NHTSA Complaint #11712480 — 2018 NISSAN ROGUE

Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe brake system failure that created an immediate safety hazard. While driving at low speed, the brake pedal traveled to the floor with little to no braking response. The vehicle could not decelerate normally and required significantly increased stopping distance, placing me and other motorists at risk of a collision. Following the incident, the vehicle was evaluated by an independent service provider. Diagnostic results indicated a brake fluid level fault, and findings were consistent with a failing master cylinder and/or internal hydraulic brake system malfunction. Although the brake fluid reservoir appeared full, braking performance was critically compromised, indicating an internal failure rather than routine wear or maintenance. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts prior to the failure. No brake warning light or other indication of reduced braking capability was present. The failure occurred without advance notice, eliminating any opportunity for preventive action by the driver. The vehicle had recently passed a state safety inspection and was represented as roadworthy at the time of sale. A vehicle with an internal hydraulic brake failure or compromised master cylinder should not pass inspection or be certified for use on public roads. Due to the seriousness of the defect and the immediate safety risk, the vehicle was returned to the dealer. Prior to return, no tow assistance was provided despite the known brake defect, requiring limited operation of a vehicle with unsafe braking capability and further increasing public safety risk. The defective condition was confirmed by an independent source and was reproducible in that braking performance was unreliable. Although the vehicle has been returned, this incident raises concern that similar vehicles may experience sudden brake failure without warning, posing a serious crash and injury risk to the public.