2020-2024 Nissan Rogue 1.5L VC-Turbo Engine (KR15DDT): Problems and Durability

The new Nissan Rogue is now available in the US with the only engine – the 1.5L 3-cylinder VC-Turbo engine codenamed KR15DDT. The good old 2.5L version is gone ad now you can only get the Rogue with a small and, for a lot of potential buyers, questionable engine. But I should say it now: the powerplant is really good and you aren’t likely to regret your purchase.

Today, I want to tell you more about the 1.5L Turbo engine under the hood of the new Nissan Rogue, its main features, and also common problems. I will cover the longevity of the engine and will see if its 3 cylinders and unusually small displacement are actually enough for this not-really-small SUV.

Although many American buyers are still skeptical of this engine, it obviously has some important advantages to be considered. Even though I personally would choose the 4-cylinder 2.5L version if I had a choice, I have to admit that the VC-Turbo series is not bad at all.

Key features of the 1.5L Turbo engine in the Nissan Rogue

So, this is the KR15DDT engine made by Nissan and Infiniti in Japan. This is the younger brother of the beloved 2.0L VC-Turbo that you will find under the hood of the Infiniti QX50, QX55, and also the Nissan Altima. The 1.5L version differs only in one important thing – it lacks one cylinder.

Overall, the engine looks pretty good when you investigate its main features and specs. Also, I haven’t heard a single early report about problems with the machine, so this proves that Nissan did a really good job with this powerplant. It’s now only used in the Rogue and its Eurasian sister called X-Trail. But new applications are yet to come.

Here are some facts you may want to know:

• this is the 3-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that offers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque – a very good power rating for such a small engine;
• the VC acronym in the name of the engine means Variable Compression and this is the technology that allows the engine to be as flexible as no other engine of this type;
• both camshafts have their phasers and work as efficiently as they can to ensure more power and better gas consumption;
• the timing system in the 1.5 VC-Turbo is driven by a chain and this is the first thing that causes concerns in terms of durability;
• the system of direct injection seems the only possible option for the engine but it will bring its disadvantages after you cover some miles;
• traditionally for Nissan cars, this engine is equipped with the CVT unit – you may like it or hate it, but there is still no other option;
• now the most interesting part – the engine offers 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on highways – this is the wonderful gas mileage for such an SUV.

The top advantage of the engine is the great gas mileage. You have access to over 200 horsepower and great torque and you still can drive using so little fuel. Such engines still save the hope for internal combustion engines to stay at least some more years and compete with hybrids and EVs that are actively taking over the market.

The engine is really fun to drive. With its CVT transmission, you won’t feel any shifting moves. The power is available from low RPM and is pretty impressive. You can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and this seems like a good thing for a small 3-cylinder engine in such a big car.

How long will the 1.5L VC-Turbo survive in your Rogue?

If you want to know more about the longevity of this engine, you will have to wait some years till we have some high-mileage cars out there. Now, people only started buying these Rogues and I haven’t seen any with the mileage over 20K miles. Of course, at this mileage, you aren’t likely to have any problem with the engines even if it has a pack of surprises there for you.

According to the used technologies, power rating, and displacement, I suppose, this engine is good to go about 140,000 miles. This should be considered the average lifespan of the Rogue engine which means that some drivers will get it to 200,000 miles but some will need to repair the engine at 100,000 miles.

You will start getting first big problems at about 100K miles when the CVT will ask for repair or replacement and then the chain will most likely start rattling. Also, the intake valves will be clogged at this mileage and the VC system is not likely to work properly and will require some attention as well as the phasers.

But those are mostly minor repairs (even though they will cost you some money). Major problems will come later – after you hit the 140,000-mile mark. After that, I suppose, it would be cheaper to change a car or replace the engine than to try and maintain this VC-Turbo unit for at least another 10K miles.

What are the common problems with the Rogue 1.5 Tubo engine?

The KR15DDT engine seems to be quite decent and doesn’t have any reported problems as of now when I’m writing the article. But I’m sure it will show some in the nearest future. This is not the first KR engine (they have been made since 2018), and I already know a lot about their weaknesses.

So, let’s see what some of the expected common problems with this engine are:

1. VC system issues after 100K miles

I won’t describe how the variable compression system works in this engine because it’s too technical and long to read. But you should know that the actuators and also sensors involved in this system are not eternal. What’s more, they are going to cost a lot of money when they die and you need to replace them.

We have some stats about the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine in the QX50 and some of these units have already shown these variable compression issues that you should beware. I see no reasons why these problems won’t show up in the Rogue engine.

2. Timing chain problems

The chain is not really thick and durable. I believe, like in any modern vehicle, the chain will rattle at about 100,000 miles and will require replacement. It means that you are going to spend some money because the chain kit is not cheap and the labor in the dealership is insanely expensive.

Why dealership? Because one more common problem if this engine is that no repair shops will take it for repair. The engine is extremely complicated thanks to its VC system and some other technologies, so I would only go to the Nissan dealership for repair and maintenance but I just feel how my budget starts suffering because of this.

3. Intake valves will get carbon buildup

This is the direct-injection engine and it doesn’t have any port injectors to help clean the carbon buildup from intake valves. The valves will get clogged at about 30K miles and will require cleaning to avoid bad idling, poor power, gas mileage drop, etc.

Also, the injectors themselves are not eternal. You will most likely replace them at 100K miles or earlier. While this may seem like no big deal, you need to see the price for the new OEM injectors for the VC-Turbo engine and you will understand why I list it as one of the problems.

4. Start-stop issues

One more problem you will have to deal with is the glitchy start-stop system. It’s a well-known issue for the Infiniti QX50 with a similar (but 4-cylinder) engine. And the Rogue inherited the same problem. It’s almost impossible to use the car until you deactivate the system.

One problem – the gas mileage drops a little when you deactivate the start-stop in your Rogue. But with the activated system, you are most likely to stall at unexpected places and fail to start when you badly need this.

Important maintenance and use tops for the 1.5L VC-Turbo engine

Your Nissan Rogue has a very technological but extremely tender engine. It needs your attention to survive through all the possible difficulties.

Here are some things you should pay attention to:

• be prepared for a very expensive maintenance at 100,000 miles;
• check the timing chain starting with 60K miles and then every 20,000 miles;
• check the oil level regularly to avoid turbo problems;
• avoid aggressive driving – a pedal-to-the-metal attitude is not for the new Rogue;
• check the health of the CVT at 100K miles;
• make sure you use only recommended type of oil and OEM filters and parts for maintenance;
• better visit the dealership for repairs even if the warranty period is already over.

Unfortunately, you can’t avoid some of the common issues in this engine and you will have to invest in it quite a lot to keep it running. But if you still want a gas engine, the 3-cylinder 1.5L VC-Turbo seems like a compromise between your wishes and ecology rules in the country that are getting tougher year after year.

I like the 1.5L Turbo engine in the Nissan Rogue and I’m surprised by how well it goes. Also, the gas mileage is unbelievable for a non-hybrid powerplant. But if you want a bulletproof engine, it’s not about this Nissan unit, so keep this in mind.