2017 Nissan Rogue Sport Safety Report

The 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to significant powertrain concerns despite a low number of reported crashes and injuries. With 72 total complaints, the most frequent issues revolve around the POWER TRAIN (15 complaints) and ENGINE (13 complaints), indicating potential widespread mechanical vulnerabilities. Several complaints detail critical failures such as the vehicle shutting down while driving, stalling, hesitation, and complete CVT transmission failure, which directly impact vehicle control and increase crash risk. For instance, one complaint describes the car flooring forward instead of reversing, narrowly missing a house, and another details the vehicle failing to accelerate while making a left turn across traffic, leading to a 'close call'. Recall history for this model includes one significant recall (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER) affecting 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles. This recall addresses a defect where the jackknife style ignition key may collapse, potentially shutting off the vehicle inadvertently while driving and increasing the risk of a crash. This recall directly correlates with complaints about the vehicle shutting off or acting like it's reading the remote key while driving. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for the 2017 Rogue Sport, the pattern of powertrain and engine complaints, coupled with the ignition key recall, suggests areas of concern regarding operational reliability and control. Common complaint patterns highlight issues with the CVT transmission, including judder, stalling, hesitation, and complete failure, often at relatively low mileages (e.g., 60,000 miles). Engine problems such as burning oil due to bad piston rings, overheating due to radiator fan issues, and unexpected shutdowns are also prevalent. Electrical system complaints, beyond the recall, include door ajar warnings, dome lights failing to turn off, and non-functional door locks. The combination of these mechanical and electrical issues, some of which can lead to a loss of propulsion or control, raises concerns about the vehicle's long-term operational safety and reliability.

Our recommendation: Given the prevalent and severe powertrain issues, including CVT failures and engine problems, along with an ignition key recall, potential buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically focusing on the transmission and engine health.