Nissan Cube: CR14DE / HR15DE Timing Chain Stretch

Both the Z11 Cube (CR14DE 1.4-litre) and Z12 Cube (HR15DE 1.5-litre) share the same family of timing chains prone to stretch with age and infrequent oil changes. The issue is structurally identical to the fault documented on Micra, Note, Tiida and Juke platforms. In NZ, Cubes are predominantly JDM imports with variable service history, and chain rattle on cold start is frequently present at the time of purchase. Left unattended, chain skip causes valve damage and engine replacement.

• Metallic rattling or ticking from engine on cold start
• Noise clears after 10–30 seconds as oil pressure builds
• Check engine light with timing or camshaft codes
• Rough cold idle that settles after warm-up
• In severe cases misfire or engine knock

1. 1

   Cold-start test is essential — listen from outside the vehicle at the front-right of the engine for chain rattle.

2. 2

   Pull the oil filler cap and check for sludge indicating poor oil maintenance.

3. 3

   Scan for P0011, P0014 or similar codes.

4. 4

   Ask if chain has been proactively replaced.

Parts involved: Timing chain.

$850 to $2,800 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, 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.

• “Has the timing chain been replaced, and do you have receipts?”
• “Has the engine ever rattled on a cold start?”
• “What was the oil change frequency and specification?”

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.