Nissan Sued Over Class Action Claims Rogue Rear Windshields Can Spontaneously Explode—74,000+ Vehicles Affected, No Recall Issued

Nissan faces a federal class action lawsuit alleging that 2021–2025 Rogue SUVs contain rear windshields that spontaneously shatter without warning, showering passengers with glass even while vehicles are parked or in motion. Plaintiffs Nicole Delucia-Roitman and Darren Chang filed the 51-page complaint on January 6, 2026, in Tennessee federal court, claiming Nissan knew about the defect yet refused to issue a recall, leaving owners to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for repairs—despite the failures occurring within warranty coverage.

What Does the Lawsuit Allege About Nissan Rogue Windshields?

The class action claims Nissan manufactured and sold model year 2021 through 2025 Rogue vehicles with rear liftgate windshields that contain a manufacturing defect causing catastrophic glass failure without any external impact. According to the complaint, the defect stems from Nissan’s use of thin, tempered soda-lime glass containing microscopic nickel sulfide imperfections embedded during the manufacturing process.

Here’s the technical problem: soda-lime glass—composed of sodium carbonate and calcium oxide—is prized by automakers for being lightweight and cost-effective. But during the tempering process that strengthens the glass, tiny amounts of nickel sulfide can become trapped inside. These microscopic inclusions retain heat from manufacturing for years. When the nickel sulfide finally cools and expands, it creates internal stress that causes the tempered glass to violently explode, often with a loud bang that sounds like a shotgun blast.

The lawsuit alleges these rear windshield failures create serious safety hazards for Rogue owners. Drivers report hearing explosive pops followed by thousands of glass shards spreading across rear cargo areas, back seats where children sit in car seats, and onto the ground. The sudden noise and flying glass distract and startle drivers, increasing crash risk. Broken rear windshields also leave vehicles vulnerable to weather damage, theft, and break-ins until owners can arrange costly repairs.

Which Nissan Rogue Model Years Are Affected?

The class action specifically targets all 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles sold or leased in the United States. Unlike some automotive defect lawsuits that involve only certain trim levels or production dates, the complaint alleges the rear windshield defect affects Rogues across all configurations and manufacturing periods within these five model years.

This encompasses potentially tens of thousands of vehicles. The Nissan Rogue consistently ranks among America’s best-selling compact SUVs, with hundreds of thousands sold annually. Multiple law firms investigating the issue report receiving complaints from Rogue owners nationwide describing identical rear windshield failures—vehicles parked in garages overnight with glass exploding for no apparent reason, windshields shattering when drivers close doors or start engines, and glass failing during normal highway driving without any rocks or debris impact.

The widespread nature of reported incidents across multiple model years strengthens plaintiffs’ argument that this represents a systemic manufacturing defect rather than isolated occurrences of misuse or external damage.

When and Where Was the Lawsuit Filed?

Plaintiffs Nicole Delucia-Roitman and Darren Chang filed the class action on January 6, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. The complaint names two defendants: Nissan North America, Inc., a California corporation headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., the Japanese parent company based in Yokohama.

Delucia-Roitman leased a new 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Edition from Garden City Nissan in New York in September 2025. According to the complaint, her rear windshield spontaneously shattered on December 30, 2025, while the vehicle was parked. Glass shards crashed into the trunk area before spreading across the rear interior. She carefully drove home and Allstate replaced the windshield on December 30, 2025—but she felt unsafe driving with the broken windshield during that period.

Chang leased a new 2023 Nissan Rogue from Nissan 112 in New York around April 13, 2024. The complaint describes how Chang placed his infant child in a car seat before entering the vehicle himself. Upon closing the front driver-side door, he suddenly heard a loud explosion. The rear windshield had violently shattered, covering his child’s stroller and belongings in glass shards. Chang experienced multiple sleepless nights worrying about the safety risk to his infant child.

How Many Incidents Have Been Reported to NHTSA?

The complaint references numerous incidents documented in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s complaint database. NHTSA’s publicly available vehicle reports for 2024 and 2025 Nissan Rogues contain multiple owner-submitted complaints describing spontaneous rear windshield failures matching the allegations in the class action.

