2021 Nissan Rogue Instrument Panel Rattle TSB

Owners of the 2021 Nissan Rogue (T33 platform) may experience an annoying rattle noise emanating from the instrument panel area. This issue, particularly noticeable at idle or during initial acceleration from a stop, is addressed by Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB22-019A, originally published as NTB22-019 on March 14, 2022, and revised on July 20, 2022. The bulletin provides a specific repair procedure to eliminate this Nissan Rogue instrument panel rattle.

Symptoms

The primary symptom is a distinct rattle-type noise originating from the instrument panel area. This noise typically occurs under two specific conditions:

• When the vehicle is at a complete stop.
• When first accelerating from a stop.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

To confirm if your 2021 Nissan Rogue is affected by this Nissan Rogue instrument panel rattle, technicians will perform a two-part inspection. First, they will check the orientation of the heater hose clamps under the hood. If the tabs on these clamps are found to be touching each other, they will be rotated to prevent contact, and the vehicle will be retested for the rattle.

If the rattle persists or if the clamps were not touching, the technician will then access the heater core cover. By lightly pressing on the heater core cover while duplicating the conditions that cause the rattle, they can determine if the cover is the source of the noise. If the rattle stops when pressure is applied, the bulletin's repair procedure applies. If the rattle continues, further diagnosis beyond this bulletin is required.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB NTB22-019A involves inspecting and potentially adjusting heater hose clamps, followed by insulating the heater core pipes. The steps are as follows:

1. Heater Hose Clamp Inspection: The hood is opened, and the heater hose clamps are inspected. If the clamp tabs are touching (as shown in Figure 2 of the TSB), they are rotated to ensure they do not contact each other (as depicted in Figure 1). The vehicle is then retested for the rattle.
2. Instrument Side Panel Removal: The left-hand instrument side panel is removed from the center console area (Figure 3). This step requires referencing the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for detailed instructions on "BODY INTERIOR > INSTRUMENT PANEL > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > CENTER CONSOLE ASSEMBLY."
3. Heater Core Cover Test: The technician lightly presses on the heater core cover (Figure 4) while attempting to reproduce the rattle. If the rattle is eliminated by pressing the cover, the repair proceeds. If not, this bulletin does not apply.
4. Heater Core Cover Removal: Three screws securing the heater core cover are removed (Figure 5), and the cover is set aside.
5. Foam Application: A piece of EPDM Semi Closed Cell Soft Foam, measuring 45 mm x 20 mm, is cut from the Squeak and Rattle Kit. This foam is then applied to the heater core pipes (as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8) to insulate them from the heater core cover, preventing vibration and noise.
6. Reassembly: The heater core cover is reinstalled using its three screws (Figure 9), and finally, the left-hand instrument side panel is reinstalled (Figure 10), again referencing the ESM for proper procedure.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary part required for this repair is:

• EPDM Semi Closed Cell Soft Foam (Squeak and Rattle Kit): Part Number NI-50397-7. One strip of this foam is sufficient for approximately six repairs.

For claims purposes, the Primary Failed Part (PFP) is identified as the Front Heater Cover Bracket (part number 27175-*****). The operation code for adding foam to the heater core pipes is TX54AA, with a labor time of 0.3 hours. An expense code 071 for Foam Tape, with a maximum amount of $1.34, is also used.

Important Warnings

Nissan emphasizes that its bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians and not for "do-it-yourselfers." These repairs require specialized knowledge, equipment, and safety instructions. Owners should not assume this condition applies to their specific vehicle without professional assessment. It is crucial to see your Nissan dealer to determine if this bulletin applies to your vehicle.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Nissan Rogue and are experiencing a Nissan Rogue instrument panel rattle at idle or during acceleration, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Nissan dealership. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs as outlined in TSB NTB22-019A. This repair is typically covered under warranty if your vehicle meets the specified conditions, including having an 11th character 'C' in its VIN.

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NHTSA ID: 10218640