MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

Nissan Rogue

NHTSA safety across every Nissan Rogue model year we cover.

Across the 8 model years of the Nissan Rogue we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 84 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 76. 34 recalls have been issued across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-02

The Nissan Rogue is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market. Aimed squarely at families and commuters who want a practical, fuel-conscious daily driver with available all-wheel drive, the Rogue has consistently ranked among the best-selling vehicles in the United States. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.

The Nissan Rogue's safety picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years is a study in contrasts: moments of genuine strength sitting alongside a complaint and recall volume that demands a shopper's attention. At its best, the Rogue earned an NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 in the 2020 model year, landing in the Strong band. Side-impact protection is a clear highlight, with the best-tested years earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal and rollover protection come in at 4 out of 5 stars, which is respectable but not class-leading. The concern we cannot overlook is the recall count: 33 recalls across just seven model years is a high figure for any vehicle. Pair that with 1,953 owner complaints, including 89 alleged crashes, 14 alleged fires, and 71 alleged injuries, and the picture becomes more complicated. Those complaints are unverified allegations, and not every complaint reflects a defect, but the sheer volume signals that Rogue owners are experiencing enough issues to report them at a notably elevated rate. Shoppers who prioritize side-impact performance and who stay current on recall repairs will find a competent crossover here. Those who are sensitive to recall frequency should weigh the full record carefully before signing. The Rogue earns an Average-to-Strong safety band overall, with the 2020 model year representing the high watermark in our covered range.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Nissan Rogue as a comfortable, family-friendly compact crossover with a spacious interior and smooth ride quality that suits everyday driving well. Most find it a sensible mainstream choice in a crowded segment, though professional assessments tend to note that it faces stiff competition from rivals that edge it out on driving dynamics and some technology features.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2020 Rogue represents the strongest safety performance in our covered range, achieving an NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100 and landing in the Strong band. If safety scores are your primary filter, that model year is the benchmark within this generation.
  • Side-impact crash protection is the Rogue's most consistent strength, earning 5 out of 5 stars in the best-tested years. Frontal and rollover ratings of 4 out of 5 are solid but leave room for improvement compared to top-rated competitors.
  • Thirty-three recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years is a high figure for a single nameplate over that span. Before purchasing any used Rogue, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov to confirm all open recalls have been remedied at no cost to you.
  • Owner-reported complaints total 1,953 across our covered years, including 89 alleged crashes, 14 alleged fires, and 71 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is elevated enough that prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's database for the model year they are considering.

Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Nissan Rogue with 10 recalls.

BY YEARRogue by model year