Nissan1998–2020 Critical issues documented

Nissan Cube Z12: common faults & what to check

The Z12 is the Nissan Cube built 2008–2020. It was sold here with the 1.5 petrol. Of the 17 faults documented for the Cube, 14 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$250–$900

Typical repair

Systems covered

You're looking at the Z12 · 1.5 petrol

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

2008–2020Z12 Selected2008–2020Z121.5 petrolPetrolDocumented issues14 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: Vauxford via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it?

1.5 petrol· 1.5 litre petrol

A 2010 Nissan Cube is the Z12 generation (2008 to 2020).

Start your free check on this Nissan Cube

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Nissan Cube Z12

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan Cube · 2010

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Nissan Cube before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

Serious issue
Check the instrument cluster for a steering or EPS warning light.
See why
Electric Power Steering Motor or Control Unit Failure
The Z12 Cube uses a column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) system. The EPS control unit and motor assembly are known to fail, causing sudden loss of power assistance, heavy steering, or intermittent assist cut-out. The torque sensor within the column can also develop faults, causing erratic assist levels or a pulling sensation. A failed EPS control module often triggers a steering warning light on the instrument cluster. This fault has been observed across multiple markets and is considered a known weakness of the Z12 platform.
What you would notice
- Steering warning light (EPS or exclamation mark) illuminated on the instrument cluster
- Sudden loss of power steering assist making the steering feel very heavy, particularly at low speed or when parking
- Intermittent steering that cuts in and out, sometimes resolving after restarting the engine
Typically $500–$2,800 to put right.
Costly issue
After a test drive, carefully feel each rear wheel for heat — a seized caliper will make the wheel hub noticeably hot to the touch.
See why
Rear Brake Caliper Seizure
The Cube Z11 and Z12 use rear disc brakes on higher-specification variants. The rear calipers are prone to seizing, particularly on vehicles that spend time near the coast or in wetter climates. The sliding pins corrode inside their rubber boots, preventing the caliper from releasing fully after braking. A seized caliper causes the brake pad to drag constantly against the disc, generating heat, accelerating pad and disc wear, and in some cases causing the vehicle to pull to one side under braking. Many Japanese-import Cubes arrive with caliper boots already cracked from age.
What you would notice
- One rear wheel noticeably hotter than the other after driving, indicating a dragging caliper
- Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate or heavy braking
- Accelerated wear on rear brake pads on one side, or a grinding noise from the rear after normal brake use
Typically $250–$900 to put right.
Costly issue
Check for pulling under braking.
See why
Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure
Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.
What you would notice
- Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
- One front disc hotter than the other after moderate use
Typically $150–$500 to put right.
Common issue
Bounce each rear corner and listen for clunking from the top of the strut tower.
See why
Rear Strut Top Mount Deterioration
The Z11 and Z12 Cube uses a relatively tall, boxy body with rear suspension strut top mounts that are prone to rubber deterioration and bearing wear. The rubber isolator element cracks and hardens over time, and the thrust bearing within the top mount develops roughness. This allows the strut to knock on bump, produces steering-column vibration on uneven roads, and causes clunking when reversing over driveways or speed bumps. NZ road conditions and UV exposure accelerate rubber degradation on vehicles originally imported from Japan.
What you would notice
- Clunking or knocking from the rear suspension when going over speed bumps, driveways, or rough surfaces
- Vibration or shimmy felt through the body on corrugated roads or rail crossings
Typically $300–$800 to put right.
Common issue
Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock — clunking at the same steering angle indicates worn top mount bearings.
See why
Front Strut Top Mount Bearing Clunking
Front strut top mount bearings wear causing clunking when turning the steering wheel.
What you would notice
- Clunking from front struts when turning or over bumps
- Clunking repeatable at the same steering angle each sweep
Typically $250–$600 to put right.
Common issue
Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.
See why
Throttle Body Carbon Fouling
Throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon causing rough idle and hesitation.
What you would notice
- Rough idle and hesitation from rest at light throttle
- Occasional stalling when releasing throttle in traffic
Typically $80–$300 to put right.

See all 14 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 4 rated critical.

Engine, transmission & cooling1

01Throttle Body Carbon Fouling

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.petrol2002–2019Engine$80–$300

CommonEngine $80–$300 to fix

Throttle body butterfly and bore accumulate carbon causing rough idle and hesitation.

Symptoms to notice

Rough idle and hesitation from rest at light throttle
Occasional stalling when releasing throttle in traffic

What to check

Inspect throttle body bore for grey-black carbon deposits.
Note rough idle and hesitation.

Where to look: Throttle body on intake manifold

Ask the seller

“Has the throttle body carbon fouling been inspected or repaired?”

