Nissan JUKE Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data
Comparing used Nissan JUKE options? We analyzed 8 model years (2011–2018) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Model-year trends show patterns. Run a VIN check for the exact Nissan JUKE you plan to buy.
NISSAN JUKE (2011-2018) has 472 NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls. Engine issues lead with 177 complaints, followed by power train (75) and electrical system (72). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (152). Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- JUKE
- Model years analyzed
- 2011–2018 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 472
- Safety recall campaigns
- 14
- Crash-related complaints
- 27
- Fire-related complaints
- 10
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2011 (152 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2017 (14 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Below Average
Nissan JUKE: Which Years to Avoid & Which to Buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Below AverageBased on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Juke (2011-2018) has 472 complaints and 14 recalls. Engine problems account for 177 complaints, the highest among components. Power train (75) and electrical system (72) also show notable issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Engine complaints total 177, the highest among all components.
- Power train complaints number 75, the second most reported.
- The 2011 model year has 152 complaints, the most of any year.
- ENGINE
- POWER TRAIN
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2011 (152 complaints) and 2013 (101 complaints) show elevated issues, primarily engine and power train related.
2018 has zero complaints, and 2017 has only 14, suggesting later model years may be more reliable.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect engine, transmission, and electrical systems before purchase.
- Check for any outstanding safety recalls.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
14 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2018. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 472 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
472 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Juke. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left unintendedly, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle responded as needed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact's son met the contact on the side of the road and assisted the contact in driving the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was test-driven, and the failure recurred. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
I’ve had 3 sets of oem control arms fail repeatedly all have been replaced by dealer anytime you go over w bump it bends the control arms
For 8 years Since 20161st The struts, censor, Control panel, Window, 3 transmissions, Electronic multi-way control valve, EGR system, Radiator. All of these troubles since 2016 every year a problem.
The brakes in my car failed to work, leaving me swirling around on the highway. Yes it is available for inspection. I was a car accident that left me with a concussion and minor injuries. No the car is now totaled. The vehicle did receive an appraisal inspection. No they were absolutely no warnings or anything that made me feel I shouldn’t have been driving my car. I kept up on the maintenance well with the help of my warranty company. I did notice in the last few weeks of driving my car though that my check engine light was on.
I'm the only owner of this vehicle. In Dec 2021 (@ 61000 miles) I had problems with steering my vehicle. I went to break and could not break on the expressway. I was on a 55 miles expressway during rush hour traffic. I came to a stop on the side of the road and when I try to engage the accelerator to get off to the exit the car will not move. It kept stalling and making grounding sounds. The steering wheel was hard to turn as well. Had the Nissan dealership tell me the transmission had to be replaced after 10 days of having my car at the dealership. The transmission was replaced. April 2023 (@ 87000 miles), I am back at the dealership with transmission again. This is the same transmission they put there in Dec 2021. I was going less than 10 mile on a normal roadway. The car will not accelerator or move over 10 mph. It sounded like it I was changing gear in a manual car. The abs light would blink off and on for a split second as the car jerk and trying to accelerate. I have also spend on replacing the suspending and steering, control arms and a whole bunch of other things.
The contact owned a 2016 Nissan Juke. The contact stated that his wife had previously driven the vehicle and parked it. Approximately five minutes later, a coworker informed her that the vehicle had caught fire. There were no previous warning indicator lights illuminated. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. There were no reported injuries or air bag deployment. An unknown Tesla parked and unoccupied next to the Nissan sustained fire damage. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 100, 000.
CPO Juke with 42k miles on it; transmission failure seemingly out of nowhere. RPMs would indicate acceleration but no additional speed could be gained over 40mph. Car would drive fine for about 15 minutes before the transmission would begin to fail again. Took it to dealership, it was diagnosed with transmission failure and transmission was replaced under warranty. Took 2 weeks for the repair request to be granted; a total of 16 days from initial diagnosis to pickup after repairs.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Juke. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed that the vehicle was not driving correctly. The contact stated that the service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the oxygen sensor needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure occurred with the other oxygen sensor. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,148.
