Thinking about buying a used Nissan Note (2005–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 34 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, electrical, and transmission. 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.
34
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$950
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Nissan Note faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01DIG-S Electronic Throttle Control — Unintended Acceleration Recall
CriticalRareEngine $0 to fix
Nissan recalled approximately 122,000 Note mini-MPVs in Japan and 22,000 units overseas for a risk of unintended acceleration associated with the electronic throttle control system. Affected vehicles were produced between July 2012 and December 2013. The defect can cause the vehicle to accelerate without throttle input, posing a collision risk. NZ and AU vehicles produced in this window may be affected; recall completion should be confirmed before purchase.
Symptoms to notice
Vehicle accelerates without the driver depressing the throttle
Engine RPM rises unexpectedly at low speed or when stationary
Difficulty maintaining a steady, low speed
What to check
Confirm build date falls within July 2012–December 2013. Check recall completion status via a Nissan dealer VIN lookup before purchase. Exercise the throttle carefully at very low speed in a safe environment and confirm engine response matches pedal input.
Where to look: Electronic throttle body and engine control module
Ask the seller
“Has any recall work been completed on this vehicle at a Nissan dealer?”
“Has the car ever accelerated without the throttle being pressed?”
02Rear Torsion Beam Bush Collapse
MinorCommonSuspension $200–$550 to fix
Rear beam axle rubber bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking and imprecision.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking from rear suspension over rough roads
Imprecise rear handling feel
What to check
Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking. Push beam laterally — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.
Where to look: Rear beam axle mounting points
Ask the seller
“Has the rear torsion beam bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”
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32 more documented faults on the Nissan Note
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 34 documented faults for the Nissan Note, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and electrical. A Nissan Note 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 Note?
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We've catalogued 34 known faults for the Nissan Note, covering engine, suspension, 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 Note?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Note fall between $350–$950 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 34 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 Note?
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Yes. A Nissan Note 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.