DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 227 – From Eric M. from Philadelphia, PA
Dear Suzanne,
I bought my 2024 Nissan Rogue because I wanted a car that made driving easier, not harder. With its driver-assist features, automatic braking, and lane-keeping technology, I thought I was upgrading to something safer and more convenient.
Instead, I got a car that slams on the brakes for no reason, fights me on the highway, and glitches out when I need it most. Honestly, I feel safer in an older car without all these so-called safety features—at least then, I’d be the one in control.
A Car That Slams on the Brakes for No Reason
The first time it happened, I was pulling into a parking space when the car suddenly locked up and came to a complete stop. My heart raced as I tried to figure out what had just happened. There was nothing in front of me—no car, no person, no obstacle. Just an empty spot.
I brushed it off. Maybe the automatic braking system detected something I couldn’t see. But then it happened again. And again.
On the highway, the car briefly braked at 65 mph—for no reason. Luckily, no one was behind me, or it could have been a disaster. Another time, it slammed to a halt at a stop sign, nearly sending my coffee flying.
After the third time, I took it to Nissan. They ran diagnostics, updated the software, and assured me it was fixed. It wasn’t. The next week, it happened again.
Steering That Works Against Me
As if random braking wasn’t enough, the lane-keeping assist has a mind of its own.
I’ll be cruising on the highway, hands steady on the wheel, when the car suddenly jerks to the side, “correcting” a mistake that doesn’t exist. The worst moment? I was merging onto the freeway when the steering assist decided I shouldn’t be changing lanes—it yanked me back, almost making me swerve into another car.
I took it back to the Nissan dealership. They told me the system was working properly and that I “just had to get used to it.” I don’t need to “adjust” to a car that actively puts me in danger.
Technology That Fails When I Need It Most
As if braking and steering issues weren’t bad enough, now the tech system is failing, too.
- The backup camera shuts off randomly, usually when I actually need it.
- The touchscreen freezes mid-drive, forcing me to restart the system just to change the radio.
- The blind spot detection goes off for no reason but stays silent when there is actually a car next to me.
Three trips to Nissan, and all they do is install software updates. Each time, they tell me it’s fixed. Each time, the problems continue.
I’m Not Letting This Car Get Me Killed
I bought this Rogue for its safety features, but they make me feel less safe than ever.
Every time I drive, I wonder: Will my car slam on the brakes again? Will the lane-keeping assist fight me for control? Will the touchscreen freeze when I need navigation?
I’ve been to Nissan three times, and they just keep resetting the system like I’m the problem. I don’t trust their repairs anymore.
Does My Nissan Rogue Qualify Under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?
I’ve had multiple repair attempts, and Nissan keeps saying, “It’s just a software issue.” That doesn’t help when my car is malfunctioning in ways that put me and others at risk.
- Do repeated braking and steering malfunctions count under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?
- How many more times do I have to let Nissan “fix” this before I can file a claim?
- Can I demand a refund or replacement instead of endless software updates?
I refuse to keep driving a car I don’t trust. Nissan had their chances to fix this, and they failed. What are my options now, Suzanne?
Eric M. from Philadelphia, PA
Editor’s Note: Letter has been edited for clarity, and personally identifiable details like names and actual locations have been changed to protect the letter sender’s privacy.
Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law Can Put You Back in Control of Your Nissan Rogue
Dear Eric,
I completely understand why you’re frustrated, Eric. You bought a car that was supposed to make driving safer and easier, yet it’s doing the exact opposite. Dealing with sudden braking, unpredictable steering, and failing tech isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. You’ve done your part by giving Nissan multiple chances to fix the issue, and now it’s time to talk about your rights under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law.
Do repeated braking and steering malfunctions count under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?
Yes, they do. Pennsylvania’s Automobile Lemon Law (73 P.S. § 1951 – § 1963) covers defects that substantially impair the use, value, or safety of a vehicle. Sudden braking, steering interference, and malfunctioning safety systems absolutely qualify, especially when they make your car unsafe to drive. Since your dealership hasn’t been able to permanently fix these problems, your car likely meets the standard for a lemon.
How many more times do I have to let Nissan ‘fix’ this before I can file a claim?
Under Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer gets three repair attempts for the same problem, or your car must be out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Based on what you’ve described, it sounds like you’ve already met these requirements. Since Nissan keeps resetting the system without actually fixing the issue, you shouldn’t have to keep going back.
Can I push for a refund or replacement instead of dealing with endless updates that don’t work?
Yes. If your car qualifies as a lemon, Pennsylvania’s law gives you the right to a full refund or a replacement vehicle—your choice. Nissan can’t force you to accept more software updates if they aren’t solving the problem. Also, Pennsylvania limits mileage deductions to 10% of the purchase price (unlike some states where they take more), meaning you won’t lose a huge chunk of your refund if you choose that option.
What’s the next step?
At this point, your best move is to speak with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney. The law is on your side, but manufacturers don’t always make the process easy. An experienced attorney can handle Nissan for you and push for the best possible outcome—whether that’s a refund, a replacement, or a settlement. Most Lemon Law attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting advice.
The Sooner You Act, The Better
Eric, you’ve given Nissan more than enough opportunities to make this right, and they’ve failed you every time. You deserve a car that’s safe, reliable, and actually works the way it should. Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law was created for situations like this, and you have strong legal rights on your side. I strongly suggest reaching out to a Lemon Law attorney to take the next step toward getting rid of this lemon once and for all.
Suzanne
Quick Solutions for Your 2024 Nissan Rogue Lemon Problems!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Pennsylvania Lemon Law or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Pennsylvania Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2024 Nissan Rogue ©Bull-Doser (Public Domain)