THE CAR KEEPS SHAKING. MY MECHANIC DID SAY THAT NISSAN JUKES HAVE A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. THEY DID THINGS TO MY CAR TO TRY TO FIX IT BUT I STILL FIND IT SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY.
MY SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO REASON. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I TAKE TO GO TO WORK EVERYDAY. WEATHER TEMPS WERE IDEAL NOT TOO HOT NOR COLD. UNKNOWN ON HOW THIS OCCURRED.
WAS DRIVING HOME AROUND 6AM AFTER A RAINY NIGHT WHEN I TOOK A TURN AND THE FRONT TIRES LOST TRACTION RESULTING IN THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE STRIKING A CURB. THE CAR WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND THERE IS MINIMAL DAMAGE HOWEVER THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING MINOR WHIPLASH AND BRUISING TO THE PASSENGER ALTHOUGH IT FEELS AS IF IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. I'M MAINLY CONCERNED WITH THE AIRBAG BECAUSE I FEEL THAT IF IT DIDN'T GO OFF, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO INJURY UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
FAULTY TRANSMISSION, MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 60K MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED FAILING. IT WAS UP TO DATE ON TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTERS WERE GOOD. MY MECHANIC COULDN'T THING A REASON WHY THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAILING, I WAS SUGGESTED TO PUT A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION ON MY CAR WHICH HAS ONLY 55K MILES, THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF NO WHERE
THIS CAR IS LITERALLY FAILING EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS 9 MONTHS. THE AXEL'S HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIR CONDITIONING HAD TO BE FIXED JUST IN DAYS OF THE LAST REPAIR AN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THAT REPAIR WAS AN OXYGEN SENSOR (EMISSIONS) THIS WAS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH STRUTS PROBLEM LESS THAN 90 DAYS. THE WHEELS HAD NOISE THEN NOW WHEEL AXEL'S PROBLEMS SAME AS THE STRUTS FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT. THIS JUKE IS A LEMON AND I ASKED THE MANUFACTURER FROM THE FIRST REPAIR THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS JUKE 2016. MANY CASE NUMBERS HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THIS VEHICLE FOR MAJOR REPAIRS. UNFORTUNATELY THE MANUFACTURER WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT OWN VEHICLE. SHAME ON YOU NISSAN NOT WORRIED IF YOUR CARS ARE NOT SAFE.
WHAT HAS HAPPENED IS IN MY LETTER THAT WAS NOT SENT TO NISSAN YET BUT EVERY OCCURRENCE IS LISTED AND FILED WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS YOU WILL SEE THE CASE NUMBERS. THIS IS ALSO MY REPORT TO YOU. IF MORE INFORMATION IS NEEDED I WILL SUPPLY IT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN JUKE. WHILE DRIVING, THE RPMS INCREASED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN OF STATEN ISLAND (1976 HYLAN BLVD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10306, (718) 447-3800) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,288.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN JUKE. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PELTIER NISSAN (3201 S SW LOOP 323, TYLER, TX 75701, (903) 561-7300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
OPENED DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE, HEAR LOUD POP, WELDS ON STOOD FRAME AT LEADING EDGE BROKE FREE CAUSING DOOR TO PULL APART. BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP, PER BODY SHOP IMPROPER WELDING AT FACTORY ALLOWED RUST TO FORM CAUSING WELDING TO FAIL. UNCLEAR AT THIS TIME IF DOOR IS STRUCTURALLY UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT UNTIL DOOR SKIN IS REMOVED.
