Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport problems
Owners filed 59 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport with NHTSA between Sep 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (22).
Complaints
59
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine22
- Forward collision avoidance14
- Electrical system13
- Power train6
- Service brakes6
- Air bags5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Seats1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Structure1
- Suspension1
- Steering1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Back over prevention1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
7
4
11
10
14
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
22 reports
“Vehicle randomly overheats, primarily when idling and is stationary. Temperate will send gauge hot andwill pin to the hot side. Cooling system over pressurized. Steam started coming out of engine box. Car died and would not start. Fortunately I was able to vent the overflow cap. Needed to add a gallon of water.”
Forward collision avoidance
14 reports
“While in rush hour traffic with over 100ft of clear road no cars, the car made its beeping noise and applied the ebrakes. This could've ended in a loss of life on the high way”
Electrical system
13 reports1 related recall
“The vehicle’s air conditioning began turning on and off intermittently while driving. I initially had the issue inspected by an independent mechanic, who checked the refrigerant and confirmed that the freon level was normal. After further inspection, the mechanic determined that the radiator cooling fan was not operating properly. The failed cooling fan appears to be affecting the vehicle’s cooling system and air conditioning operation. A malfunctioning radiator cooling fan can create a safety concern because it may prevent the engine from receiving adequate cooling, potentially leading to engine overheating, especially during extended driving or in hot conditions. The vehicle could potentially become disabled while being driven if the engine overheats. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by an independent service center. The cooling fan assembly is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not been inspected by Nissan, police, or an insurance representative to my knowledge. Prior to the failure being identified, the primary symptom was the air conditioning repeatedly turning on and off unexpectedly. There were no known warning lights or…”
Power train
6 reports1 crash
“My acceleration hasn’t been working properly. I had my car inspected by a third-party and they said my transmission is slipping. The mechanic said this is a defect he is seeing in my type of car. He said bring it to Nissan so I did. Because there is no light or code popping up yet in my car, they refuse to do anything. They told me to keep driving my car unless a warning light comes on, despite me informing that I almost crashed several times due to the lack of acceleration.”
Service brakes
6 reports
“My 2020 Nissan Sport braked while I was driving and then lost power completely and would not accelerate no matter how much or how long I pressed the gas pedal. This occurred for no reason and there was no obstacle in front of the vehicle. This is a very serious problem and could cause a serious accident. A message appeared in the instrumental panel saying “Warning Malfunction” and the symbol of two cars colliding appeared.”
Air bags
5 reports4 crashes
“The contact's mother owns a 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle crossed an intersection at a green light when another vehicle crashed in between her mother's front and rear passenger's side doors, causing the vehicle to spin. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's mother was not injured, and no medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance since the email address on file did not match. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.