SUV Recall: Defective Key Could Turn Off Nissan Rogues While Driving

More than 700,000 Nissan Rogue and Rogue Sport SUVs were recalled because the jackknife-style key may collapse while the vehicle is in motion, causing it to turn off the engine, according to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Nissan/AP Newsroom

Over time, the pivot of the jackknife key can weaken, causing the key to unlock and rotate downward. If the affected model is being driven with the key in the collapsed position, contact with the key fob by the driver could turn the engine off, increasing the chance of an accident.

The recall affects 712,458 base “S” level versions of Nissan Rogue 2014-2020 and Rogue Sport 2017-2022 models. Other levels and Rogue vehicles produced more recently are not affected.

To check whether a specific vehicle is affected by this or any recall, consumers can enter their vehicle identification number on the NHTSA’s safety recall page.

While Nissan works on repairing the issue, consumers are advised not to attach anything to the key fob and to use the key in a nonfolding position. If a key is unable to remain in the open position, consumers should contact an authorized Nissan dealer for further guidance.

Owners of all potentially affected vehicles will be notified by Nissan at the beginning of March with a letter in the mail. The company placed a stop sale order on all affected models, meaning that dealers cannot sell, lease, trade, rent or loan the vehicles until the problem is corrected, according to the safety recall report.

Consumers with other questions should refer to the bulletin released by the company.