Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Nissan Rogue
The 2013 Nissan Rogue has relatively high owner complaints, especially regarding power train and engine issues. It also has one recall for an electrical system problem. Potential buyers should be aware of these concerns, but the reliability seems decent given the limited recall history for this model year.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Nissan Rogue has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 610 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V032000 Electrical Short Due to Water Seepage NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 314 complaints
- Engine 104 complaints
- Air Bags 90 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 90 complaints
- Electrical System 65 complaints
- Unknown or Other 60 complaints
Of the 610 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 16 a fire; across all 610 complaints, owners report 9 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Short circuit risk
How to check: Look for signs of moisture in carpet and connectors.
Engine failures
How to check: Listen for odd noises or vibrations during idle.
Transmission problems
How to check: Check for jerking or slipping during acceleration.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Engine starts smoothly and idles evenly.
Red flag: Rough idle or engine noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Unusual vibrations or noises from the engine.
Red flag: Noticeable engine vibrations
- 03
City driving
What to check: Smooth gear shifts without jerking.
Red flag: Jerky or hard shifts
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Steady acceleration without lag.
Red flag: Delayed acceleration or hesitation
- 05
During turns
What to check: Steering response and feel.
Red flag: Loose or unresponsive steering
- 06
Braking
What to check: Brakes engage smoothly without pulling.
Red flag: Uneven braking or noise
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ease of shifting into park and reverse.
Red flag: Difficult shifting or noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the electrical harness recall been fixed?
- Any history of engine repairs or issues?
- Have you experienced transmission problems?
- Are there any unresolved warning lights?
- How has the car been maintained?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title certificate
- Previous owner's details
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Nissan Rogue at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Nissan Rogue? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.