Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Nissan Juke is known for (2010–2013), 7 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Check the start button springs back fully flush with a clean click every time, over ten or more presses.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3595 (26 June 2015) covers Note (DBA-E12, DBA-NE12), Serena S-Hybrid (DAA-HFC26, DAA-HC26, DBA-FNC26, DBA-C26, DBA-NC26), Juke (DBA-YF15, CBA-NF15, CBA-F15) and Cube (DBA-Z12, DBA-NZ12) built roughly July to November 2013.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen for a rattle at cold start and on a throttle snap, and ask for the timing chain recall record.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3594 (26 June 2015) covers 5,591 Juke (CBA-NF15) and 2,404 (CBA-F15) built 27 Sept 2010 to 4 Dec 2012 - these are the turbocharged type codes. The notification states the pins connecting the chain plates lack durability, the surface treatment wears, the pin holes then wear, the chain stretches overall, contacts the chain guide and makes a noise, and in the worst case the chain breaks and the engine…
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check the brake fluid is between the marks, and feel for a pedal that sinks when pressed hard several times.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 4189 (2 February 2018) covers 14,231 Juke (DBA-YF15) and 384 (CBA-NF15 NISMO RS) built 3 Aug 2015 to 11 Dec 2017. The notification states the design did not allow for manufacturing spread in the booster spring, the piston is pushed at an angle, friction on the cup seal rises, and pressing the brake pedal quickly rolls the seal over - fluid then leaks into the booster, the warning lamp lights and in the…
What to look for: Look for a loose boost sensor bracket on the intake duct, and check both front doors still latch after repeated use.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2862 (9 December 2011) covers 1,536 plus 3,040 turbocharged Juke for item 1 and 42,042 Juke in total for item 2. The notification states that the boost pressure sensor bracket weld to the charge air duct is under-strength, the bracket peels off, boost is measured incorrectly, the warning lamp lights and in the worst case the engine stalls and will not restart.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check each rear seatback clicks home and can't be pulled forward, and that the striker loops don't move.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2968 (13 July 2012) covers 13,749 Juke (DBA-YF15), 646 (CBA-NF15) and 237 (CBA-F15) built 3 Feb to 26 May 2012. The notification states the welding equipment was set incorrectly, some strikers are inadequately welded and the weld can come away in a collision - which means the rear seatback and anything behind it would not be restrained.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Accelerate hard and check for hesitation, blue or grey exhaust smoke, and a whine from the turbo under load.
Why it matters: Causes include loose turbine shaft bearings, cracked welds on the turbo's sensor bracket and oil getting into the intake; a Nissan bulletin calls for the turbo oil feed line to be replaced whenever the turbo is. Replacement was about US$2,500-3,350; when debris from a failed turbo reaches the engine, owners faced engine replacement.
What to look for: After a long steady motorway run, check the CVT has not gone into a limp or reduced-power mode.
Why it matters: Others report whining, rattling, shudder, metal in the fluid and full CVT failure, on average about 95,000 km (59,700 miles) on 2013 cars, costing US$4,000-5,300. US owners got extended CVT warranty cover; NZ imports do not.
What to look for: Look along the bonnet, bumper and front wings for chip rash showing white undercoat.
Why it matters: A heavily chipped nose drags the sale price down and needs a bonnet and bumper respray to look right, which is a cost to budget for even though it is purely cosmetic.
Got a question about a Nissan Juke? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.