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2018 Nissan Rogue: hesitation when accelerating

7 of the 672 complaints about the 2018 Nissan Rogue describe hesitation when accelerating.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 41 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Hesitation when accelerating by model year

What owners say

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine · RI

Around 100,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing intermittent hesitation, sudden loss of power, and frequent stalling. Prior to the complete failure, the vehicle would occasionally hesitate during acceleration and feel like it was losing engine power while driving. Over time, the problem became more frequent. One day, while driving approximately 50 mph on a side road, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning and completely lost power. I was luckily able to avoid an accident, and no one was injured, but the sudden shutdown created a serious safety hazard and significantly increased the risk of being rear-ended by other vehicles. The vehicle continues to stall frequently and hesitate during operation, making it unsafe to drive. The failed component was confirmed by Nissan. The dealership diagnosed the issue and recommended replacement of the defective part for over $900. However, a Nissan mechanic explained that the repair only involved removing and replacing the common problem, which is the Mass air flow sensor, secured by two screws. I replaced the component myself for approximately $90, and the vehicle temporarily improved. Unfortunately, the stalling, hesitation, and loss of power have returned and now occur constantly. The failed component should still be available for inspection upon request. The issue was confirmed by Nissan personnel, although I completed the repair independently rather than paying the dealership repair cost. Prior to the failure, the vehicle showed symptoms including hesitation, intermittent power loss, and stalling beginning around 100,000 miles. These symptoms worsened over time until the vehicle completely shut down while driving. This appears to be a common issue affecting Nissan vehicles and creates a serious safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine shutdown while driving.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Transmission · VA

around 170,000 miles the vehicle started to feel like it was jerking when you went to pull off. eventually when you put it into reverse and barely press the gas, the engine would rev loud and you can hear the transmission get loud and the car would start to jerk driving backwards. driving down the road after around 30 mins you can feel under the gear shifter and the center console will start to disperse heat to where my leg starts to get real hot. sometimes it jerks and hesitates to take off way more then often. i have got a friend that does mechanical work to look at and drive the vehicle and he says that yes it is a transmission issue.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Transmission · WA

The vehicle has hesitated intermittently for some time. More recently, it becomes stuck in 1st gear, revving to over 4,000 RPM. The only temporary fix for both issues is to turn off the engine and restart. Service Visits: 1. 7/22/2025 – Tacoma Nissan – 77,663 miles - Reported intermittent sluggishness and hesitation when accelerating. - No codes found. - Requested CVT fluid check per TSB. Dealer refused unless I paid for a full fluid change. 2. 7/24/2025 – Korum Nissan – 77,731 miles - Paid for CVT fluid change since Tacoma Nissan refused to inspect without it. - Problem persisted. 3. 7/28/2025 – Korum Nissan – 77,960 miles - Reported hesitation and possible limp mode. - No codes found; no repairs made.I am filing this complaint regarding my 2018 Nissan Rogue S AWD with an ongoing CVT transmission problem. This model is known to be affected by documented transmission issues, and Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) — specifically NTB15-083b and NTB20-035a — covering situations exactly like mine, where the transmission exhibits hesitation, poor acceleration, or becomes stuck in low gear without storing any diagnostic trouble codes. Relevant TSB Guidance as It Applies to My Case: - NTB15-083b and NTB20-035a instruct that even when no DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) are present, service departments must follow Nissan’s CVT performance diagnostics. - This includes checking CVT fluid condition, inspecting for internal pressure loss, and assessing for mechanical wear that may require replacement. - These TSBs also address repeated hesitation, sluggish acceleration, or limp mode behavior that temporarily resolves when the ignition is cycled — exactly what my vehicle experiences. Despite three documented service visits in July 2025 confirming my complaints and matching these TSB descriptions, the dealerships did not follow the required TSB procedures or replace the transmission. With my factory warranty expiring on August 24, 2025, I am at immediate

Filed Feb 4, 2022 · Acceleration · CA

When diving and accelerating the speed stays between 25-40 miles and will not go over 40. It seems like I have cruise control on but I don't. I have to pull over and turn the vehicle off. When I start it again it works fine. It has happened at least 10 times already. Also, when I accelerate from a stop sign the vehicle hesitates to respond, several seconds later the vehicle was fine. Turning the vehicle on/off seems to fix the problem. I'm scared to drive on the freeway. Please fix this issue.

Filed Dec 25, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 55,000 miles · IN

Vehicle transmission stutters and struggles to shift in higher gears. Occasionally knocks. The transfer case was faulty 3 months ago and broke/fell apart while I was driving down the highway. The vehicle almost lost control and the dealership said the transfer arm had snapped. The transmission still makes the same heavy knocking and occasionally 'slips' as the CVT transmission hesitates to shift. The vehicle has very slow acceleration because of this and even when accelerating at a slow speed like from a stop sign the tires will jump as if the axles are moving faster or slower than the transmission is firing.

Filed Sep 12, 2019 · Engine · 1,200 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 nissan rogue. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate forcefully when the accelerator pedal was depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to garden city nissan (located at 316 n franklin st, hempstead, ny 11550, (516) 483-4400) where it was diagnosed that unknown sensors needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. On september 11, 2019, the vehicle seized and stalled in the middle of traffic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,200. *tt

Filed May 28, 2018 · Engine · 1,000 miles · GA

Engine hesitates when accelerating which is dangerous when pulling into traffic.

Questions about the 2018 Nissan Rogue hesitation

Is hesitation when accelerating a common problem on the 2018 Nissan Rogue?

7 of 672 owner complaints about the 2018 Nissan Rogue (1%) mention hesitation when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Nissan Rogue?

There are 0 recalls and 41 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Nissan Rogue

Grinding brakes 35Collision warning 32Stalling 29Backup camera 22Phantom braking 22Check engine light 20CVT failure 19ABS 16Adaptive cruise 14Jerking 13Sunroof shattered 13Airbag light 11Key fob 11Shudder 10Door locks 9Transmission failure 9Screen failure 8Won't start 8No deployment 7Loss of power 7Overheating 6Engine failure 5

All model years of the Nissan Rogue

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