

189 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2011 Nissan Rogue to NHTSA — 52% of all 363 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 85,000 miles. That ranks #2 of 19 Rogue model years for transmission complaints (a typical year has 101). No transmission recall has been issued for this model year.

189complaints
85ktypical miles
0related recalls
0crashes
2fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Automatic transmission
    2

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    85%
  • 25k–50k
    138%
  • 50k–75k
    4025%
  • 75k–100k
    5031%
  • 100k–150k
    4327%
  • 150k+
    64%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Nissan Rogue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact noticed that the vehicle was jerking prior to the failure. The driver depressed the brake pedal but was concerned about the vehicle moving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The VIN was not available.

82,000 miles · Dec 2021

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormal odor after which the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer the vehicle to the shoulder before getting the vehicle to restart. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

148,000 miles · May 2023

I'm reporting the same as many others so that I have documentation. Last week while my daughter was driving back to college (about 170 miles), about halfway the vehicle began to slow down. As she pressed the accelerator, the engine would rev but the car would not accelerate. This was extremely scary as she was travelling on the expressway and there was a semi-truck directly behind her when this happened. A major accident could have happened. She ultimately made it to school taking about an hour longer than normal. She should have pulled over, but it was getting dark, and she was travelling alone. After she called and explained to me what happened, I researched the issue and found that this seems too very common relating to the trans fluid over-heating. The fix requires a cooler to added to the system to cool the fluid. …

Aug 2023

Just bought my 2011 Nissan Rogue today and drove around off and on all day with no issues. I went to my son's house for approximately 5 minutes (left car running) and when I went to leave I had no acceleration. I tried pushing on the gas pedal with no luck. It literally coasted about a block before it finally stopped moving. I made a few phone calls and was told to shut the car off for about 5 minutes (which I did) and then turn it back on (which I did) and I put it in drive and it was all of a sudden fine. I feel as if there has been more than enough complaints regarding this issue with the 2011 Nissan Rogue and nhtsa should address this matter with Nissan who should be held accountable for this. I personally bought the vehicle based on all the good things I was told about it but now, not even 24 hours after buying it, I am regretting my decision. …

Jan 2022

The CVT transmission would over heat numerous times on long trips. This would slow me down in traffic or going up hills. Also, when exiting a freeway and stopping merging into traffic was dangerous on numerous occasions due to now coming from the transmission. The Nissan CVT has been recalled, been subject to numerous lawsuits. In fact Nissan has extended the warranty on the Rogue transmission up to the year 2010 and from 2012 but has continuously ignored the 2011 Rogue. I just recently had to have the transmission rebuilt on my 2011 Rogue. If I had known about this earlier I could have taken preventative measures.

May 2021

The CVT transmission started to fail. 1 day it started jerking some. 2 or 3 times. The next time was more jerking and harder. The last day the jerking was longer in length of time. Then the transmission became a little louder. The jerking was constant with acceleration. We made it home and parked the car. I did not see a code, the engine light only came on after three condition became questionable as to returning home. No dealer or mechanic has inspected the car. I'm positive it is the transmission from all i read on the internet.

Dec 2025

Bought 2011 Nissan Rogue [redacted]. Had new battery put in and radiator bracks installed along with antifreeze tank. $469 Then code PO744 Torque converter circuit bad. Now I need new transmission so it doesn't overheat!! $3000 plus to fix. I can't afford this! I'm [redacted] and receive $1081 a month. Please help me!! Thanking you in advance, [redacted]

Mar 2024

The CVT transmission would over heat numerous times in uphill drive after 30 miles driving. The overheating would result in sudden slowing of vehicle and loss of acceleration even when acceleration pedal is fully pressed. It puts vehicle to danger because it can be in front of fast moving vehicle. It also makes exiting a freeway and stopping merging into traffic dangerous because vehicle stops responding to driver commands.

Jul 2022

The car will not go when she come to stop at shakes and jerks, so hard you cannot accelerate once you come from a stop if you do the car dies the car dies when trying to merge onto the highway due to the acceleration especially on hot days almost died a few times on the way home from work hitting St. Louis traffic. The car is a piece of junk. Good luck surviving trying to drive it.

Jun 2023

The CVT transmission shuts off for no reason. The engine revs up like crazy but the power convertor does not do its job of transmitting power to the driveshaft. Turns out that the CVT transmission went into shutdown mode for no reason - I was driving downhill, in an empty car, with no load at 65 mph.

Feb 2021

Transmission complaints in other Rogue years

’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26156101124189136314115140176123472342739834457
Transmission complaints per model year, Nissan Rogue.

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Nissan Rogue?

NHTSA has 189 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Nissan Rogue, 52% of the model year's 363 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2011 Nissan Rogue transmission problems?

No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 Nissan Rogue, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.

At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Rogue transmission problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.