2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Problems
Compared with other Nissan Rogue Sport years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Nissan Rogue Sport year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 14 of its 59 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Cooling fan failure, overheating, and smoke (23 complaints, median 20,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2017
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 3,500miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport most often describe the cooling fan failing, followed by engine overheating, steam, or air conditioning faults. Sudden loss of acceleration or engine shutdown while driving is reported less often, and some complaints describe automatic emergency braking applying without a clear reason. Where mileage is stated in the complaints, the cooling fan reports fall between about 20,000 and 70,000 miles.
- Engine
Cooling fan failure, overheating, and smoke
- 23 complaints (39%)
- median 20,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe a cooling fan that stopped working or ran intermittently, followed by engine overheating, steam or white smoke from under the hood, and in some cases a stall. Others describe air conditioning that blew warm or cycled on and off, and a rattle from the fan when the engine was switched off. Some complaints note that no warning light came on beforehand, and dealers were said to call the fan a known problem for this model, with parts sometimes on backorder. Where mileage is stated in the complaints, reports fall between about 20,000 and 70,000 miles, and some describe overheating while idling or stationary.
What to check: Ask whether the cooling fan assembly or motor has been replaced, and have a technician confirm the fan runs at idle and with the air conditioning on. Check the coolant level and reservoir cap, and ask the seller for records of any cooling system repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had to replace my cooling system (fan, radiator, hoses, coolant) on this car after driving it only 30K miles. This led to over heating the car engine and stopped working because of that.. I was told by Nissan dealer it stopped working and they are seeing many of those issues related to the same car that I have. It costs me $1500 to replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #11681214, filed 2025-08“My car just made 50k miles and the cooling fan has gone out. A google search for a more reasonable replacement option (I was quoted almost $1100 for parts and labor) led me to a message board of other owners with the same issue and a class action lawsuit against Nissan. If this is indeed a widespread and known issue, Nissan needs to own up to it and make it right.”
NHTSA complaint #11612156, filed 2024-09 - Engine
Sudden loss of acceleration or engine shutdown
- 13 complaints (22%)
- median 62,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe sudden loss of acceleration, with the engine not responding to the gas pedal, the car slowing on its own, or the engine shutting off while driving or at a stop. Some report transmission-related symptoms such as a sluggish CVT, slipping, or gears that would not release, and a complaint links a shutdown to the jackknife key recall. According to complaints, dealers sometimes found no fault, and some owners say no warning light appeared beforehand. Mileage is often not stated, and where it is, reports fall between about 24,000 and 66,000 miles.
Recall 23V0930002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the jackknife key recall 23V093000 was completed and whether the key was replaced, since some complaints describe problems after that repair. Ask the dealer to scan for stored codes, and on a test drive check that the engine responds smoothly to the gas pedal.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There was about a handful of incidents in the almost 3 years that ive had this car where i am driving and suddenly the vehicle stops accelerating . the RPM shoots up and the speed stayed at 20mph. I took it to the Nissan dealership service center for a diagnostic and was told that there are no problems with my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11557938, filed 2023-12“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11494797, filed 2022-11 - Forward collision avoidance
Automatic emergency braking engaging or malfunctioning
- 8 complaints (14%)
- median 3,761 mi at 1.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe automatic emergency braking applying the brakes or beeping when no obstacle was ahead, in traffic and on highways. Other complaints describe the forward collision system showing an error, or stopping and restarting, and some say the dealer test drove the car but could not duplicate the problem. Mileage is not stated in these reports, and the descriptions mention no car or obstacle directly ahead.
