Nissan has issued a recall covering more than 800,000 Rogue and Rogue Sport models in North America. The problem rests with the folding key. It can fold while in use, and that could lead to a driver inadvertently shutting off the engine while driving.
The recall, issued on Feb. 17, affects 712,458 vehicles in the U.S. It covers 2014-2020 Nissan Rogue models and 2017-2022 Nissan Rogue Sport models. The Rogue Sport is called the “Qashqai” in Canada, and that model is also part of the recall.
Nissan did not say it received reports of any accidents or injuries as a result of the defect.
Nissan Rogue ‘Key’ Recall
Nissan’s safety recall bulletin filed with safety regulator NHTSA describes it like this:
“Certain 2014-2020 Rogue and 2017-2022 Rogue Sport vehicles have a jackknife key that may not hold the key blade in the extended ‘open’ position. Over time the internal pivot of the jackknife key may weaken, and the key could unlock and rotate downwards. If the vehicle is driven with the key in the collapsed position, contact with the key fob by the driver could inadvertently turn the vehicle off while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.”
In short, if the jackknife key folds even slightly, it makes it easier for the driver to accidentally turn off their vehicle while in motion.
Turning off the engine leads to a loss of power, power steering, and power brakes. Thus, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Only ‘S’ Trim
Nissan says the recall applies specifically to S-grade trim levels of both vehicles. That’s because these were the only models to use this type of folding key. The rest use a push-button start, so drivers of those models don’t need to worry about the recall.
The automaker said in the recall that it is still working on a final fix for the issue. Until the fix is ready, Nissan instructs owners to ensure that the key is not partially folded and avoid attaching accessories to their key fob.
For vehicles still in dealer inventory, Nissan will have dealers put a set screw into the key slot. This stops the key from folding.
Mail notifications to all affected owners start in March 2023. Once the final fix is ready, owners will get a second letter to let them know.
Customers can contact Nissan at 1-800-867-7669. The number for this recall is R22C8.