Electrical1 critical3

02Electric Power Steering Motor or Control Unit Failure

Check the instrument cluster for a steering or EPS warning light.2008–2019Electrical$500–$2,800

CommonElectrical $500–$2,800 to fix

The Z12 Cube uses a column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) system. The EPS control unit and motor assembly are known to fail, causing sudden loss of power assistance, heavy steering, or intermittent assist cut-out. The torque sensor within the column can also develop faults, causing erratic assist levels or a pulling sensation. A failed EPS control module often triggers a steering warning light on the instrument cluster. This fault has been observed across multiple markets and is considered a known weakness of the Z12 platform.

Symptoms to notice

Steering warning light (EPS or exclamation mark) illuminated on the instrument cluster
Sudden loss of power steering assist making the steering feel very heavy, particularly at low speed or when parking
Intermittent steering that cuts in and out, sometimes resolving after restarting the engine

What to check

Check the instrument cluster for a steering or EPS warning light.
Test power steering assist at low speed and in car parks — it should be light and consistent.
Ask if the steering has ever felt suddenly heavy or if the warning light has appeared.
Have the EPS control unit scanned for stored fault codes.

Where to look: See description

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has a steering warning light ever appeared on the dashboard?”
“Has the steering ever felt suddenly very heavy or difficult?”

03Water ingress / electrical faults from tailgate and screen seals

Press the carpet in the rear footwells and boot for damp; lift the mats and feel underneath.petrol2002–2020Electrical$200–$900

OccasionalElectrical $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?”

04Water Ingress into Rear Taillight Causing Electrical Faults

Check the connector and lamp socket for green or white corrosion on the terminals.2008–2019Electrical$80–$450

OccasionalElectrical $80–$450 to fix

The asymmetric rear hatch design of the Nissan Cube Z12, with its offset rear window and swing-out hatch, creates water management challenges. The taillight lens seals deteriorate with age, allowing water to enter the lamp housing. This causes bulb failure, corrosion on the lamp connector, and in some cases shorts that affect the rear lighting circuit more broadly. Water pooling inside the taillight can corrode the lamp socket contacts, causing intermittent brake light or indicator faults that may trigger WOF failures in New Zealand.

Symptoms to notice

Condensation or visible moisture inside the taillight lens visible from outside the vehicle
Intermittent brake light, indicator, or reverse light failure on the affected side, often resolving temporarily after the lamp heats up

What to check

Check the connector and lamp socket for green or white corrosion on the terminals.
Test all rear lighting functions including brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights.
Inspect the tailgate rubber seals around the lamp aperture for cracking or gaps.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the taillight unit and inspect the interior lens for condensation, water stains, or visible moisture.

Where to look: See description

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

“Have any rear lights failed recently, or have you noticed condensation inside the taillights?”
“Has the tailgate seal or taillight lens been replaced or resealed?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

05Rear Brake Caliper Seizure

After a test drive, carefully feel each rear wheel for heat — a seized caliper will make the wheel hub noticeably hot to the touch.2002–2019Brakes$250–$900

CommonBrakes $250–$900 to fix

The Cube Z11 and Z12 use rear disc brakes on higher-specification variants. The rear calipers are prone to seizing, particularly on vehicles that spend time near the coast or in wetter climates. The sliding pins corrode inside their rubber boots, preventing the caliper from releasing fully after braking. A seized caliper causes the brake pad to drag constantly against the disc, generating heat, accelerating pad and disc wear, and in some cases causing the vehicle to pull to one side under braking. Many Japanese-import Cubes arrive with caliper boots already cracked from age.

Symptoms to notice

One rear wheel noticeably hotter than the other after driving, indicating a dragging caliper
Vehicle pulling to one side under moderate or heavy braking
Accelerated wear on rear brake pads on one side, or a grinding noise from the rear after normal brake use

What to check

After a test drive, carefully feel each rear wheel for heat — a seized caliper will make the wheel hub noticeably hot to the touch. Inspect caliper sliding pin boots for cracking or splitting. Check rear disc thickness and look for uneven wear or deep scoring on one side versus the other. Attempt to compress the caliper piston by hand with the appropriate tool.

Where to look: See description

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

“Have the rear brake calipers been serviced or replaced, and when?”
“Does the car pull to one side when braking?”

06Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for pulling under braking.2002–2019Brakes$150–$500

CommonBrakes $150–$500 to fix

Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

Symptoms to notice

Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
One front disc hotter than the other after moderate use

What to check

Check for pulling under braking.
Feel for uneven wheel heat.
Inspect guide pins.

