Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Nissan Rogue owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 35-75 MPH, the transmission failed to shift gear as needed. In addition, the RPMs decreased. The contact also stated that the vehicle accelerated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was sold to a junk yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available. The contact would like Nissan to get him another car.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed and the vehicle lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to drive the vehicle again after the vehicle had cooled down. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or mechanic. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the RPM gauge increased. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The dealer recommended that the contact replace the continuously variable transmission (CVT). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 154,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to move. The contact had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
The CVT component on these cars causes it to lose power and acceleration which can cause an bad accident..one morning while going to work i got onto the expressway and car did not want to acceleration and almost caused me to get into a collision with an 18 wheeler.. The next day i took it to an mechanic shop whereas they told me nothing was wrong with my car and i should contact nissan and complain because the only problem they can guess is its my CVT and nissan made the car to do that so it last longer.. Then 2 days later I was driving on a commercial road with lots of traffic when all of a sudden my car would not acceleration even when I pushed the pedal to the floor.. I pulled over and turned the car off for awhile and then Crunk it back up and it was accelerating better.. …
While operating the vehicle on a busy road in rush our traffic, the vehicle would not accelerate but the engine was running and the RPMs were very high when trying to go. Suddenly the vehicle the lurched forward; luckily no one was in front of me as my car would not more at first, the vehicle would only go 20 mph and no faster. I was in a 40 mph lane and put my hazards on as I did not know what was happening. Made it to a stop light and once the light changed the same happened as the car would not move then lurched into a gear i guess and I could only go 20 mph. The Check Engine light was not on, but did come on a short minute later. While making a left hand turn from a stop, the vehicle would not move when pressing the gas, then vehicle lurched forward and would barley move as oncoming traffic was coming my way. …
CVT transmission. Car seems to lose power when accelerating from a stop or entering traffic. Shudders, shakes seems to go to limp mode. I read up on Nissan CVT issues. Warranty's have been extended on year before mine (2012) and those years after me. Called Nissan Corporate. They said they had few complaints on Rogues. I said are you serious? I've read about plenty of complaints. So why have you extended warrantys? Advised they couldn't help me. First Nissan for me and last. Have never had any transmission issues with my vehicles over the years and I'm 74. Other cars NOTHING major just regular maintenance. Disappointed with Nissan they know they have a major issue with CVT transmissions and don't stand behind their product. My car is sitting in the garage. I'm afraid to drive it and around $5000 to replace transmission. It's a 2012 Nissan Rogue SL. Please look into this issue.
We bought a 2012 Nissan Rogue with 88,000 miles for our daughter last year. Out of nowhere the car/transmission would not accelerate in rush hour, on the highway. The engine light came on but the message was vague as to what the issue was. I don't need to restate the obvious, as far as safety concerns. Thankfully she made it to the shoulder and we had to have the car towed. This could have had catastrophic consequences for her. I have read numerous posts about how this is an inherent problem with the Nissan transmissions without a recall. We are in the process of determining which repair facility to use but the cost, at a minimum, will be $4,200.00.
CVT failed while on the interstate (70mph) and vehicle stopped accelerating. Gas pedal was unresponsive and the car rapidly slowed down while I attempted to to pull over on the side of the road. Cars surrounding were forced to brake, maneuver around. My 3 year old was also in the car. The issue was confirmed by the dealer as an issue with the CVT. There were recalls to transmissions in rogues made prior (2008-2010) and for years made after (2015?). I had the valve replaced per recommendation 2 years ago, and now I am dealing with the same issue for a second time. I attempted to pull out of my driveway, but 20ft out the car stopped accelerating again.
Transmission complaints in other Rogue years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Nissan Rogue?
NHTSA has 136 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Nissan Rogue, 43% of the model year's 318 complaints. The component named most often is clutch assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Nissan Rogue transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 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 2012 Nissan Rogue transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
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.