Is the 2009 Nissan Rogue reliable?

It can be a dependable compact SUV with consistent maintenance, but overall reliability is heavily influenced by CVT condition, service history, and how quickly small issues are addressed.

What are the most common 2009 Nissan Rogue problems?

The most common issues include CVT shudder/slip or overheating, oil consumption on some 2.5L engines, suspension wear causing clunks or vibrations, and occasional electrical or sensor-related warning lights.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2009 Nissan Rogue?

Routine maintenance is usually affordable for the class, but costs can rise significantly if the CVT needs major repair or if suspension and tire wear have been neglected.

What are the best years to buy for a Nissan Rogue?

Many shoppers prefer later first-generation and early second-generation examples with documented CVT service and recall/compliance history, but condition and maintenance records matter more than model year alone.

What should I check before buying a used 2009 Nissan Rogue?

Test-drive for CVT shudder, slipping, or delayed engagement; review service records for CVT fluid changes; inspect for uneven tire wear and suspension noise; and scan for stored trouble codes even if the check engine light is off. For more help shopping and owning with confidence, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim details, and maintenance schedules for the 2009 Nissan Rogue.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 Nissan Rogue Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

68/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A practical crossover severely hampered by a problematic and expensive-to-repair transmission.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 Nissan Rogue

Scores roughly in line with adjacent Nissan Rogue years — consistency that often signals a stable platform generation.
The system most likely to surface first: cvt transmission (critical severity).
Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system.

2009 Nissan Rogue: Buy or Avoid?

The 2009 Nissan Rogue is a visually appealing and comfortable compact SUV for its era, offering good practicality and fuel economy. However, its Achilles' heel is the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which poses a significant and often costly reliability risk that potential buyers cannot afford to overlook. Proceed with extreme caution and a robust inspection before purchase.

Biggest Strengths

Generally robust 2.5L engine (if maintained)
Comfortable ride quality for daily commuting
Decent fuel economy for a compact SUV

2009 Nissan Rogue — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2009 Nissan Rogue. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

CVT Transmissioncritical

Suspension Componentsmoderate

Electrical Systemmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2009 Nissan Rogue

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured March 7, 2007, to November 26, 2013, and 2014 Nissan Rogue Select vehicles manufactured September 23, 2013, to July 2, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience an electrical short in the harness connector due to a mixture of snow/water and salt seeping through the carpet on the driver side floor near the harness connector.

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ROGUE VEHICLES. A SCREW IN THE STEERING GEAR HOUSING COVER MAY LOOSEN OVER TIME AND COULD FALL OUT. AS IT LOOSENS, THE STEERING RESPONSE OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE COMPROMISED BUT THE DRIVER WILL RETAIN STEERING CONTROL.

What breaks on the 2009 Nissan Rogue?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Nissan Rogue — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Rogue. Click any year for its full report.

All Nissan Rogue years ranked →Nissan Rogue years to avoid →Nissan Rogue common problems →

Competing 2009s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2007 JeepGrand Cherokee

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Frequently Asked Questions

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