Where to look: Front brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

“Has the brake caliper guide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

07Rear Strut Top Mount Deterioration

Bounce each rear corner and listen for clunking from the top of the strut tower.2002–2019Suspension$300–$800

CommonSuspension $300–$800 to fix

The Z11 and Z12 Cube uses a relatively tall, boxy body with rear suspension strut top mounts that are prone to rubber deterioration and bearing wear. The rubber isolator element cracks and hardens over time, and the thrust bearing within the top mount develops roughness. This allows the strut to knock on bump, produces steering-column vibration on uneven roads, and causes clunking when reversing over driveways or speed bumps. NZ road conditions and UV exposure accelerate rubber degradation on vehicles originally imported from Japan.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking or knocking from the rear suspension when going over speed bumps, driveways, or rough surfaces
Vibration or shimmy felt through the body on corrugated roads or rail crossings

What to check

Bounce each rear corner and listen for clunking from the top of the strut tower. Check for rust around the strut tower mounting points on the inner bodywork. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, inspect the top mount rubber for cracking and the bearing for roughness when rotated.

Where to look: See description

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

“Does the rear of the car make any clunking sounds over speed bumps?”
“Has the rear suspension been inspected or serviced recently?”

08Front Strut Top Mount Bearing Clunking

Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock — clunking at the same steering angle indicates worn top mount bearings.2002–2019Suspension$250–$600

CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Front strut top mount bearings wear causing clunking when turning the steering wheel.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front struts when turning or over bumps
Clunking repeatable at the same steering angle each sweep

What to check

Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock — clunking at the same steering angle indicates worn top mount bearings.

Where to look: Front strut top mount bearings both sides

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

“Has the front strut top mount bearing been inspected or repaired?”

Depends on the exact engine — 6 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling6

01CR14DE / HR15DE Timing Chain Stretch

Cold-start test is essential — listen from outside the vehicle at the front-right of the engine for chain rattle.petrol2002–2019EngineCan't confirm for this car$850–$2,800Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02HR15DE Excessive Oil Consumption

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol2008–2020EngineCan't confirm for this car$140–$280

CommonEngine $140–$280 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Z12 Cubes with HR15DE engines frequently exhibit elevated oil consumption, burning oil at rates that owners notice between services. Piston ring wear and valve stem seal deterioration are the primary causes. Blue smoke on overrun is the typical symptom. While not immediately catastrophic, engines run low on oil without an obvious external leak accelerate bearing wear. Oil level should be checked every 2000 km on any Z12 example.

Symptoms to notice

Oil leaks visible beneath engine
Blue or white smoke from exhaust

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

03Jatco CVT Failure (Z11 / Z12)

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol2002–2020EngineCan't confirm for this car$3,150–$6,300

CommonEngine $3,150–$6,300 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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.

04JATCO CVT failure (Z12)

Drive from cold and hot; feel for shudder at 30-50 km/h and any slip where revs rise faster than speed.petrol2008–2020TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$3,000–$6,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05CVT Judder from Degraded Fluid (JF009E / JF011E)

Road test at light throttle on level ground between 20–50 km/h.petrol2002–2019TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$2,200–$7,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

06CVT Overheating in Sustained Hilly or Towing Driving

Test drive on a sustained uphill gradient for at least 5 minutes and monitor for power reduction or warning lights.petrol2002–2019TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$400–$5,000

OccasionalTransmission $400–$5,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Jatco CVT in the Cube has a relatively small fluid capacity and a modestly rated cooler. Under sustained load — hill climbing, motorway on-ramps, fully loaded, or any light trailer use — the CVT fluid temperature can exceed safe operating limits. Overheating degrades the friction modifier in the fluid rapidly, accelerating belt and pulley wear. Some Z12 examples enter a limp-home mode (reduced power, locked ratio) when the CVT reaches a temperature threshold. Owners who live in hilly areas such as Wellington or the South Island report this issue more frequently.

Symptoms to notice

Sudden loss of power or reduction to a single fixed gear ratio during prolonged hill climbing or heavy load
CVT temperature warning light or transmission warning appearing after sustained driving in hilly terrain
Burnt smell from the transmission fluid or fluid that is dark brown rather than red

What to check

Test drive on a sustained uphill gradient for at least 5 minutes and monitor for power reduction or warning lights.
Check if an aftermarket CVT cooler has been fitted.
Inspect CVT fluid for a burnt smell, which indicates prior overheating.
Ask the seller about the car's typical driving environment.

Where to look: See description

Ask the seller

“Has the car ever lost power or entered a reduced-power mode while climbing hills?”
“Is the car typically driven in hilly areas, and has the CVT fluid been changed recently?”

