2009 Nissan Cube Problems
The 2009 Nissan Cube, with 98 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls, shows notable issues in steering, electrical, and transmission systems. Based on 98 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2009 Nissan Cube has 98 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2009 Nissan Cube Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2009 Nissan Cube trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2009 Nissan Cube Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2009 Nissan Cube w/SAB (Later Release)Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
NISSAN CUBE 2009 has 98 NHTSA complaints, with steering defects (23) and electrical faults (22) being most common. There are 3 recalls and 2 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Cube
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 98
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2009 Nissan Cube problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2009 Nissan Cube?
The 2009 Nissan Cube has a high number of complaints for a single model year, particularly in steering and electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Steering and electrical issues can lead to safety concerns and costly repairs. Transmission problems may affect drivability and long-term reliability.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers who are willing to invest time in inspecting and potentially repairing common issues.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free, reliable used car should avoid the 2009 Cube due to its high complaint volume.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2009 Nissan Cube
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for play, noise, or leaks.
- Check electrical systems including battery, alternator, and wiring harnesses.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and unusual noises.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any reported defects.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Nissan Cube, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Nissan Cube has 98 total complaints, with steering defects (23), electrical faults (22), and transmission/drivetrain issues (20) being the most reported. There are 3 recalls and 2 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2009 has the highest complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 3 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Steering defects account for 23 complaints, the highest of any component.
- Electrical faults total 22 complaints, indicating potential wiring or battery issues.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems have 20 complaints, suggesting possible CVT or gearbox concerns.
- Steering Defects (23 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (22 complaints)
- Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2009 Nissan Cube complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Cube. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 19 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | — | 2 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Nissan Cube. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The TPMS light keeps flashing off and on and all my tires are the pressure they're supposed to be
2009 Cube would not start. Steering wheel locked prevented me from starting the car. Called AAA and they tried to jump start and still would not start. AAA towed my car to Capital Nissan in San Jose and they confirmed it was the Steering Lock Unit. Replaced and charged me …
Many complaints about the nissian cube... the battery are good and even put new batteries in the key fob.. the car isn't registering it and steering wheel is locked bc is a security feature.. many complaints online for these.. is this a recall yet?
Started my car at 9. Went to start my car at 10. Wouldn’t start. The escl has failed.
Unknown
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Cube. The contact stated that the horn failed to operate as needed while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he was informed that the clockspring was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was …
THE BACK DOOR LATCH/LOCK DOESN'T WORK. IT PERMANENTLY LOCKED AND CAN'T BE UNLOCKED WITH KEY OR ELECTRONIC KEY FOB. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND LOCKED IN MY APARTMENT DESIGNATED SPACE. WHEN I TRIED TO OPEN THE TRUNK, IT WOULDN'T UNLOCK. MY RESEARCH ON THE CUBE OWNER'S BLOG INDIC…
ON 07/20/2020 TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING. VEHICLE VIBRATES AND SHUTTERS IN MOTION. LACK OF POWER. AT 124,000 MILES. UNABLE TO GET TO 50 MPH. VEHICLE ALSO VIBRATES WHEN STATIONARY.
TIRE VALVE STEM LEAKING AIR, TIRE GOING FLAT ON 2009 NISSAN CUBE. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE.
MY 2009 NISSAN CUBE HAD A RECALL FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRICAL STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL). IT WENT OUT IN JANUARY 2020 AND THE NISSAN DEALER WANTS 832.00 TO REPAIR WHAT IS A NISSAN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. INVESTIGATING THIS IT WAS FOUND THAT IN JAN…
1) CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING A MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS REPAIRED. THE LIGHT IS BACK ON ALMOST A YEAR LATER AND HAS CONTINUED TO FLASH ON AND OFF. 2) TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AND OFF AND I REPLACED AND ALIGNED MY TIRES AND STILL IT CONTI…
THE ANTITHEFT LOCK MALFUNCTIONED. NOW THE CAR WONT START.
VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY OUT.
THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS PROGRESSIVELY GONE LOWER TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THERE IS A SPONGY FEEL AND ONLY ENGAGES FULLY AT THE LAST MOMENT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. STOPPING IS AT THE LAST MOMENT, THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS TO BE PUMPED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES. THE ROTORS, BRAKE PADS …
THE CUBE WILL FREQUENTLY STOP WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IT IS POSSIBLE TO PUMP THE ACCELERATOR AT THE MOMENT THIS HAPPENS AND SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WILL CATCH AND CARRY ON. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK, THE CAR MUST BE SHUT DOWN FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE ATTEMPTING A RESTART. UNFORTUNAT…
REAR HATCH DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE LOCK HAS WORKED AND THEN IT QUITS WORKING. IN AN EMERGENCY A PERSON WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE HATCH DOOR. ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET THIS IS A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE IN THE EARLY MODELS.
SAME ISSUE AS THE OWNERS IN THIS THREAD WITH REGARDS TO THE ESCL. WENT TO START MY CAR AS A SNOW STORM WAS STARTING AND NO LUCK. MY LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ESCL AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CUBE. HOWEVER, MY PARTNER OWNS A 2009 ALTIMA AND HAD …
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE WHILE MY WIFE WAS AT WORK. SHE CAME OUT OF WORK AFTER DARK, WITH NO ACCESS BACK INTO A BANKING BUILDING, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER CALLING ME AND TRYING A COUPLE THINGS, WE CALLED OUR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND I GOT IN MY CAR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN CUBE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING. THE CONTACT HAD TO LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER FOR THE ENGINE TO START. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FOB HAD TO BE VISIBLE TO START THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDIC…
THE STEERING LOCK HAS FAILED, AND THE START BUTTON NO LONGER WORKS ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE "PLUNGER" HAS FAILED WITHIN THE STEERING ELECTRICAL BOX.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Nissan Cube.
Safety recalls
2009 Nissan Cube recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Nissan Cube. With 3 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2009 Nissan Cube buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Nissan Cube reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 98 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Nissan Cube has a high number of complaints for a single model year, particularly in steering and electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Nissan Cube?▾
#1: Steering Defects (23 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (22 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Nissan Cube?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Nissan Cube?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Nissan Cube, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 98 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Nissan Cube have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Nissan Cube. A major recall area is TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS. With 3 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Nissan Cube?▾
The 2009 Nissan Cube has a high number of complaints for a single model year, particularly in steering and electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Steering and electrical issues can lead to safety concerns and costly repairs. Transmission problems may affect drivability and long-term reliability. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Cube reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Nissan Cube based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.