Owners describe consistent patterns: loud explosive sounds, complete windshield shattering with no visible cause, failures occurring both while parked and during operation, and incidents happening in moderate temperatures with no extreme cold or heat. Some reports detail children being in back seats when windshields exploded, with glass covering car seats and belongings. Others describe windshields shattering when activating rear defrost for the first time or simply closing vehicle doors.

Beyond NHTSA complaints, multiple consumer protection law firms investigating the defect report receiving complaints from dozens of Rogue owners experiencing identical failures. The consistency of reported failure patterns—sudden explosive noise, complete glass shattering without external impact, failures within warranty coverage periods—supports the lawsuit’s argument that Nissan “knew or should have known” about the defect through routine monitoring of consumer complaints.

What Is Nissan’s Response? Has a Recall Been Issued?

As of January 2026, Nissan has not issued any recall addressing spontaneous rear windshield failures in 2021–2025 Rogue vehicles. According to the lawsuit, when affected owners contact Nissan customer service or visit dealerships seeking warranty coverage, Nissan consistently denies claims by characterizing the windshield failures as “normal wear and tear” not covered under the manufacturer’s three-year, 36,000-mile warranty.

This denial forces Rogue owners to pay out of pocket for windshield replacements costing $420 or more for the glass alone. Multiple owners report additional expenses when shattering glass damages other components—one owner described spending $569 for a replacement rear hatch latch mechanism, $500 for installation, plus costs for damaged plastic trim pieces, all because glass shards fell into the liftgate assembly and broke the electronic latch.

The lawsuit alleges that Nissan’s refusal to acknowledge the defect or provide remedy violates the company’s obligations under express and implied warranties. Nissan SPAC spokesperson Siobhan Lopez has not issued a public statement specifically addressing the class action allegations as of mid-January 2026.

What Is the Current Status of the Class Action Lawsuit?

The case is in its earliest procedural stages. Filed on January 6, 2026, as Case No. 3:26-cv-00014 in the Middle District of Tennessee, the complaint asserts multiple causes of action including breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, common law fraud and fraudulent omission, violations of the New York General Business Law (§349 for deceptive acts and practices), and unjust enrichment.

Class certification—the court’s determination that the lawsuit can proceed on behalf of all affected Rogue owners rather than just the named plaintiffs—is a critical milestone that significantly increases pressure on Nissan to settle. The plaintiffs seek to represent two classes: a nationwide class of all U.S. residents who purchased or leased model year 2021–2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles, and a New York subclass subject to additional state consumer protection claims.

The complaint demands a jury trial and requests declaratory and injunctive relief (court orders requiring Nissan to fix the defect, notify owners, and provide remedies), class certification, compensatory damages for repair costs and diminished vehicle value, and attorneys’ fees. Nissan will likely file a motion to dismiss arguing the case should be thrown out on legal grounds, followed by discovery if the case survives that challenge.

Typical timelines for automotive defect class actions range from two to four years from filing through settlement or trial. However, cases involving serious safety defects and widespread consumer complaints sometimes settle earlier when manufacturers face mounting legal pressure and regulatory scrutiny.

What You Must Know About This Lawsuit

Preserve Evidence Immediately If Your Windshield Shatters

If your Nissan Rogue’s rear windshield spontaneously shatters, documentation is critical for both the class action and potential individual claims. Take multiple photographs from different angles showing the shattered glass still in the vehicle, glass scattered across cargo areas or back seats, the vehicle’s exterior with no visible impact points, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) visible on your dashboard or driver’s door.

Save all repair invoices, insurance claim documents, and correspondence with Nissan customer service or dealerships. If Nissan or a dealer tells you the damage is “normal wear and tear” or not covered by warranty, request that determination in writing. Record the date, time, weather conditions, and circumstances when the windshield shattered—whether the vehicle was parked or moving, whether you activated any systems like rear defrost, and whether any passengers were present.

Do not allow anyone to suggest the damage resulted from external impact unless you witnessed such an impact. Spontaneous glass failure—the technical term for tempered glass exploding due to internal defects rather than external force—leaves distinctive fracture patterns that experts can analyze to determine whether failure originated from nickel sulfide inclusions versus external impact.