Other Nissan Cube engines and years3 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling1

01CGA3DE / CR14DE Head Gasket Failure

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol1998–2009EngineDoes not apply$770–$1,540

CommonEngine $770–$1,540 to fix

Does not apply

Early Z10 CGA3DE and Z11 CR14DE engines suffer head gasket failure if operated with degraded coolant or after an overheating event. The small-displacement aluminium engines are intolerant of temperature spikes. Symptoms include white smoke on startup, coolant smell from the heater, and bubbling in the overflow reservoir. These engines have limited parts availability in NZ, making sourcing a replacement head gasket set the first challenge.

Symptoms to notice

Engine overheating under load
Blue or white smoke from exhaust
Coolant loss or steam from engine bay
Difficult cold start or unstable idle

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Head gasket.

Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Any vertical play in the ball joint is a failure.petrol1998–2008SuspensionDoes not apply$250–$600

CommonSuspension $250–$600 to fix

Does not apply

The front lower control arm on the Cube incorporates an integral pressed-in ball joint. The rubber gaiter that seals the joint splits with age and exposure to road contaminants, admitting moisture and grit that rapidly degrades the grease and accelerates wear between the ball pin and housing socket. On many Z11 variants the ball joint is not serviceable separately from the arm, meaning the entire lower arm assembly must be replaced once the joint develops measurable play. A failed ball joint represents a genuine safety risk because complete separation causes sudden, uncontrolled collapse of that corner of the suspension.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when going over bumps or during cornering
Steering wander, pulling to one side, or vague on-centre feel
Uneven or rapid front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edge

What to check

Any vertical play in the ball joint is a failure. Inspect the ball joint boot for splits or missing rubber. With the wheel on the ground, ask an assistant to rock the steering wheel while you feel the lower arm joint for movement. Check for any steering pull or wander during the test drive. If a workshop inspection is possible: Raise each front wheel and firmly grasp the tyre at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions and attempt to rock it.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, outboard end connecting to the steering knuckle on each front corner

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Have the front lower control arms or ball joints been replaced?”
“Does the car pull to either side when braking or driving in a straight line?”
“Have you noticed any knocking from the front end over rough roads?”

02Rear Torsion Beam Axle Bush Collapse

Inspect both rear torsion beam pivot bushes with a torch from underneath.petrol2002–2008SuspensionDoes not apply$180–$480

CommonSuspension $180–$480 to fix

Does not apply

The Z11 Cube's twist-beam rear suspension is bolted to the bodyshell via natural rubber bushes at each end of the beam. These bushes harden, crack, and ultimately collapse with age, heat cycling, and contamination from road oils. When the bush collapses the beam shifts laterally and the rear axle geometry deviates from specification in a way that standard four-wheel alignment equipment cannot measure or correct without first restoring the bush. The result is persistent crab-tracking, asymmetric rear tyre wear, and degraded straight-line stability that worsens progressively.

Symptoms to notice

Rear end crab-tracking or apparent misalignment visible when following the vehicle
Rapid or uneven wear across the rear tyre tread width that reappears after fresh tyres are fitted
Suspension knock or thud from the rear axle mounting area over road irregularities

What to check

Inspect both rear torsion beam pivot bushes with a torch from underneath. Collapsed or cracked rubber indicates failure. Have a helper rock the rear of the car sideways while you watch the beam for lateral movement relative to the body. Check for uneven rear tyre wear across the tread width. A four-wheel alignment printout showing uncorrectable rear toe or thrust angle deviation supports the diagnosis.

Where to look: Rear torsion beam pivot bushes, one at each chassis mounting point under the rear floor

Ask the seller

“Have the rear suspension bushes ever been replaced?”
“Does the car track straight on the motorway or does the rear end feel like it is offset to one side?”
“Has a recent wheel alignment flagged any uncorrectable rear geometry readings?”

Nissan Cube faults in detail

Narrowed to the Nissan Cube · 2010. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

CR14DE / HR15DE Timing Chain StretchCritical · Engine CVT Judder from Degraded Fluid (JF009E / JF011E)Major · Transmission JATCO CVT failure (Z12)Critical · Transmission

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Cube’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Nissan models

Nissan Patrol48 documented faults Nissan Navara45 documented faults Nissan X-Trail45 documented faults Nissan Elgrand17 documented faults Nissan Fairlady Z16 documented faults Nissan 370Z15 documented faults

Nissan Cube buyer questions

Is the Nissan Cube reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 17 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?

We've catalogued 17 known faults for the Nissan Cube, covering engine, transmission, and electrical. All 17 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Cube?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Cube fall between $250–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 17 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.