Thinking about buying a used Nissan Juke (2010–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 22 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, fluid leaks, and electrical. 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.
22
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$2,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Nissan Juke faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01MR16DDT Big-End Bearing Failure (Oil Dilution)
CriticalCommonEngine $4,500–$12,000 to fix
The 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo engine (MR16DDT) is prone to premature big-end bearing failure. Direct injection causes fuel to wash the cylinder walls during cold starts, diluting the engine oil and depriving the rod bearings of adequate lubrication. Progressive bearing wear leads to a deep knocking noise and, if unchecked, catastrophic engine seizure. Nissan issued no recall in NZ/AU; failure rates remain high on unmaintained examples with extended oil-change intervals.
Symptoms to notice
Deep rhythmic knocking or ticking from lower engine block, most pronounced when cold
Knock worsens progressively with RPM and load
Oil appears thin or has a petrol smell at the dipstick
Increased oil consumption between service intervals
In advanced cases: low oil pressure warning light, sudden loss of power
What to check
Start cold and listen for a low-frequency rhythmic knock that increases with RPM. Check oil for metallic flecks or a silvery sheen using a white cloth on the dipstick. Verify oil service history — intervals beyond 7,500 km significantly increase risk. Check for any recent engine top-ups between services, which can indicate oil consumption masking dilution.
Where to look: Lower engine block, crankshaft big-end bearing journals
Ask the seller
“Can you show me full service history with oil-change dates and mileage — were intervals always under 7,500 km?”
“Has the engine ever been inspected for bearing noise or had any internal work done?”
“Has the car ever been low on oil between services, or has any top-up oil been added?”
02Forward collision warning false alerts and sensor faults
MinorOccasionalElectrical $300–$1,500 to fix
Owners of 2020-on Jukes report the forward collision warning / autonomous emergency braking system throwing intermittent warning lights or intervening too eagerly, sometimes braking for parked cars or roadside furniture. Dirt on the camera or radar, misalignment after windscreen or bumper work, or a genuinely faulty sensor are the usual causes. A sensor replacement plus recalibration is a dealer-level job.
Symptoms to notice
Orange forward-collision or AEB warning light on the dash
System unavailable message in poor weather
Car braking unexpectedly with nothing ahead
Warnings triggered by parked cars on bends
What to check
Check the dash for warning lights on start-up and again after the test drive. Ask whether the windscreen has ever been replaced — the camera must be recalibrated afterwards and often isn't. Look for evidence of front bumper repairs that could have disturbed the radar.
Where to look: Camera at the top of the windscreen behind the mirror, radar behind the front bumper/grille badge
Ask the seller
“Has the windscreen ever been replaced, and was the camera recalibrated?”
“Do any driver-assist warning lights ever appear?”
TransmissionCritical
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMinor
SuspensionMinor
Body & RustMinor
20 more documented faults on the Nissan Juke
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 22 documented faults for the Nissan Juke, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. A Nissan Juke 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 Juke?
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We've catalogued 22 known faults for the Nissan Juke, covering engine, transmission, and fluid leaks. 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 Juke?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Juke fall between $350–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 22 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 Juke?
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Yes. A Nissan Juke 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.