What to check: Ask whether stored codes for the automatic emergency braking and radar or camera system were checked, and whether the bulletins on the AEB warning light were reviewed. On a test drive, check that the system does not brake on its own and that the warning light stays off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The fuel gauge has failed. The ac unit has been finicky since I purchased the vehicle and has already received one repair. Fuel gauge has been reading incorrectly for 2 weeks now. Read that it is a common issue for the nissan rogue sports. A few days ago my forward collision warning came on and said system error. There were no objects in front of me or stuck to the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11691827, filed 2025-10“My automatic braking system malfunctioned twice within a year. It stopped and started right up again even though there was no car close in front of me or beside me. The first time it happened on Interstate 95. The second time I was driving on a road going approximately 45 miles per hour. Thankfully, on both occasions, there was no car close behind me. I took it a Nissan dealership. They test drove it and did a diagnostic test. The problem could be diagnosed or duplicated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11524164, filed 2023-05
Buying note. Used-car buyers can ask whether the cooling fan has been replaced and for records of cooling system repairs, and check that the jackknife key recall was completed. A test drive that includes stop-and-go traffic and a short idle with the air conditioning on may help check the overheating and braking symptoms owners describe.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 32 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. 15 of the complaints include a mileage, and 80% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 3,500 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 99 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Nissan Rogue Sport model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine22 37%
- Electrical system13 22%
- Other or unknown9 15%
- Brakes6 10%
- Air bags5 8.5%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.8%
- Engine cooling1 1.7%
Also reported: Fuel system (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The cooling fan has gone out in my 2020 Nissan rouge sport and I cant not order the parts to fix my car because they are not released by nissan I even took it to the nissan dealership and they told me the same thing the parts are not out I need a vehicle to go back and forth from work what am I I supose to do if I cant properly fix my nissan 2020 rouge sport”
NHTSA complaint #11429983, filed 2021-08Forward collision avoidance: “My daughter was driving her new 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport during the day. Her brakes engaged at full strength and the car came to a jolting stop. There was nothing in front of her and luckily nothing behind her. This is a severe safety issue that deserves a recall! I have read that at least 1400 other rogue owners have reported this problem. Why no recall?!”
NHTSA complaint #11378573, filed 2020-12, 3,500 milesElectrical system: “The radio will cut off screen for the radio goes out and when I was backing up the screen went black. The radio went out more then 3 times this has happen multiple times. The first time I can remember was September 30, 2021 and latest was like June 2022 can’t remember the time in between”
NHTSA complaint #11501059, filed 2023-01Other or unknown: “The air conditioner has blown warm air off/on since I purchased the vehicle. On July 27th, 2026 while sitting in my car with the air conditioner on it ran hot. The gage went to the highest level and white smoke was escaping from under the hood. I had to get the car towed to a shop for repair. I was informed the radiator coolant fan needed to be replaced. It was replaced with part no. 620-473. I also had a flush completed.”
NHTSA complaint #11771800, filed 2026-10Mileage when problems were reported
80% of the 15 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,500 and 30,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue Sport · SUV AWD | not rated | — | — | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
| Rogue Sport · SUV FWD | not rated | — | — | 5 | 4 · 14.3% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking not available.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue Sport FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Rogue Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V093000Feb 16, 2023Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Immobilizer/proximity › Key/senderCovers: Nissan Rogue Sport 2017–2022, Rogue 2014–2020
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.
Recall details for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 99 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031699Mar 30, 2026Electrical system. TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION HINT: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 4G network compatible TCU. TCUs compatible with 3G network only are no longer supported. SERVICE INFORMATION…
- 11014472Feb 20, 2025Brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or…
- 11014471Feb 20, 2025Electrical system, Brakes, Forward collision avoidance. INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page)…
- 11009069Oct 4, 2024Lane departure, Electrical system. LANE CAMERA AIMING VEHICLE REFERENCE VALUES NOT IN ESM SERVICE INFORMATION If the lane camera requires aiming, the values in Table A on page 4 must be used. For all other models/model years…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11001192Jun 7, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. CVT/TCM CALIBRATION DATA “WRITE” PROCEDURE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Rogue Sport
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 35,000 | 1 | 4–5 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 35 | 17,000 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 61 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 59 | 3,500 | 1 | — | 28 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 100 | 12,000 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 72 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 95 | 41,030 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 46 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 74 | 48,000 | 1 | — | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
All Nissan Rogue Sport model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport?
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport most often describe the cooling fan failing, followed by engine overheating, steam, or air conditioning faults. The issues reported most often: Cooling fan failure, overheating, and smoke; Sudden loss of acceleration or engine shutdown; Automatic emergency braking engaging or malfunctioning.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 22 complaints (37% of the total), followed by forward collision avoidance with 14.
Has the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport (Rogue Sport, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 26 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 3,500 miles and the middle half falls between 2,500 and 30,000 miles; 80% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.