NHTSA complaint #11698694

Owner complaint summary

I purchased a 2025 Nissan Rogue approximately two weeks ago. Three nights ago, when I left work, I opened the rear driver-side door to place my backpack inside. When I gently closed the door—without slamming it—the entire rear windshield shattered. The glass had no prior damage; I had been regularly using the rear hatch and back seat doors throughout the week with no issues. Safelite came to my home yesterday to replace the rear windshield, and during the appointment we discovered that the liftgate will not open. I attempted every method of opening it: the button on the dashboard, the key fob, the hands-free foot sensor, and even attempting to manually release it. Nothing worked. The technician advised me to take the vehicle to the dealership. Later that afternoon, I brought the vehicle to Wally’s Nissan in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The technicians attempted the same methods I did, including trying to manually open and pry the liftgate. Despite this, the liftgate would not release, and the attempts to access it are resulting in damage to the interior of my brand-new vehicle. I am extremely unhappy with the situation and the condition in which my vehicle is being left. Based on what I have researched, it appears that a piece of shattered glass may be lodged in the latch mechanism, preventing the liftgate from opening. The dealership informed me that they do not know how to proceed and essentially sent me away without a resolution and just blaming the door actuator. At this time, I cannot have the rear windshield replaced because the liftgate cannot be opened. We are approaching winter weather, temperatures are dropping, and I commute an hour to work every day. I cannot be left with a vehicle I just purchased that has no functional liftgate and no rear window, with no guidance or support from the dealership. I am requesting immediate assistance and direction, as this situation is unacceptable. I should not be told “there is nothing we can do”