Understanding Statute of Limitations Deadlines

State product liability laws impose strict deadlines for filing claims, known as statutes of limitations. These deadlines vary by state but typically range from two to four years from either the date of purchase or the date you discovered the defect and resulting damages. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your right to recover compensation, even if you suffered significant injuries or financial losses.

For class actions, being included in the certified class typically preserves your claims even if individual statute of limitations periods would otherwise expire during litigation. However, if you opt out of the class to pursue individual claims, you must file your own lawsuit before your state’s statute of limitations expires.

Consult with consumer protection attorneys experienced in automotive defect cases to understand deadlines specific to your situation. Waiting until deadlines approach limits your legal options and weakens your ability to gather evidence.

How Class Action Settlements Typically Work

If the Nissan Rogue windshield lawsuit proceeds to class certification and eventual settlement—the most common resolution for automotive defect class actions—compensation typically takes several forms. Cash payments to reimburse owners for out-of-pocket repair costs are common, with settlement funds distributed based on documented expenses.

Many settlements also include extended warranty coverage, where manufacturers agree to repair or replace defective components at no cost for an extended period beyond original warranty terms. Some settlements offer vehicle buyback programs for owners who lost confidence in their vehicles’ safety. Injunctive relief—court orders requiring manufacturers to fix the defect going forward—benefits future purchasers.

However, class action settlements rarely make plaintiffs whole for all damages. Attorney fees typically consume 25–33% of settlement funds. Administrative costs reduce the pool further. Individual payments often amount to a fraction of total losses when divided among thousands of class members. This reality makes individual lawsuits attractive for Rogue owners who suffered significant damages such as injuries from glass striking passengers, or who experienced the defect multiple times requiring repeated repairs.

What to Do Next If You Own an Affected Nissan Rogue

Check If Your Vehicle Falls Within Affected Model Years

Verify your Rogue’s model year by checking your vehicle title, registration, or the VIN plate on your driver’s side dashboard visible through the windshield. The class action alleges the defect affects 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years across all trim levels including S, SV, SL, Platinum, and special editions like Rock Creek.

If your rear windshield has not yet failed but you own an affected model year, monitor for warning signs. Some owners report hearing small popping sounds or noticing tiny stress fractures appearing in glass corners before complete failure occurs. However, many incidents happen without any advance warning—vehicles parked overnight with intact windshields that shatter explosively when owners start engines the next morning.

Report Incidents to NHTSA

Filing an official complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration serves multiple purposes. NHTSA uses complaint data to identify potential safety defects requiring investigation and possible manufacturer recalls. Each complaint you file creates an official government record of the problem.

Visit NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at nhtsa.gov or call 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) to submit complaints. Provide detailed information including your VIN, the date and circumstances of windshield failure, whether any injuries occurred, repair costs, and Nissan’s response when you sought warranty coverage.

NHTSA investigations can trigger manufacturer recalls even when companies initially refuse to act voluntarily. Your complaint contributes to building the evidentiary record that may eventually force Nissan to address the defect through a formal recall program.

Contact Class Action Attorneys Handling the Case

Multiple law firms are investigating the Nissan Rogue windshield defect and actively seeking affected owners to join the litigation. Ahdoot & Wolfson, Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP, Shub Johns & Holbrook, and Lemberg Law have all published public notices seeking Rogue owners who experienced rear windshield failures.

Contacting these firms does not obligate you to join the lawsuit or costs you anything for initial consultations. Class action attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only collect fees if they win or settle the case—and those fees come from the settlement fund or are paid separately by the defendant, not from your individual recovery in most cases.

Attorneys can evaluate whether your situation qualifies for the class action, preserve your rights if you missed reporting deadlines, and advise whether your damages justify pursuing an individual lawsuit for potentially greater compensation than class action settlements typically provide.

Consider Individual Legal Action for Significant Damages

If your Rogue’s windshield shattered and caused injuries to passengers, if you’ve experienced multiple windshield failures requiring repeated repairs, or if the defect caused substantial property damage beyond just windshield replacement costs, an individual product liability lawsuit may recover greater compensation than joining the class action.

