Nissan

Cube (Z12)

2009-2014 · Compact ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.7)
210 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
8 Crash Reports
Includes data from: CUBECUBE CARGO
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Nissan Cube Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.7)
125 complaints 20.8 per year
3 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
33
electrical
32
steering
20
safety systems
14
other
11

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (33 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (32 complaints)
Steering Issues (20 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Nissan Cube regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (54 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (49 complaints)
transmission critical
Steering Issues (42 complaints)
steering critical
Engine Issues (26 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (14 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Recalls (3)

15V418000Jan 6, 2015serious
Electrical System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Sedan vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, to January 29, 2014, 2013-2014 Cube vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 21, 2013, and 2013-2014 Juke vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 22, 2013. When exposed to hot temperatures, the affected vehicles have an engine start/stop button that may stick inside the button housing.

10V330000Jul 21, 2010serious
Fuel System

NISSAN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 NISSAN CUBE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A REAR MOVING BARRIER CRASH TEST AS REQUIRED, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE LIMITS.

09V393000May 9, 2009serious
Tires

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. THE MATERIAL IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY CORRODE AND POTENTIALLY CRACK IN AREAS WITH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE NUT MAY COME OUT OF THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER AND THE TPMS LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.

Alternatives in Compact

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2009-2014 Nissan Cube problems?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Cube has accumulated 210 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Transmission, Steering. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Nissan Cube engine is most reliable?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Cube was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.8L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2009-2014 Nissan Cube a good used car?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Cube can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 210 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009-2014 Nissan Cube have?

The 2009-2014 Nissan Cube has 210 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2009-2014 Nissan Cube?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2009-2014 Nissan Cube vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan Cube?

Before buying a used Nissan Cube, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Transmission, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Cube?

The 2014 Nissan Cube received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 210 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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