2021 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2021 Rogue
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (60 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 60 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. (51 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 51 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (33 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 33 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (29 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 29 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (27 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 27 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
51 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
10
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of crash.
Wheels Check
The wheel vibration may break the wheel studs and cause the wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
An improperly secured fuel hose may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Seats Red flag
An insecurely anchored child seat can move during a sudden stop or crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Back Over Prevention Check
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
Seat belts that do not retract properly may be difficult to operate, preventing their usage, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
An inoperative rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A loss of brake fluid may reduce braking performance, increasing the risk of 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.
2021 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 2021 Nissan Rogue have?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2021 Rogue. The most serious involve Fuel System, Gasoline (21V957000) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (21V286000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Rogue?
The top complaint areas are Unknown or Other (78 complaints) and Electrical System (60 complaints), out of 288 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 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 Unknown or Other, which drew 78 complaints for this model-year.