Thinking about buying a used Nissan Cube (1998–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 20 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, electrical, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
20
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$300–$900
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Nissan Cube faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Jatco CVT Failure (Z11 / Z12)
CriticalCommonEngine $3,150–$6,300 to fix
The Jatco JF010E and JF015E CVTs fitted to Z11 and Z12 Cubes are a confirmed weak point. Belt wear, bearing failure, and control unit faults produce shuddering under acceleration, a burning smell, loss of drive at operating temperature, and eventually complete non-engagement. Low fluid level from a leaking cooler line connection is a common failure trigger. CVT rebuilds are expensive and used units carry unknown wear history; a full fluid service with genuine Nissan NS-2/NS-3 fluid is the minimum maintenance step.
Symptoms to notice
Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation
What to check
Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets. Inspect coolant condition and level. Listen for timing chain noise on cold start. The Jatco JF010E and JF015E CVTs fitted to Z11 and Z12 Cubes are a confirmed wea...
Ask the seller
“::TEXT”
02Water ingress / electrical faults from tailgate and screen seals
MinorOccasionalElectrical $200–$900 to fix
The Cube's boxy body, big glass area and side-hinged tailgate mean water can find its way in past aged seals and blocked drains, ending up in the rear footwells and under-carpet wiring. Damp connectors cause intermittent electrical gremlins - warning lights, central locking and window faults - that are hard to trace. On an older import the seals have often perished, so a musty smell or damp carpet is a warning.
Symptoms to notice
Musty or damp smell inside
Wet or stained rear carpet/footwells
Intermittent electrical faults - lights, locking, windows
Fogging inside the glass
What to check
Press the carpet in the rear footwells and boot for damp; lift the mats and feel underneath. Sniff for mildew. Check the tailgate and rear-quarter seals for perishing. Work all the electrical items - windows, locking, lights - looking for anything intermittent.
Where to look: Rear footwells and boot floor; tailgate and side-glass seals; under-carpet wiring
Ask the seller
“Has it ever leaked or had damp carpets?”
“Have there been any intermittent electrical faults?”
TransmissionCritical
ElectricalCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
ElectricalMinor
EngineMinor
18 more documented faults on the Nissan Cube
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 20 documented faults for the Nissan Cube, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and electrical. A Nissan Cube with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Cube?
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We've catalogued 20 known faults for the Nissan Cube, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Cube?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Cube fall between $300–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 20 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Cube?
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Yes. A Nissan Cube inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.