2010-2019 · 1.6L HR16DE petrol naturally aspirated (117 hp)
Quirky compact crossover popular with city drivers and first-time buyers. The 1.6 naturally aspirated engine is the most reliable in the range - proven and can reach 200,000+ km with proper maintenance. However, the CVT automatic gearbox is the Achilles heel with premature failures common, especially pre-2015 models. Manual gearbox is far more reliable. Other concerns: premature clutch wear on manuals, battery drain issues, and multiple fuel pressure sensor recalls. Avoid CVT versions unless post-2015 with full service history showing regular CVT fluid changes.
Internal bearing collapses causing stalling, jerking, or complete failure · more· less
The CVT fitted to 1.6 petrol models has a poor reliability record. A defective internal bearing can collapse, blocking oil feed and causing engine stalling during acceleration or complete transmission failure. Repairs are generally not possible - only full gearbox replacement. Pre-2015 models most affected. Forum data suggests 20-30% failure rate, though some owners report good experiences with regular CVT fluid changes every 30,000-40,000 km. UK dealers quote £6,650-£6,800 for replacement; reconditioned units £3,850-£4,500. Nissan contributed to costs in some cases but no extended warranty offered in Europe (unlike US where warranty extended to 10 years/120,000 miles). Manual gearbox far more reliable.
Premature clutch wear (manual only)€900 - €1,500
Manual clutches wear faster than expected, typically 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
Manual transmission Jukes suffer from premature clutch wear compared to competitors. Clutch typically lasts 100,000-150,000 km in normal driving, but Juke owners report failures between 80,000-120,000 km. Symptoms include difficulty changing gears, clutch slipping, and spongy pedal feel. Some early models had a pedal return issue where it wouldn't come back fully. UK replacement costs £550-£1,300; expect €900-€1,500 in Western Europe. Dual mass flywheel (if equipped) adds €500 to cost. However, manual gearbox still far more reliable long-term than CVT automatic.
Battery drain / electrical issues€100 - €1,300
Parasitic power draw from BCM, camera, or alternator causes dead battery · more· less
Common issue affecting 2011-2014 models particularly. Battery drains within days or weeks even when parked. Causes include faulty Body Control Module (BCM), lane sensor camera continuously searching even when parked, alternator ECM control issues (TSB exists), or wiring shorts. Cold weather worsens the problem. Diagnosis requires multimeter check - normal draw should be under 50mA. One owner replaced 5 batteries in 10 months. ECM reflash or alternator replacement typically resolves it. Battery replacement €100-200; alternator €700-€1,300; BCM repair/replacement €500-800. Some dealers failed to diagnose properly despite repeated complaints.
Sensor not tightened correctly causes fuel leak and potential fire · more· less
Multiple recalls issued for this safety-critical issue. 2011-2014 Jukes had fuel pressure sensors not tightened to correct specification during production. Heat and vibration cause sensor to loosen, leading to fuel leaks and fire risk. Three separate recall campaigns (2012, 2014, and 2018) addressed this issue, with the 2018 recall re-checking cars that had the 2012 fix as some were still improperly torqued. Approximately 96,452 Jukes affected. Repair takes about 1 hour and is free at any Nissan dealer. Critical to verify this recall completed before purchase - check VIN with Nissan or call 1-800-647-7669 (US) or local Nissan customer service.
Front brake pads/discs premature wear€300 - €600
Front brakes wear faster than expected, typically by 40,000-60,000 km · more· less
Nissan Juke owners frequently complain about premature front brake wear. Brake pads and discs often need replacement earlier than competitors - around 40,000-60,000 km for city driving versus typical 60,000-80,000 km. The relatively heavy weight (1,200-1,400 kg depending on spec) combined with small brake system contributes to faster wear. Symptoms include squealing, reduced braking performance, or warning light. Front pads only: €150-250; pads and discs together: €300-600 at independent garage, dealers charge 20-30% more. Regular brake inspections every service recommended.
Alternator failure€700 - €1,300
Alternator fails typically around 80,000-120,000 km, ECM controls output · more· less
The Juke's ECM (Engine Control Module) controls alternator output, and failures are fairly common around 80,000-120,000 km. Symptoms include battery warning light, electrical issues, or car won't start. A Technical Service Bulletin exists for ECM-related alternator control issues. Important: many forum members report bad experiences with aftermarket alternators, which were only resolved by using genuine Nissan parts. Dealers quote around €1,500-2,000 for replacement. Independent garages €700-900 with OEM parts. Voltage regulator alone costs around €240; full alternator €450-600 for parts, plus 2-3 hours labor. Harsh driving or custom electronics shorten alternator life.
