2013 Nissan Rogue

The transmission failed while I was driving on the freeway and I couldn’t go more than 30 mph while traffic was going 75-80 mph. Just to reach a spot to safely stop myself and my passenger were fearing for our lives of getting struck by another vehicle. Upon researching it we found that this is typical of this make, model and year vehicle with no resolve from manufacturer. We find this completely unacceptable to have a known defect like this with safety at hand and no where to turn for help to remedy these vehicles.

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side doors intermittently failed to open, causing the driver to climb over the rear seats to exit or enter the vehicle through the rear doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 136,116.

I am writing to formally notify NHTSA of a serious safety incident involving my 2013 Nissan Rogue. My vehicle experienced an electrical fire while parked in my driveway following heavy snowstorms and road salt exposure. The vehicle was stationary at the time of the incident. My insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. There were no warning lights or other symptoms prior to this incident. Researching this failure, I discovered NHTSA Safety Recall No. 15V032000, which states that moisture and road salt may reach the driver-side wiring harness connector, causing corrosion and potential electrical short circuits that can result in a vehicle fire. My incident aligns exactly with the circumstances described in this recall. A VIN search on NHTSA indicates no open recalls, however, a plethora of complaints have been filed by owners of this make and model and there is technical documentation confirming that corrosion-related electrical fires have occurred across this model and generation. This fire posed a serious risk of injury or death.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary system affected appears to be the CVT transmission. Additionally, the engine computer (ECU) and electrical system (including battery, driver-side window, and turn signals) have shown repeated failures. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? During sudden loss of acceleration, the vehicle would not respond to the gas pedal for 10–20 seconds. This created dangerous situations when merging onto highways, crossing intersections, or making turns, as the car could not accelerate to avoid other vehicles or hazards. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Independent mechanics confirmed repeated ECU and MAF sensor failures. In February 2025, after the vehicle stalled at an intersection, multiple repairs were attempted (alternator, key reset, starter replacement), but the drivability issues persisted, confirming the problem. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by independent mechanics multiple times. Insurance roadside service documented over ten incidents where the vehicle would not start or stalled, including two towing events. The manufacturer has not inspected this specific vehicle. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. The check engine light for the mass air flow sensor would illuminate before and during drivability issues. These warnings first appeared in 2017, the first year of ownership. Other symptoms include engine chugging, electrical irregularities (window failure, rapid turn signal flashing), and sudden loss of acceleration.

BOTH front door actuators have failed. Can NOT open the front passenger side door at ALL and the front driver side door will ONLY OPEN from the INSIDE. My passenger had to exit the vehicle through the front passenger side window when the door malfunctioned in January. Then about 2 weeks later we could no longer open the front driver's side door from the outside. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My front seat passenger was trapped in the car. Luckily the window was able to roll down and my passenger was limber enough to crawl out through the window.