Nissan Micra K12 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 2 faults the Nissan Micra K12 is known for (2002–2003), 2 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.
Known problems on the Nissan Micra K12
Loose steering wheel
Safety risk
2002–2003 · petrol · Suspension and steering
What to look for: Feel for any clunk or play when rocking the steering wheel in and out and side to side without turning it.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3158 (24 May 2013) covers 117,048 March (UA-AK12), 3,743 (UA-K12), 68,444 Cube (UA-BZ11) and 9,921 (UA-BNZ11) built February 2002 to December 2003. The notification states the steering wheel retaining bolt was not tightened correctly, driving vibration loosens it, play develops at the wheel-to-column splines, the splines then wear, the play grows and in the worst case the steering cannot be operated.
What to look for: Ask about hard starting or stalls, start the car several times, and ask for the engine relay recall record.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2635 (29 October 2010) covers nine models totalling 291,000-plus vehicles including Note (DBA-E11, DBA-NE11), Tiida (DBA-C11, DBA-NC11), Tiida Latio, Cube (DBA-YZ11 and variants), March (DBA-YK12), Serena (DBA-CC25) and Wingroad (DBA-Y12); recall 2686 (25 December 2010) adds further March K12 and Cube BZ11 vehicles that were missed.
Got a question about a Nissan Micra K12? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
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.