The Nissan Rogue is seeing another recall. Almost 800,000 in the US and Canada, are being recalled for potential fires from an electrical defect. Water has been found getting into wire connections in the driver-side footwell. This can cause corrosion, leading to potential fires from shorts and other issues. The Rogue SUVs that are affected were built between 2014 and 2016. 

Investigators have found a number of issues related to the corrosion, but unrelated to the main concern it also poses. The driver-side front window and also the power seat can stop functioning. Draining the battery until it’s dead, and false warning lights can also be issues.

Does the recall specify what’s causing fires in the Nissan Rogue?

But the big issue is that the corrosion can cause a “thermal event” leading to a fire developing. In fact, seven fires have been reported to the NHTSA so far, according to Automotive News. “In rare cases, a fire could potentially occur, increasing the risk of injury,” Nissan said in the report. It also said that it is not aware of any injuries as a result of these fires. 

But Nissan says it knows of three “unconfirmed incidents” here in the US. It is not sure if they are related to these findings or not.  “If water and salt collect in the driver’s side footwell, it may wick up the dash side harness tape and enter the connector,” the NHTSA reports in the recall notice. 

Recalls and lawsuits have plagued the Rogue

For years the Nissan Rogue has been under the spotlight leading to recalls and lawsuits. The CVT transmission has seen major complaints, leading to a class-action lawsuit for these same model year Rogues; 2014-2016. Stalling, jerking, shaking, and more have been some of the results of what the lawsuit says is a poorly-engineered transmission. 

More recently, the 2021 Rogue was recalled twice last year. Every 2021 model was recalled for faulty welds in the seat frames. And another was for leaking fuel lines that could lead to a fire. Fuel economy, being underpowered, and lack of interior insulation have been common throughout the Rogue’s lifetime.

That’s not to say that Rogues have no redeeming qualities. Owner forums sing the praises of a comfortable ride, comfortable seats, and spirited handling. And its size seems to hit a sweet spot for many owners. Blindspot warning, available starting with 2017 models, was also given high marks by owners. 

It has its good points

And the best part may be the price. New models with two-wheel drive retail for under $26,000. With all-wheel drive, they start at $27,330. Those prices are hard numbers to beat for a new SUV in 2022. 

Right now Nissan is exploring how to fix the problem, so there is no information as to what owners should do at this point. It expects to have a fix available by spring. Notices will go out to owners in March.

If you’re a Rogue owner you can go to Nissan’s Safety Recall website for further information. Be ready with the VIN number from your car. You can also see the entire recall announcement on the NHTSA’s website as well.