Although Nissan’s intention with the Juke was to bring in the most interesting compact SUVs out there, in reality, it did turn out to be something far from that. The quirky looks and the sketchy reliability record were enough to tie a leash on the sales number which finds it even difficult to hit the 30k marker, four years into production. Though 2 recalls and 47 user complaints don’t sound all that bad, Nissan's infamous CVT problems coupled with the shoddy reliability of the 1.6L turbo is certainly causing this crossover thingy to lose the appeal it never had. So, should you be spending around $19,170 for one of these quirky Nissan SUVs or should it be put on something like the new Buick Encore, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, or even the Subaru Crosstrek XV? This article should help you decide on that.
2014 Nissan Juke User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine Problems- The 1.6L turbocharged mill on the 2014 Nissan Juke does not come out as all that reliable unit in the long run. Timing chain tensioner failure does cause the chain to rub against the casing, mostly resulting in an oil leak. Inability to start, random stalls and engine miss fires are some indications of a slacked timing chain. The turbocharger is also known to fail, causing a loss of power or pickup at higher RPMs. There are no records of engine replacements, but repair costs outside warranty coverage do come in thousands and the lowest recorded failure mileage is around 65,000 miles. Fuel leak from insufficiently tightened fuel pressure sensor has also forced the automaker to rollout a recall (ID-14V683000) in the same year.
- Transmission problems- As with any Nissan from this ear, the2014 Nissan Juke is also not immune to CVT issues.Slow engagement when trolling from a standstill, whining noise, overheating, and occasional slips and jerks are some mostly reported transmission issues. The issues are mostly traced to a faulty valve body that controls the CVT pulleys or a collapsed internal bearing blocking the oil supply, necessitating a transmission rebuild. Entire CVT replacements are also not that uncommon as well.
Electric System complaints
- Radio/navigation system issues- The radio unit of the 2014 Nissan Juke is known for a few software niggles like occasional blanking out, freezing, and occasional reboots. A drop in wireless phone connectivity options like Bluetooth call and music intermittently is also another issue reported. Though software updates have been provided, issues still recur as reported by owners.
- AC/Climate control- A few owners have complained about thefaulty automatic climate control (if equipped) system on the 2014 Nissan Juke. Complaints include the system not blowing hot air despite being set to a higher temperature and also the physical buttons bringing in no effective change to the temperature of the air blown. The issue is reported to be with the climate control module, but no further updates are available on this issue.
2014 Nissan Juke Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1st July 2015 |
15V418000 |
The engine start/stop button may stick |
When exposed to hot temperatures, the affected vehicles have an engine start/stop button that may stick inside the button housing, which under road vibrations will cause the engine to shut off while driving, increasing the risk of a crash |
The dealers will modify the start/stop switch housing, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2015. |
|
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. |
Should you buy a used 2014 Nissan Juke?
The Nissan Juke is certainly an interesting compact SUV and there is no doubt about that. But the takeaway here is the fact that the appeal is just visual and things do die down as you get close to the heart of the matter. CVT issues, as always, are still something to watch out for, only this time, you’ve got a brittle 1.6L turbo around to add to the headache. We are not calling the 2014 Nissan Juke an unreliable machine here, but in a segment where ease of ownership and cost-effectiveness are prime, this compact SUV might end up being the exact opposite, more so for used buyers. Also, the limited sales number might affect the post-purchase experience and availability of spares given the SUV is not one of the most robust ones out there.
