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CriticalVery commonEngine

Nissan Juke: MR16DDT 1.6T Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure

MR16DDT 1.6T Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure is a very common engine fault on the Nissan Juke on the 2010–2019 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs ≈A$2,020 to ≈A$5,060 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 22 documented faults on the Nissan Juke.

Vehicle
Nissan Juke
Engine
MR16-DDT
Years
2010–2019
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
cvt
System
Engine

This page covers the Nissan Juke as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Nissan Juke faults22 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What goes wrong

The MR16DDT turbocharged 1.6-litre engine used in AWD Juke models shares its timing chain assembly with the Qashqai and X-Trail. The plastic-tipped chain tensioner wears prematurely, allowing chain slack. Oil contamination from carbon buildup accelerates guide wear. If ignored, chain skip can cause bent valves and engine write-off. Documented extensively across Australian Juke forums and UK owners clubs as the most serious mechanical fault on this platform.

What you would notice

  • Rattling or slapping noise on cold startup from front of engine
  • Noise fades after warm-up but returns on cold starts
  • Check engine light with camshaft position or timing codes
  • Rough idle or hunting on startup
  • Timing warning lamp illuminated

How to check it

Where to look. Front of engine, timing chain cover on right side of MR16DDT block

  1. Start cold and listen for chain rattle from the front right of the engine for the first 30 seconds.

  2. Check oil service history — extended intervals dramatically worsen chain wear.

  3. Scan for P0011, P0021 or timing-related codes.

  4. Ask for evidence of chain and tensioner replacement.

Parts involved: Timing chain.

What it costs to put right

≈A$2,020 to ≈A$5,060 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, converted to Australian dollars, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the timing chain and tensioner been replaced, and do you have receipts?”
  • “Has oil been changed every 5,000–7,500 km with the correct 0W-20 or 5W-30 spec?”
  • “Has a mechanic inspected for chain rattle on cold start?”

Now check the Nissan Juke you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car still has money owing on it, has been written off or reported stolen, what kms it showed in past sale ads, whether it has had accident repair claims and what it is worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate and its state for the A$17.90 Vehicle Check, or the full history from A$24.99.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Nissan Juke buyer questions

Is mr16ddt 1.6t timing chain stretch and tensioner failure serious on a Nissan Juke?

We rate it critical and very common on the Nissan Juke. The MR16DDT turbocharged 1.6-litre engine used in AWD Juke models shares its timing chain assembly with the Qashqai and X-Trail. The plastic-tipped chain tensioner wears prematurely, allowing chain slack. Oil contamination from carbon buildup accelerates guide wear. If ignored, chain skip can cause bent valves and engine write-off. Documented extensively across Australian Juke forums and UK owners clubs as the most serious mechanical fault on this platform.

How much does it cost to fix on a Nissan Juke?

≈A$2,020 to ≈A$5,060 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Nissan Juke years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2010–2019 Nissan Juke. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Start cold and listen for chain rattle from the front right of the engine for the first 30 seconds. Check oil service history — extended intervals dramatically worsen chain wear. Scan for P0011, P0021 or timing-related codes. Ask for evidence of chain and tensioner replacement. Look here: Front of engine, timing chain cover on right side of MR16DDT block