The 2023 Nissan Rogue is a versatile compact SUV. With a smooth ride, it offers comfortable daily driving. And its turbo three-cylinder engine mixes fun and efficiency. Because of that, the Rogue is the company’s most popular vehicle. 

But Nissan’s top-selling SUV is also the company’s most complained about vehicle. Why? Several factors contribute to the issue. Let’s take a closer look at the Rogue, and its problem areas. 

The Nissan Rogue has been more popular than ever

The 2023 Nissan Rogue (from $28,725) offers drivers a little bit of everything. From appealing bodywork to solid dynamics, this SUV is a balanced package. And drivers have taken notice, making it more popular than ever.

Outside, the Rogue has plenty of curb appeal, with defined bodywork and narrow headlights. Taut proportions give it an athletic stance and standard alloy wheels add a polished appearance. 

Under the hood, a turbo 1.5-liter 3-cylinder provides 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. A CVT provides smooth performance. FWD comes standard, with AWD optional. That results in a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. 

The base trim with front-wheel drive obtains a solid 33 mpg combined. The top-trim Platinum model with AWD is slightly behind at 31 mpg combined. 

Inside, a logical, functional design provides everyday comfort and utility. Base trims use cloth seating, while mid-level and high-end models use faux leather or genuine leather. Additional options include tri-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats. 

A touchscreen infotainment system (8.0-inch or 9.0-inch) sits front and center, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional equipment consists of Bose audio, in-dash navigation, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

With a build like that, the Rogue is a balanced, affordable package. And Q3 2023 sales figures demonstrate that. According to GoodCarBadCar, Nissan sold 63,345 Rogues in the third quarter of 2023. That’s a lot of SUVs. And it’s more than the Honda Civic (52,927) and Ford Escape (38,774) over the same period

Nissan has a hit with the Rogue. But with that popularity comes the chance for increased owner complaints. 

Owners have their fair share of complaints about the Rogue

Compared to other 2023 Nissan models, the Rogue has more than double the owner complaints. Perusing the data on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, the Rogue has 82 complaints, as opposed to the second-placed Pathfinder’s 28. That’s a big difference. And some of the issues are significant.

Topping the list of 2023 Rogue owner complaints is the SUV’s fuel/propulsion system, with 39  incidents noted. Reported issues include a fuel smell, engine failure lights while driving, and power loss. 

A vehicle’s engine is central to its driving performance. Unfortunately, engine issues are a common occurrence on the 2023 Rogue, with 30 instances noted. One owner reported needing a new engine with only 17,900 miles on the clock, while another experienced a stall on an off-ramp. 

Beyond that, there are 23 unknown/other owner Rogue complaints on the NHTSA site. Examples include a malfunctioning backup camera, an “Engine Malfunction Power Reduced” warning light, and a rear window that broke without warning.

All of these are concerning issues. Especially significant are repeated reports of a fuel smell in the passenger compartment. Not only is that unpleasant, but it could be a health hazard. And numerous instance of engines shutting off or losing power show the turbo 3-cylinder has teething issues.

Does this make the Rogue a bad car?

As multiple road tests suggest, the 2023 Rogue is a competent compact SUV. But its laundry list of owner complaints could cause potential buyers to back off. That’s understandable. However, the Nissan’s numerous complaints also owe to its high sales figures.

Compared to the Rogue’s 63,345 units sold in Q3 2023, buyers purchased 1,569 Leafs and 4,504 Ariyas during the same period. That’s a huge difference. And it goes to show why those vehicles have far fewer complaints. YTD, the Ariya has eight complaints, while the Leaf has six. 

So, the Nissan Rogue isn’t necessarily a bad car. But potential buyers should take note of its issues before signing the papers. And if problems occur, immediately take their SUVs to the dealer. 

The 2023 Nissan Rogue is a highly-rated compact SUV. But it has its issues, with 82 consumer complaints year to date. Some of these are highly concerning, like a gasoline odor or an engine shutoff. While the Rogue isn’t a bad car, owners should pay close attention to possible problems, and call their dealer if/when they occur.