Its smooth ride, spacious cabin, affordable pricing, and superb fuel efficiency make the Nissan Cube a great choice for a daily driver. But just like any vehicle out there, it can develop issues as it racks up mileage. If you’re planning on getting a pre-owned Nissan Cube, it’ll be helpful to read up on its reliability ratings and find out what repairs are common for this model.
RepairPal gave the Nissan Cube a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, ranking it 17th out of 21 cars in its segment. Similarly, J.D. Power gave the 2014 Nissan Cube a 3 out of 5 reliability score.
The Nissan Cube is more affordable to maintain compared to a lot of vehicles. Its estimated annual repair cost is approximately $475, which is lower than the average vehicle repair cost of $650.
Just like any other vehicle out on the market, the Nissan Cube isn’t perfect. Here are some of the most common issues owners encounter with this model:
Transmission issues are a common complaint among 2012 Nissan Cube owners. Many drivers have reported that their transmission slipped for a year before completely failing. Others complained of power loss and poor acceleration while driving their Cube.
Reports show that Nissan CVT problems may also affect some model years of the Cube. Symptoms like coolant leaks and jerky transmissions are common in affected vehicles.
Several class-action lawsuits were filed related to this problem. Nissan extended the warranties of the affected vehicles. Unfortunately, some units that were covered by this solution could also develop CVT problems. Most owners had to shoulder the repairs on their own, which can cost over $3,000.
Several 2011 Nissan Cube owners have reported issues with their headrests. Most of them complained that the headrest was tilted, which pushed their head in an uncomfortable position. This often left them with neck pain, especially after long trips in their Cube.
Seats have a huge impact on your ride’s overall comfortability. So consider upgrading your Nissan Cube’s seats if they’re uncomfortable. Aftermarket headrests or seat accessories are a good choice, as they’re available in different designs at unbeatable prices.
According to many owners of the 2010 Nissan Cube, problems with the HVAC system are common for this model year. Some of them have complained that their heater emitted grinding noises when the defroster is pressed, while others have reported that not all of their heater’s vents were blowing warm air.
Luckily, replacing faulty components usually resolved these problems. There’s no shortage of aftermarket HVAC parts like A/C compressors and fans available on the market, so you’re sure to find what you need if you encounter these issues.
One of the most reported 2009 Nissan Cube problems deals with the vehicle’s steering. Several owners have reported issues with their steering column lock, and some of them had to have their compact car towed because the problem may cause a “no start” condition.
Affected owners had to replace their steering control module to solve the issue. Repairs for this type of issue can reach up to $880.
Some 2009 owners have also complained that their 2009 Nissan Cube goes into “fail safe mode” without warning. This mode is a safety feature in modern vehicles that allows the powertrain control module (PCM) to alter transmission shift, engine RPM, and engine load conditions. It usually activates when the car’s computer detects something wrong in the vehicle.
In most cases, this is a recurring problem, forcing the owners of the affected units to take their Cube to an auto repair shop. In some cases, mechanics were unable to identify what’s causing this mode to activate in error.
Drivetrain and alignment issues also affected several 2009 Cubes. Some owners have reported that their front wheel drive was dragging. Reports show that this problem tends to develop at around 87,000 miles.
There are many reasons why a vehicle can lose alignment, such as its owner’s driving habits and the road conditions that it frequently traverses. Not sure if your Nissan Cube needs an alignment? You can read this article to learn more about it.
Still related to the Cube’s drivetrain, some owners have also complained of excessive tire wear. They had no choice but to replace their worn-out tires. Reports show that this problem usually happens at around 33,500 miles.
Several things can wear out your Cube’s tires. So it’s best to have your vehicle checked right away once you notice uneven tire wear or any related symptoms. There are many aftermarket tires available online, so you’ll easily find ones that will fit your Cube. Consider these important points when choosing a set of tires for your vehicle to get the best replacements for your car.
Keep in mind that these are only some of the issues that you may encounter with your Nissan Cube. But don’t worry. As long as you’re aware of these potential problems, there’s little risk in buying this compact car. Follow your maintenance schedule and replace faulty parts immediately, and you’ll surely make the most out of your Cube’s service life.
A day spent on the road without your reliable Nissan Cube is no fun at all. Leaving it to gather dust in the garage because of faulty parts is a waste of its potential, so don’t put off its repairs and maintenance.
Fortunately, the Cube is relatively cheap to repair compared to other vehicles. The tricky part lies in finding replacement parts that are compatible with your vehicle. Luckily, getting your hands on auto parts for the Cube is easy with the help of CarParts.com.
Our OE-grade parts come with a guaranteed fit, taking the guesswork out of finding top-notch components for your Nissan Cube. Use our vehicle selector to start shopping for the parts you need. Then, use the search filters to narrow down the products according to your preferred brand, price range, quantity, etc.
We have strategically located distribution centers across the US, so you can get your order in a matter of days. On top of that, our products are set at competitive prices, meaning you won’t have to break the bank to get your Nissan back on the road.
Shop for replacement parts, upgrades, and accessories for your Nissan Cube today!
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.