Nissan Rogue Remote Start Guide (All Models)

My dad just bought a new Nissan Rogue, and he’s thrilled about his new SUV.

But there was one thing he was unsure about. He wanted to know if his Nissan Rogue came with a remote start feature. So he came to me with the question.

If you’re wondering the same thing, this article is here to help.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Nissan Rogue remote start feature. I’ll cover which models have it, how to use it, and what your options are if your Rogue does not include it.

Let’s dive in!

Compatible Models

Well, not every Nissan Rogue comes with the remote engine start feature. It depends on the model year and trim level.

I’ll break it down so you’ll know exactly which versions of the Rogue include this feature and which ones do not.

2024-2025 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 and 2025 Nissan Rogue models come with a remote engine start feature on almost all trim levels, except for the base model.

Nissan has also made it even more convenient by including this feature in the NissanConnect service, which lets you start your vehicle right from your smartphone.

• Nissan Rogue S (Not Available)
• Nissan Rogue SV (Via Key fob & Smartphone)
• Nissan Rogue SL (Via Key fob & Smartphone)
• Nissan Rogue Platinum (Via Key fob & Smartphone)
• Nissan Rogue Rock Creek (Via Key fob & Smartphone)

As you can see in the chart above, most of the latest Nissan Rogue models come with a remote engine start feature. What’s even better is that you can control it using your smartphone.

To do that, you’ll need to download a dedicated app, and an additional subscription fee is required. We’ll cover how it works and what it costs a bit later in the article.

2017-2023 Nissan Rogue

If you drive an older Nissan Rogue from the 2017 to 2023 model years, the remote start feature is available on several trim levels.

That said, it can be a bit tricky to confirm exactly which trims have it. From what I’ve found, the SL and Platinum trims, the two highest options, come with remote engine start.

The easiest way to check if your Rogue has this feature is by looking at the key fob. If it’s a keyless fob with buttons only and no metal key to insert, there’s a good chance your vehicle is equipped with remote start.

How to Remote Start Your Nissan Rogue

Using The Key Fob

Now that you’ve confirmed your model is compatible, the next step is learning how to use the remote start feature on your Nissan Rogue.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Press the LOCK button on your key fob to lock the doors.
2. Make sure you’re aiming the key fob at the vehicle.
3. Press and hold the remote start button for about 5 seconds. The engine should start, and you’ll see the turn signals flash and the tail lights turn on.
4. The engine will run for 10 minutes before shutting off automatically. If you want to restart it, just repeat the steps above.

A Few Things to Know About Using Remote Start on the Nissan Rogue

• The remote engine start works from up to 197 feet (60 meters) away from the vehicle.
• When the engine starts remotely, the front parking lights will turn on and stay on while the engine is running.
• The doors will automatically lock. On some models, the air conditioning may also turn on.
• If you use the remote start while the engine is already running, an extra 10 minutes will be added right away. For example, if the engine has been running for 3 minutes and you activate remote start again, it will keep running for a total of 13 minutes.

(Nissan Rogue Owner’s Manual)

If you prefer visual instructions, feel free to check out the video below.

Using Your Smartphone

If you prefer to use the Nissan app to remotely start your Rogue, you’ll need an active subscription or trial to the NissanConnect Premium packages.

The MyNISSAN app offers more than just remote engine start. You can also use it to lock and unlock the doors, control the lights, sound the horn, manage the alarm, track your vehicle’s location, and more.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll need an active subscription to use the NissanConnect Premium service. The good news is that Nissan offers it free for the first 3 years on the latest Rogue models.

After the trial period ends, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee of around $13 per month to keep using NissanConnect Premium features, including remote engine start.

Remote Start Not Working on Your Nissan Rogue? Let’s Fix It

If the remote engine start doesn’t work, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Sometimes, certain conditions just haven’t been met.

Here are a few things to check before trying again:

• The hood isn’t fully closed.
• The hazard lights are on.
• The engine is already running.
• One or more doors aren’t securely closed.
• The liftgate is open or not properly closed.
• The anti-theft alarm is triggered.
• The remote start was already used once without the vehicle being driven — to use it again, the car must be driven at least 4 MPH (7 km/h) first.
• The gear shift is not in (P) park position.

If all the conditions above are met and the remote engine start still doesn’t work, there may be an issue. Here are some common reasons:

• Low key fob battery – If the battery in your key fob is weak or dead, some features like remote start may stop working. Try replacing it with a fresh battery.
• Second key fob is inside the vehicle – If the second key fob is inside the car, it may interfere with the remote start function.
• Key system malfunction – If there’s a problem with the key system, you’ll usually see a warning message on the vehicle information display, and remote start may be disabled.

Aftermarket Options

If you’re driving a 2016 Nissan Rogue or older, you won’t have access to the remote engine start feature by default.

However, the good news is that you can upgrade by installing an aftermarket remote start module. This allows you to enjoy the convenience of remote engine start, even on older Rogue models.

Before making a decision, here are a few important things to consider.

Cost

The cost of remote engine start parts for the Nissan Rogue typically ranges from $150 to $250, not including installation.

I strongly recommend choosing a reputable brand, even if it comes at a slightly higher price. A well-known brand usually means better reliability and customer support.

Also, make sure the product you choose comes with at least a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Installation

Once you’ve found a quality remote start kit, it’s important to ensure it’s installed properly for safety reasons.

Because the installation involves several electrical components, safety should be your top priority. I recommend having a skilled professional handle the installation to avoid potential issues.

If you’re experienced with this kind of work, many kits come with clear installation guides, and some even include video tutorials to walk you through the process.

However, if you’re not fully confident, paying a professional to do the job is a smart and worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Remote engine start is one of the most useful features in the Nissan Rogue. It lets you start your vehicle remotely without even getting inside.

This feature is especially handy in the winter when it’s freezing outside. Instead of going out to warm up your car, you can start it from the comfort of your home. On some models, the cabin will even begin to heat automatically to a comfortable temperature.

So by the time you get in, the car’s already warm and ready to go. No more shivering while waiting for the heater to kick in.

If you have any questions about the remote start feature on your Nissan Rogue, or if you’d like to share your experience, feel free to drop a comment, I’d love to hear from you!