Rogue Factory LED Headlight Issues

[fishlaw]

My 2016 Rogue SL-AWD, with 27,000 miles, has an intermittent passenger side low beam headlight issue. It goes on and off without reason, and the assembly seems to have a lot of moisture in it. Apparently it is a factory LED unit with no replaceable parts, and the dealer is telling me the unit alone is $1,100. (The aftermarket parts companies themselves warn against using non-factory parts to replace the OEM LED headlights, since this affects the fault sensors). The Nissan Manual says the LED headlight unit is not serviceable, must be replaced as a unit and replacement requires removal of the grill, bumper cover and lower valance... So, basically a headlight issue that would in most cars be a $20 quick fix is a $1,500 problem. Has anyone else had this issue? I think my extended service plan covers this, but I am questioning if I really want to keep this vehicle very long. Any thoughts? Anyone else have this issue?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Sounds familiar. I had a colleague mentioning the same thing recently, albeit from a different brand. The headlight alone was over a grand.
Not worth it.

[fishlaw]

In the marine world, where every LED is backed by a circuit board, you take your chances . LED replacement bulbs are great. But having to replace an entire fixture because a circuit board goes or soemthing similar turns a $10 repair into a $300 repair. I through some LED replacements for sealed beams into my Jeep. $79 on Amazon-3 years till going strong. But his Rogue-I will never buy a car with factory LEDs again.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Agreed. The plug and play ones are great, but the lights that have integrated LEDs seem like they'll be expensive and problematic when they fail.
I can't believe that they are adding anywhere near that price to the vehicle though. I'm guessing that because its so new, there's no real aftermarket competition in the game yet. Once there is, the price gouging should stop.

[Rogue One]

Moved to correct forum.

EBAY much? Buy used parts pulled from wrecked cars.

2014 2015 2016 Nissan Rogue Headlight Right RH Passenger OEM US $99.99 Shipping: Fast 'N Free

[fishlaw]

Any replacement LED unit has to be calibrated for the fault warning system. I doubt a dealer will do this for an aftermarket unit. Aftermarket suppliers recommend against using their units in Rogues originally equipped with factory LEDs. Even a used unit may require calibration. Fortunately, my extended warranty-that I thought was unnecessary and overpriced at at $1,450 will cover the $1,500 repair with a $50 deductible. And I have 47,000 miles left on the warranty!!

[Rogue One]

Glad to hear that the unnecessary warranty turned out to be useful after all.

The headlight may require calibration? I think someone's blowing smoke up your skirt. AFAIK, all they do after installing an OEM unit is clearing the error code. There's nothing to calibrate as the system will know if the part is legit or not (kinda like the check your printer does when you install a new ink cartridge - HP's have a hissy fit if it's not genuine). Okay, they may check to make sure it's aimed properly, so I guess you could call that a calibration.

There's really nothing wrong with getting the after market either. As you said, the reason the after market people don't recommend theirs is because of the little warning light, which is a minor nuisance and can be easily ignored (except by the really retentive types). It would not affect it's functionality, nor cause a safety hazard.

In the end it's your vehicle and your call. Just don't limit your options.

[fishlaw]

I scanned through the Exterior Lighting section of the Rogue Manual-some 270 pages and thought there was a calibration since LEDs draw such low current. I might have misread it.
In any event, a $50 deductible beats having to chase down and install the replacement myself.
If I didn't have the warranty, i would have taken the unit apart and fixed the loose connection.
(Technically my car, but really my wife's)