2016 Rogue Child Restraint Seat 2nd Row Center

[Wildview417]

I did a search of the forums to see if this has been addressed before but was unable to locate this topic.

I recently picked up a 2016 Rogue SL for my wife. We're expecting our first child and we wanted a bigger vehicle with AWD. Studies have shown that the center seat position is by far the safest for children and during my installation I noticed something peculiar.

According to Nissan Snug Kids Safety Fit Guide, "Important note for 2nd row installation: Do not install any CRS in the center seating position."

This is odd because there is a tether for a CRS on the ceiling of the vehicle specifically meant for the 2nd row center seating position. Also the owners manual provides instructions on how to secure a CRS in the 2nd row center seat using the seatbelt and ceiling tether.

I've contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs to try to get some information. I was told not to use the center seating position by Nissan Consumer Affairs for the time being while they investigate further. Does anyone else have any experience with this issue ?

[Wildview417]

Here are some links/info that I've been able to find so far.

From Nissan Snug Kids Snug Fit Guide
"Important note for 2nd row installation: Do not install any CRS in the center seating position."

From the manual 1-27
"If you do not have a LATCH compatible child
restraint, the vehicle seat belts can be used."

From the manual 1-28
"– Do not secure a child restraint in the
2nd row center position using the
LATCH system anchors. The child restraint
will not be secured properly."

From the manual 1-30
"The top tether anchor located in the roof is only to
be used for a child restraint located in the center
position of the 2nd row."

From the manual 1-38
"CENTER SEATING POSITION
1. Remove the head restraint/headrest and
store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall
the head restraint/headrest when the child
restraint is removed. For additional information
about head restraint/headrest adjustment,
removal and installation, refer to
“Head restraints/headrests” in this section.
2. Open the top tether anchor 2 cover located
on the ceiling.
3. Secure the tether strap 1 to the tether
anchor point 2 on the ceiling behind the
child restraint.
4. Tighten the tether strap according to the
manufacturer’s instructions to remove any
slack. Make sure the head restraint/headrest
does not contact the top tether strap."

From the manual 1-43
"Installing top tether strap
The child restraint top tether strap must be used
when installing the child restraint with seat belts.
First, secure the child restraint with the seat belt."

"CENTER SEATING POSITION
1. Remove the head restraint/headrest and
store it in a secure place. Be sure to reinstall
the head restraint/headrest when the child
restraint is removed. For additional information
about head restraint/headrest adjustment,
removal and installation, refer to
“Head restraints/headrests” in this section.
2. Open the top tether anchor 2 cover located
on the ceiling.
3. Secure the tether strap 1 to the tether
anchor point 2 on the ceiling behind the
child restraint.
4. Tighten the tether strap according to the
manufacturer’s instructions to remove any
slack. Make sure the head restraint/headrest
does not contact the top tether strap."


Nissan has created Snug Kids Snug Fit Guide specifically for Child Seats. However the information in the owners manual and the fact that the ceiling tether exists for the 2nd row center seat contradicts the Snug Kids Snug Fit Guide.

[danimal1228]

Any update on this? Did you hear back from Nissan?

[mpattdu]

Not the OP but I investigated this when I first had to install a child seat in my Rogue, a 2008, and it might have to do with the anchors being too far apart in the middle spot. I believe there is a max number of inches that LATCH anchors can be apart. I don't recall the exact number but if you measure the width between the passenger or driver side anchor pairs it is less than the width between the middle two anchors by a couple inches. I suspect that since the middle position doesn't meet this standard Nissan is probably required to only recommend using the LATCH anchors on the d/p sides of the vehicle, and since they didn't even test the <40lb seats with seat belts (LATCH only, as stated in the Snug Kids document) it was probably easier to just say not to put a seat there at all.

[gsf1200s]

The "Latch" anchors are usually only for the outside seats, Center seat you have to use the belts to attached the child seat. Its not a model specific thing. there are a few cars that have Latch anchors for the center position, but most do not.

[WILLDOGS]

I am in the same situation, just purchased my Rogue in preparation of our first born in a few weeks. Apparently this issue is a widespread issue/question with many vehicle types, not just the rogue.

Good info here that should clarify for many of you: http://thecarseatlady.com/using-latch-i ... -overview/

[K03sport]

Our son, from day one, has spent all of his car seat time, rear and front facing, on the passenger side of the rear seat in our '04 Pathfinder. Call us bad parents and what not, but he has been just fine in this position. The outside positions offer the use of the seat anchors and the tether anchor in the cargo area. Yes, left turns across traffic require "more" attention, but good, patient drivers should have no real issues. He is easier to load/unload and is on the curb side when parking on the street. We have not seen any downside with him in this seat position. Our son is four, soon to be five and just about ready to graduate to a high-back booster, i.e. 40+ pounds.

When he get the (awesome) priveledge to ride in my '04 (2-door) GTI, his [forward facing] seat goes behind me on the driver's side. Yes, I'm height challenged, but his seat uses the seat anchors and the rear tether anchor without issue.

Both vehicles have provisions for three different car seat positions. The wife and I have chosen to use either the passenger or driver side positions...never the middle position. I don't trust the middle lap belt in the Nissan and the VW has a shoulder type belt in the middle spot. We prefer the anchors.

Yes, the middle position will help protect the child from intrusion and debris during an accident, but the real protection will come from the seat and its installation. Side airbags may also help, but are supplement to the seat as the seat is the primary safety device in this situation.