Known issue where ESP or 4WD warning lights illuminate randomly. Fault code C1130 or C1132 indicates exhaust manifold pressure pipe is clogged with carbon buildup. Diesel models particularly affected. DIY fix possible: thread a bike brake cable through the pipe with WD40 to clear blockage - costs around €10 and takes patience. If DIY unsuccessful, dealer must remove exhaust manifold to clean pipe - about 2 hours labor (€200-300). More serious cases may require exhaust manifold gasket replacement (€550-850) or full manifold replacement (€1,400-1,700). In some cases, ECU software update or EGR fault was the actual cause.
Air conditioning failure€400 - €2,000
AC components fail, refrigerant leaks, or compressor issues · more· less
Most common AC issues: refrigerant leaks, electrical climate control faults, or compressor problems. AC evaporator may freeze after extended use, causing low airflow until ice melts. First troubleshooting step: check fuse F15 (driver side fuse box, 10 amp) and whether AC compressor engages. Common failures include expansion valves, orifice tubes, and accumulators clogging with contaminants, typically after 100,000 km. Repair costs: AC system leak inspection €120-180; pressure switch €200-220; refrigerant line €500-550; condenser €600-1,050; compressor €900-1,350; evaporator €1,700-2,050. AC work requires licensed technician - not DIY due to refrigerant handling regulations and risk of chemical burns.
Water pump / thermostat failure€600 - €900
Water pump or thermostat fails, typically after 100,000 km · more· less
Water pump and thermostat failures less common than other issues but occur around 100,000+ km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Water pump replacement costs €700-900; thermostat €580-660 in US market, likely similar in euros. Recommended to replace both components together if cooling system is already opened - thermostat adds minimal extra cost when water pump is being replaced. Complete cooling system inspection recommended during water pump replacement, including hoses, fittings, radiator, and coolant fan. Flushing cooling system during replacement extends component life.
CVT automatic is the main concern - manual far more reliable
The 1.6 naturally aspirated engine itself is proven and reliable, capable of 200,000+ km with regular maintenance. However, the CVT automatic gearbox is the weak link with significant failure rates, particularly pre-2015 models. If buying a CVT Juke, only consider 2015+ with documented CVT fluid changes every 30,000-40,000 km. Manual gearbox versions are considerably more reliable despite premature clutch wear. Multiple fuel pressure sensor recalls critical to verify. Battery drain issues common but usually fixable.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential, especially CVT fluid changes every 30,000-40,000 km for automatic models.
Tires
Check tread depth and age. Common sizes: 215/55R17 or 225/45R18 (Nismo). Set of 4 budget tires €350-500.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, check for warning lights.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Quirky styling means repair panels can be expensive.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds, especially for CVT models (issues appear when hot).
Specific for this vehicle
CVT gearbox operation (if automatic)
CRITICAL CHECK: Drive for 20+ minutes until gearbox is hot. Feel for jerking, shuddering, hesitation, whining noise, or slipping. Ask about CVT fluid change history. Pre-2015 CVTs particularly problematic. Walk away if any transmission issues present.
Verify all fuel pressure sensor recalls completed
Three separate recalls (2012, 2014, 2018) for fire risk. Contact Nissan with VIN to confirm all completed. This is safety-critical - do not buy until verified.
Battery and electrical system check
Check battery date/condition. Ask if car has had repeated battery issues. Test all electrical systems including lights, windows, locks, AC. Look for signs of battery drain or electrical faults.
Manual clutch operation (if manual)
Check clutch pedal feel - should return fully and smoothly. Test bite point consistency. Listen for clutch slip under acceleration. Early clutch wear common, so factor replacement into price if near 80,000-100,000 km.
Front brake condition
Check front brake pad thickness and disc condition. Premature wear is common. Budget for replacement if pads below 4mm or discs show grooving.
Check for ESP/warning lights
Watch dashboard during test drive. ESP, 4WD, or check engine lights may indicate exhaust pressure pipe blockage or other issues.
Alternator charging system
Check battery voltage with engine running (should be 13.8-14.4V). Ask about alternator replacement history - common failure point around 80,000-120,000 km.
Air conditioning operation
Test AC on cold setting for 10+ minutes. Should blow consistently cold. If weak or freezing up intermittently, repairs can be expensive.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel pressure sensor fire risk (2011-2014)CRITICAL - Verify completed
ECU/oxygen sensor reprogram (2011)Check if applicable
Contact Nissan with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The fuel pressure sensor recalls are safety-critical (fire risk). In US: 1-800-647-7669 or check VIN at nissanusa.com/owners/recalls-vin. In Europe: contact local Nissan customer service or dealer.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/60,000 km)Expired on all F15 Jukes
Powertrain warranty (5 years)Expired on all F15 Jukes
Extended warranty availableUp to 10 years/100,000 miles
All 2010-2019 Jukes are outside original factory warranty. Nissan offers extended warranty plans if vehicle is under 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles and passes inspection. Note: wear items (clutch, brakes) not covered. In US, Nissan extended CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on pre-2011 models, but this was never offered in Europe - a major concern for European CVT buyers.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.