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Nissan Rogue harsh shifting problems

24 of the 7,451 owner complaints about the Nissan Rogue describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
24
worst model year
2016
typical mileage
16,448
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    1
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    5
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    2

What owners say

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · TX

On March 20, 2026, at 83,606 miles I reported to Gunn Nissan Dealership my 2018 Nissan was shaking and shuddering.   Over a five-month period , and repeated trips to Gunn Nissan the shaking and shuddering progressed to clunking without Gunn identifying the problem as a cvt issue. On September 6, 2026, Pep Boys discovered that the transmission cvt scudder had completely failed. The cvt failure threatened my safety by leaving me stranded on the road. It is my understanding that a failing transmission has the potential of suddenly seizing up or slipping into neutral while driving.   The Chassis Control error light came on the day after the replacement transmission was installed. The transmission failing has been an extreme financial burden. I  am a Senior Citizen on a fixed income and have had to unexpectedly acquire a new vehicle after having lost confidence in the car's future safety, in Gunn's ability to reliably diagnose needed repairs, and Gunn's and Nissan Consumer Affairs' willingness to comply with the federal safety agency Settlement Agreement, and/or extended warranty contracts as appropriate. I have also incurred expenses of at least $700.00 on rental cars and towing expenses.

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Transmission · CA

After getting a flat tire, I used the spare that comes stock with the vehicle. As soon as I started driving, it said the tire was the incorrect size. I kept driving just trying to get the car home. It then showed awd temp overheating stop vehicle and looking out my rear view mirror I saw smoke. I rolled down the window and started hearing clunking and grinding so I stopped immediately and had it towed the rest of the way. My rear differential is completely broken.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IN

The vehicle became inoperable at high speeds on the interstate, I-65. My husband was able to safely merge to the right shoulder to avoid any crashes. The car made some loud clunking sounds before all power was lost. The car was then towed to the nearest Nissan dealership. It took 3 business days for the dealer to look at the car. The entire engine needed to be replaced. The dealership was able to replace the engine and complete quality assessment/drive and this was completed 4/16/2026. Because this was part of a trip interruption, the dealership is over 150 miles away from my home. I am still not reunited with my car. I have been without this vehicle for 25 days.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · 122,053 miles · TX

I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2022 Nissan Rogue related to the federal safety agency Recall 25V437 (engine bearing failure). Prior to complete engine failure, I experienced multiple instances of sudden loss of power while driving at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard. In one instance, this nearly resulted in a multi-vehicle accident in heavy traffic. The vehicle also exhibited additional symptoms consistent with the recall, including engine shaking, knocking noises, rough riding and hard shifting, burning smell, and warning lights. Nissan performed the recall service, which consisted of reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM). However, this software update did not repair or replace the defective engine components. The vehicle’s condition worsened after the recall service. The engine ultimately failed completely at approximately 122,000 miles, shortly after the recall repair was completed. This indicates that the recall remedy is ineffective and does not adequately address the safety risk, as a software update cannot prevent or correct pre-existing mechanical failure of engine bearings. I am concerned that other vehicles with this defect remain at risk of sudden power loss and potential crashes despite having the recall performed.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Transmission · AZ

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission malfunctioned when I shifted from reverse to drive. It took extra effort to put it into drive from reverse, and when it finally shifted/clunked into place it made a loud sound, literally jerking the car. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not, yet. I have an appt at 7:30 a.m. on 3/24 with Pinnacle Nissan repair, but they are not aware of this issue yet. I will add it this morning, 3/23/2026. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

Filed Feb 12, 2026 · Body · 98,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle shuddered and swayed to one side and made an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle was pulled over into a parking lot and parked. A neighbor inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the passenger’s side rear wheel needed to be aligned and that the rear trailing arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Engine · 37,400 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal ticking sound. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, the contact changed the oil, and the contact noticed metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact stated that two days later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud clunking sound and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed of a recall on the VIN that was associated with the recall. The contact was advised that if a diagnostic test was performed, the contact would be responsible for the diagnostic fees and had to pay out of pocket for the repair. The vehicle had been with the dealer since June 2025. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 37,400.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Transmission · WA

hesitation during acceleration, jerking, shuddering, and delayed / rough shifting. Constant whirring noise, rattling noise when accelerating. RPM above 1 even when parked. Struggles to gain power when accelerating. Sounds and issues listed above have increasing gotten worse over time.

Filed May 21, 2025 · Transmission · MA

The transmission began stuttering and making clunking noises as it was being driven normally down the road. This issue put me and my family at risk because we were not sure if we’d make it home and if the transmission would suddenly lock up leading us to an accident. The car has been gone through by a dealership in Jacksonville NC and was declared to have a faulty transmission. The check engine light turned on right when the stuttering started to occur

Filed Oct 30, 2024 · Engine · CA

Slipping and hard shifting of the transmission

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported June 30, 2026 · 5,823 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Rogue vehicles. The instrument panel may not display the transmission gear selection indicator. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect."
Risk
A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission control valve assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800‑647‑7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PD198. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on July 2, 2026.

Recall number 26V419000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported November 20, 2015 · 33,880 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Rogue vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to May 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, due to a problem with the shift selector knob, it may be possible to shift out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the shift selector can be moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the shift selector knob, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 15V775000 · Recall details

Questions about the Nissan Rogue harsh shifting

Which Nissan Rogue years have harsh or hard shifting problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (5 complaints), 2017 (3 complaints) and 2008 (2 complaints).

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