Nissan vehicle problems, common complaints, recalls, and TSBs (2020–2026 model years) focus heavily on popular models including the Rogue, Altima, Pathfinder, Sentra, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Armada, and others. Data draws primarily from NHTSA recalls and investigations, owner complaint patterns (CarComplaints, forums, Consumer Reports references), and manufacturer reports. Newer model years (especially 2025–2026) have fewer accumulated complaints due to limited time on the road.

Nissan's CVT transmissions remain a frequent owner complaint theme across many models (shuddering, hesitation, delayed acceleration, slipping, overheating, or premature failure), though severity and frequency appear lower than in pre-2020 generations for some vehicles. Electrical/infotainment issues (cameras, displays, sensors, batteries), engine concerns (particularly VC-Turbo variants), and software-related problems also recur. Reliability varies by model and year; always verify a specific VIN on NHTSA.gov or Nissan's recall lookup tool, as not every vehicle is affected.

Major Common Complaints and Problems

• CVT / Transmission: Ongoing reports of rough/jerky shifting, hesitation on acceleration, shuddering, slipping, and (less commonly in recent years) outright failure. Affects Rogue, Altima, Sentra, and others. Fluid degradation, belt wear, and overheating are cited factors. Some owners report improvements with software updates or fluid services, but repair costs can be high if full replacement is needed.
• VC-Turbo Engines (1.5L 3-cylinder KR15DDT and 2.0L 4-cylinder): Bearing failures, abnormal noise/knocking, metal debris in oil, rough running, loss of power, stalling, and (rare) engine block breach with fire risk. Primarily Rogue (2021–2025) and limited Altima/Infiniti models. High oil temperatures under certain conditions contribute.
• Electrical / Electronics / Infotainment: Blank or intermittent combination meter displays, rearview camera failures (image not displaying on reverse), battery/charging issues, sensor faults (crank/cam/throttle position), ADAS false activations or malfunctions (e.g., automatic emergency braking), and software glitches. Common across Rogue, Kicks, Frontier, Pathfinder, and newer models.
• Other recurring issues: AC performance (uneven cooling), brakes (premature wear, caliper concerns in limited cases), suspension/steering feel, water leaks/mold smells, oil consumption, and seat/frame weld or mounting problems (often recalled). Pathfinder (2022+) has reports of brakes, engine, electrical, and transmission concerns alongside early seat recalls. Frontier owners note shifting behavior and electrical glitches. Leaf battery-related fire risks during certain charging.

Complaint volumes on sites like CarComplaints are higher for earlier years in the range (e.g., 2021 Rogue) and lower for very recent models. NHTSA owner questionnaires and warranty claims drove several investigations that became recalls.

Notable Recalls (2020–2026)

Recalls are safety-related and free at dealers. Numbers are approximate/potential units; actual defect rate is often low. Key examples (not exhaustive—check VIN):

• VC-Turbo Engine Bearings (NHTSA 25V437000 / expansions 26V080): 2021–2024 (and some 2025) Rogue (~348k+), 2019–2020 Altima (~5.7k), Infiniti QX50/QX55. Manufacturing defect in bearings (main, A-/C-/L-link) or related components can cause engine damage/failure, loss of power, and rare fire risk from oil discharge. Remedy: Inspect oil pan for debris; reprogram ECM, replace gasket/oil, or full engine replacement if needed. Expanded in 2026 for additional 2023–2025 Rogue 1.5L units (~324k potential) due to high oil temperature effects. Related throttle body software issue (26V081) for some 2024–2025 Rogues (stalling/inability to shift).
• 2026 Rogue Gear Selection Indicator (NHTSA 26V419000 / PD198): ~5,823 vehicles. Missing indicator can allow unintended movement or rollaway. Remedy: Inspect/replace transmission control valve assembly. Owner letters planned around August 2026.
• Door Strikers (improperly welded): Certain 2025 Altima/Sentra, 2025–2026 Frontier, 2026 Kicks (~26k+). Risk of door opening while moving. Remedy: Inspect/replace strikers.
• Combination Meter / Display Blank: Certain 2025–2026 Kicks (and related). Screen goes partially/fully blank. Software/hardware fix.
• Rearview Camera / Infotainment Software: Multiple campaigns affecting 2025+ Frontier, Kicks, Armada, Murano, Pathfinder, and others (tens of thousands of units). Image may not display on reverse or at startup. Software updates common.
• Leaf Battery: 2021–2022 (~19k) lithium-ion packs may overheat/fire risk during Level 3 charging (software issue; prior years also affected). Limited 2026 Leaf high-voltage battery inspection/recall for fire risk while parked.
• Other notable:
• Jackknife ignition key collapse (23V093000) — certain 2014–2020 Rogue / 2017–2022 Rogue Sport.
• Seat frames/tracks/headrests (various 2022 Pathfinder and limited 2025–2026 Sentra/Kicks) — missing bolts, insufficient welds, or incomplete welding; risk in crash.
• Label inaccuracies (GAWR/GVWR on Armada 2020–2026 with 22-inch wheels, Kicks, etc.).
• Brake calipers (limited 2025 Murano/Pathfinder), daytime running lights, windshield bubbles (Sentra), etc.
• Older residual issues (e.g., certain fuel system or ADAS) may still apply to 2020 models.

Nissan also issued non-safety service campaigns and software updates. Production date ranges and specific engine/serial traceability apply to many engine recalls.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

TSBs address non-recall issues, diagnostics, and repairs (often software). Examples from NHTSA archives (not exhaustive):

• ECM/EEPROM DTCs (P062F, P0603) on various 2019–2021+ models with direct injection (reprogramming).
• CAN communication diagnostics (updated for many 2005–2022 vehicles, with exclusions for newer platforms).
• ADAS/ICC false activations (software reprogramming on 2017–2020 Rogue family).
• USM configuration updates and voluntary service campaigns on 2021–2023 Rogue (e.g., PD108/P3A28).
• Various MIL-on DTCs related to fuel, sensors, or emissions (model-specific).
• Campaigns for oil pan inspection or related powertrain items tied to the VC-Turbo issues.

Dealers access full TSB lists via their systems; owners can ask for relevant ones during service. Many modern issues are resolved via ECM or module reprogramming.

Recommendations and Notes

• Check your specific VIN immediately at nhtsa.gov/recalls or nissanusa.com/owners/recalls-vin.html (updated frequently; current as of mid-2026 data).
• For engines/transmissions, watch for unusual noises, warning lights, metal in oil, or performance changes—do not ignore.
• Maintenance (especially CVT fluid intervals if applicable, oil quality/changes) helps mitigate some issues.
• 2025–2026 models show early software, camera, label, and component weld/assembly recalls typical of new production.
• Reliability perceptions of Nissan remain mixed; CVT and the high-volume Rogue VC-Turbo issues have drawn significant attention and lawsuits/investigations historically.

Primary references: NHTSA Part 573 reports and campaign pages (e.g., 25V437, 26V080, 26V419000, 25V655, etc.), Nissan USA recall tool, CarComplaints.com model pages, Consumer Reports recall coverage, and manufacturer chronologies. Data evolves; new campaigns can appear. For the most current or model-specific details, consult NHTSA or a dealer with your VIN. This is a summary of publicly reported issues and does not constitute a complete inventory or safety advice for any individual vehicle.