Nissan Micra K13 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Nissan Micra K13 is known for (2010–2014), 4 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 K13
Driver airbag recall
Safety risk
2008–2012 · petrol · Body and structure
What to look for: Check the airbag light comes on then goes out, and ask a Nissan dealer to confirm the airbag recall is done.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3456 (24 October 2014) covers 23,951 Cube (DBA-Z12), 2,382 (DBA-NZ12), 18,828 March (DBA-K13) and 5,529 (DBA-NK13) built between 6 Nov 2008 and 23 March 2012. The notification states the wrong partition plate was fitted in the driver airbag inflator's gas passage, so internal pressure rises abnormally on deployment, the inflator housing breaks and scatters and occupants can be injured.
What to look for: Listen for slow, weak or clicking starts over several cold cranks, and smell for burning near the starter.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3426 (5 September 2014), item 1, covers 44,213 March (DBA-K13) and 10,403 (DBA-NK13) built 25 June 2010 to 15 April 2014. The notification states the fit between the motor coil and the shaft is too loose, the coil shifts under starting loads, the brush distorts and starting fails, and in the worst case the brush holder breaks, shorts and catches fire.
What to look for: Feel each corner of both mirror glasses for rocking or a gap between the glass and its backing.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3485 (12 December 2014) covers 109,719 Note (DBA-E12, excluding heated mirrors), 43,325 March (DBA-K13) and 10,116 Latio (DBA-N17). The notification states the mirror adhesive is too weak, UV exposure reduces it further and the glass can fall out, leaving the driver unable to see behind. A missing or loose mirror glass is also a warrant-of-fitness problem.
Got a question about a Nissan Micra K13? 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.