Attorneys experienced in defective product lawsuits Like Tide Pods can pursue claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages if injuries required time off work, property damage, and diminished vehicle value. Individual lawsuits also provide more control over litigation strategy and settlement decisions compared to class actions where settlement terms require court approval and majority class member support.

Consult with product liability attorneys in your state to evaluate your specific circumstances. Many firms offer free case evaluations and work on contingency fee arrangements requiring no upfront payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nissan Rogue Model Years Are Affected by the Windshield Lawsuit?

The class action lawsuit alleges that all 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Nissan Rogue vehicles sold or leased in the United States contain the defective rear windshields. The complaint does not limit claims to specific trim levels or production dates—plaintiffs allege the manufacturing defect affects Rogues across all configurations within these model years. If you own or lease any Rogue from these model years, your vehicle may be subject to the alleged defect.

What Causes Nissan Rogue Rear Windshields to Explode Spontaneously?

The lawsuit alleges Nissan used thin, tempered soda-lime glass containing microscopic nickel sulfide imperfections embedded during manufacturing. During the glass tempering process that strengthens windshields, tiny amounts of nickel sulfide become trapped inside. These microscopic inclusions retain heat from manufacturing for years, then slowly cool and expand, creating internal tensile stress that eventually causes the tempered glass to catastrophically fail with a loud explosion—even without any external impact, adverse weather, or misuse.

How Do I Know If I’m Eligible to Join the Class Action?

You may be eligible if you purchased or leased a model year 2021–2025 Nissan Rogue in the United States. The lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide class of all affected Rogue owners plus a New York subclass. You don’t need to have experienced windshield failure to be part of the class—the lawsuit also seeks remedies for owners whose windshields haven’t yet failed but face the ongoing risk. Class certification hasn’t occurred yet, so formal eligibility requirements may change as the case proceeds.

Has Nissan Issued a Recall for the Rogue Windshield Defect?

No. As of January 2026, Nissan has not issued any recall addressing spontaneous rear windshield failures in 2021–2025 Rogue vehicles. According to the lawsuit, Nissan denies warranty claims by characterizing windshield failures as “normal wear and tear,” forcing owners to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for repairs. The only Nissan Rogue recalls currently active involve unrelated issues like rearview camera software failures in 2024–2025 models (NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-748).

What Compensation Can I Get If My Rogue Windshield Shattered?

Compensation depends on whether you join the class action or pursue an individual lawsuit. Class action settlements typically reimburse documented out-of-pocket repair costs and may include extended warranty coverage for future windshield replacements at no cost. Individual lawsuits can recover medical expenses if glass injured passengers, property damage costs beyond just windshield replacement, diminished vehicle value, and pain and suffering damages. Consult with attorneys to evaluate which approach provides greater recovery for your specific circumstances.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Join the Class Action Lawsuit?

No. If the court certifies the class, you’ll automatically be included if you meet the class definition—no action required. However, consulting with class action attorneys is advisable if you’ve already experienced windshield failure, as they can help document your damages, preserve evidence, and advise whether individual litigation might recover greater compensation. Class action lawyers work on contingency with fees paid from settlement funds or by defendants, not from individual class members’ pockets.

What Should I Do If My Nissan Rogue Windshield Explodes While Driving?

First, safely pull over if possible without endangering yourself or others—the sudden noise and distraction create crash risk. Call 911 if anyone is injured by glass shards. Document the scene immediately with photos showing shattered glass still in the vehicle, no visible external impact points, weather conditions, and your VIN. Report the incident to Nissan customer service at 800-647-7261 and request warranty coverage in writing. File a NHTSA complaint at nhtsa.gov documenting safety risks. Contact class action attorneys investigating the defect to preserve your legal rights and explore compensation options.

Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Nissan Rogue windshield class action lawsuit and is not legal advice. For specific guidance about your situation, consult with qualified product liability or consumer protection attorneys.

Take Action Now: If you own a 2021–2025 Nissan Rogue, check your model year and monitor for windshield issues. Document any failures with photos and repair records. Report incidents to NHTSA and consult with class action attorneys to understand your legal options.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah