2016 Nissan Rogue Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Rogue
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (176 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 176 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (125 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 125 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (63 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 63 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (61 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 61 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (30 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 30 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
52 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
7
Seats Red flag
In the event of a crash, the improperly welded seat back frames may increase the risk of injury.
Air Bags Red flag
If the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, the passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Seats Red flag
The insufficient welds can increase the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
If the front passenger seat occupant is misclassified, the air bag may deploy incorrectly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Structure Red flag
Corrosion of one or both of the rear lift gate support stays could cause a sudden release of pressure.
Electrical System Red flag
Corrosion in the electrical connector can result in power window/seat failure, all-wheel-drive warning light illumination, battery drainage, and electrical connector damage that increases the risk of a fire.
Electrical System Red flag
Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Rogue–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Rogue have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2016 Rogue. The most serious involve Seats (17V716000) and Air Bags (16V244000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Rogue?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (176 complaints) and Electrical System (125 complaints), out of 539 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Rogue?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 176 complaints for this model-year.