2016 NISSAN JUKE SL AWD AUG 2017, I TRADED-IN A 2011 NISSAN JUKE SL FOR A NEW 2016 JUKE SL 1. TRANSMISSION CATCHES: 2016 JUKE HAS A TRANSMISSION ISSUE WHICH PREVENTS THE CAR FROM ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH RESULTS IN DRIVER/PASSENGERS IN CAR THAT WON'T MOVE. YOU HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO 'CATCH'. NISSAN WAS NOTIFIED FOUR DAYS AFTER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. NISSAN ACKNOWLEDGED BEING ABLE TO DUPLICATE ISSUE OVER VOICEMAIL BUT THEN CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T AFTER REQUESTING THE CAR BE BOUGHT BACK. 2. EXHAUST INSIDE CAR: EXHAUST FUMES PERMEATE INSIDE THE CAR WHENEVER THE AC/HEAT/DEFROST ARE ON MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO BE IN THE CAR WITHOUT THE WINDOWS DOWN NO MATTER HOW HOT OR COLD IT IS OUTSIDE. THE SMELL IS SO OVERWHELMING THAT IS CAUSES NAUSEA, SLEEPINESS AND HEADACHE. NISSAN'S RESPONSE, "YOU WILL SMELL SOME ANTIFREEZE/EXHAUST WHEN YOU'RE IN THE CAR". 3. ELECTRICAL ISSUE: THE NAVIGATION/STEREO/CONSOLE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF - WHILE DRIVING - WHICH HAS ALSO CAUSED THE VOLUME KNOB TO BE INOPERABLE. I EMAILED ANDREW TAVI, TODD WOODS AND MARK SWENSON REQUESTING THEY INTERVENE TO BUY THE CAR BACK, BUT THEY HAVE TURNED THE MATTER BACK OVER TO NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE WHO I REPORTED THE ISSUE TO LAST FALL (2017); THIS IS THE SAME NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE WHO DIDN'T ASK TO LISTEN TO THE VOICEMAIL FROM THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGING BEING ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION OR THE MULTIPLE VIDEO'S I MADE SHOWING THE ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. IF YOU GOOGLE, "JUKE REVVING NO ACCELERATION" YOU WILL FIND MULTIPLE POSTS AND VIDEOS FROM PEOPLE IN THE US AND EUROPE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR NISSAN'S AND ASIDE FROM THE TRANSMISSION ISSUE ITSELF THE SECONDARY COMMON FACTOR IS THAT THEY ALL, LIKE MY JUKE, REPORT THAT THEIR CAR DOES NOT 'THROW A CODE". *PLEASE* INVESTIGATE FOR SAFETY.
THE JUKE HAS HAD INTERMITTENT STALLING AND NO START ISSUES. THE CAR HAS STALLED WHILE IN MOTION AS WELL AS PARKED AT IDLE. ONCE IT STALLS, IT WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY START AGAIN. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE, DESPITE HAVING TO PAY FOR TOWING SEVERAL TIMES. THE LOCAL ABC AFFILIATE HAS DONE AT LEAST TWO REPORTS OF OTHER NISSAN OWNER EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM ELUDING TO A HEAT RELATED ISSUE. IF THAT IS TRUE, THE TEMPERATURE IS COOLING OFF HERE IN THE DESERT I'M AFRAID I WILL NOT SEE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL SPRING AND THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. NISSAN HAS REFUSED TO REPURCHASE THE CAR TO THIS POINT. WITHOUT MY AGREEMENT, THEY HAVE OPENED AN ARBITRATION CASE OFFERING ME $1500 "FOR MY INCONVENIENCE". THE CAR HAS LOST MORE IN TRADE-IN VALUE THAN WHAT THEY'VE OFFERED..GOING THROUGH MINIMAL CARFAX REPORTS ON JUKES, I'VE FOUND A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF JUKES WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS. .*BF. *TR *DT *JB *DT*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 NISSAN JUKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL SCREECHING AND GRINDING NOISE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARMAX (18800 OAK PARK AVE, TINLEY PARK, IL 60477, (708) 263-6475), BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Showing 20 of 472 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Before You Buy, Check the Exact Nissan JUKE
These pages show model-year patterns across 8years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Nissan JUKE has 472 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Nissan JUKE has 14 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 27 of the Nissan JUKE's 472 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Nissan JUKE vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Nissan JUKE vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Nissan JUKE has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Buyers Also Compare
How does the Nissan JUKE stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
📍 Check a Nissan JUKE by State
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Nissan JUKE.