The Nissan Juke has entered its second year of production in the states with the 2012 iteration. Though it was loved for being that unique proposition that it is by many, the joy was short-lived upon realizing the inherent faults this subcompact SUV had with its powertrain. Though the complaints and recall numbers may suggest otherwise, more than half of the issues account for something going wrong with the engine or the transmission at unacceptably low mileages. So, are you essentially paying around $20,550 on an SUV that is sure to fail sometime early into its ownership? Well, this article might have the answer to that. As of now, the closes rivals for the 2012 Nissan Juke are the Kia Soul, the Mini Countryman, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
2012 Nissan Juke User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine Problems- Though the Nissan Juke is a relatively new launch, this subcompact SUV has become quite infamous for its engine troubles. Inherent manufacturing defects with the timing chain assembly, cause it to prematurely lose slack, wearing out the timing chain cover in the process and in extreme conditions even damaging components like the camshaft, rocker arm assembly, and the valves. This issue has been reported on SUVs with mileages as low as 40,000 miles. A recent update shows that Nissan has rolled out a voluntary recall program that looks into these problems and provides necessary replacement free of charge if extensive damage to the engine has been identified.
- Transmission/CVT problems- Like any other Nissan from this Era, the 2012 Nissan Juke is also prone to CVT problems. Overheating, sudden loss of drive, and issues with the control valve assembly have been the main issues that have been affecting this SUV’s transmission. Transmission replacements have been quite common initially and reports suggest owners facing the same issue on the replaced unit. Though updates show that Nissan has rolled out a recall for its RE0F10A CVT units, it seems to be only applicable to newer vehicles.
Electric System complaints
- Battery issues- Premature battery drain has been a constant hassle for many 2012 Nissan Juke owners. Replacement units tend to drain in a couple of thousand miles and the dealerships, as reported were unable to trace the cause of the issue. Though the alternator and starter were swapped in many cases, there seems to have been no favorable outcomes. Unofficial forums and independent mechanics have reported faulty grounding on the vehicle that is leading to this electrical problem. Though the manufacturer has been made aware of this issue, no statements have been released in response.
- AC/Climate control- The 2012 Nissan Juke’s climate control system has been a topic of discussion enough owners. The automated unit has been a point of malfunctions and has been bugging users with issues like stuck temperature levels, inability to turn on A/C, and varying temperature from different vents. Reprogramming the module is said to fix most of these issues but no further details are available on this complaint.
Safety Complaints
- Airbag Problems- A few owners have been reporting issues about constantly illuminating airbag lights on the 2012 Nissan Juke and even cases of unwanted deployment in parked vehicles. Although there is an ongoing Takata recall on faulty airbag modules, the Nissan Juke does not seem to be included despite users reporting similar complaints as the recall units.
2012 Nissan Juke Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
7th March 2018 |
18V156000 |
The fuel pressure sensor may loosen and leak |
During a previous recall remedy, the fuel pressure sensor may not have been properly tightened, potentially causing the sensor to loosen and leak fuel |
The dealers will tighten the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2018. |
|
2 |
28th November 2014 |
14V683000 |
The fuel pressure sensor may leak |
The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently tightened during production, causing the fuel to leak, which in presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will re-torque the fuel pressure sensors free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2015. |
|
3 |
12th July 2012 |
20V382000 |
Rear seat latch sticker |
Due to an incomplete weld penetration, the rear seat back striker may partially separate in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. |
The dealers will replace the affected seat back strikers, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 20, 2012. |
|
4 |
24th February 2012 |
12C069000 |
The fuel pressure sensor may leak |
The fuel pressure sensors may not have been tightened to the correct specification which may lead it to loosen by the heat and vibration, causing fuel to leak and increasing the risk of a fire. |
The dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensors, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 2, 2012. |
Should you buy a used 2012 Nissan Juke?
With almost 50 percent of the complaints being reported on the Nissan Juke falling under some sort of problem with the powertrain, even catastrophic at times, it definitely does need a rethink as someone’s next subcompact SUV choice. Even though the 2012 Nissan Juke does come out as a standout option in its segment, imminent powertrain faults are something we don’t want our readers to go through, especially when buying cars from the economically priced segment. So if you are planning on browsing this segment, the Kia Soul or the Outlander Sport should come out as better options.
