2012 Nissan Juke: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Nissan Juke? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 87 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Nissan Juke Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2012 Nissan Juke 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. 3 trims analysed.
2012 Nissan Juke Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2012 Nissan Juke SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Nissan Juke has 87 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Juke
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 87
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 27
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 29
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 3/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Nissan Juke Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Nissan Juke?
The 2012 Nissan Juke shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Nissan Juke
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and fuel system for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine and fuel system for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Nissan Juke, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
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 87 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Nissan Juke, issues appear concentrated in the engine, fuel/propulsion system, and electrical system. There are 4 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine Problems account for 31 of 87 complaints, the highest count.
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints total 15, second most reported.
- Electrical Faults and Transmission/Drivetrain each have over 10 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Electrical Faults
All 2012 Nissan Juke Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Juke. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 31 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | β | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 3 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Juke. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Juke. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to approximately 5 MPH. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There was no warning light illuβ¦
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Juke. The contact stated that while attempting the start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended twice, and then the vehicle turned off independently after the third attempt. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was takβ¦
It jump time I see that they had issue before I brought it that they replace timming chain before seem that the chain stretched cause it to lose oil flooding out on chain cause it to Jump time this is how much they said it would cost me
SRS AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHES CONTINUOUSLY. STARTED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO (MARCH 2024) TOOK CAR TO REPAIR SHOP, STATED OCS CONTROL UNIT AND PASSENGER OCCUPANT SENSORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. TOOK TO A NISSAN DEALER FOR 2ND OPINION. STATED TODAY THEY WILL REPLACE OCS CONTROL UNIT & PASSENGβ¦
Timing chain needs replacement however the timing chain was already replaced in 2014 under Nissan recall NTB14-030c campaign P4213. This car has 54,000 miles on it and has been serviced at Nissan dealerships according to the Nissan service schedule. There is no reason for this paβ¦
I have a 2012 Nissan Juke and every one of the door lock actuators has had to be replaced. The problems started early on, but the door locks intermittently fail when using the key fob or external door button. Using the internal door lock button is more likely to work even when thβ¦
The car smelling of burning and is not safe to drive.
Sept 2022 i bought my 2012 Nissan Juke from Jeff Wylerβs Nissan King AutoMall. April 23 the left, lower ball joint/axle (drivers side) broke. Needed fixed. Almost $2,000. I specifically asked them to check right sided ball joint/axle. Oh itβs fine. We checked it out and itβs allβ¦
I purchased this Nissan 2012 from Hyundai Santa Maria. It has had a problem starting consistently. There are recorded records all over the net. Simply google Nissan Juke Push Button won't start. I have already spent some money trying to figure out the issue. People have been straβ¦
Belt in the engine snapped made the car overheat leak oil and radiator fluid. Mechanic said there was a recal for this issue.
The timing chain exploded as noted in the service bulletin: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/SB-10055923-4231.pdf Nissan is claiming that this model/VIN is not covered under this bulletin when it clearly is.
2012 NISSAN JUKE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING NISSAN TO REVIEW THE CASE AND BE REIMBURSED OR COMPENSATED FOR THE DAMAGES OF THE VEHICLE.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Juke. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the sensor needed to be tightened and the fuel pressure sensor needed to bβ¦
Recently a strong gas smell in cabin after starting engine for the third time. After noticing the smell of gasoline a faulty fuel pressure sensor was serviced 12/2/2015. No charge at Puente Hills Nissan. Smell of gasoline again. $782.56 paid to Cerritos Nissan on 1/25/19. Althoβ¦
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Juke. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, a popping noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle before the vehicle would no longer accelerate and began to decelerate. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was disβ¦
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Juke. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot overnight, the next day she noticed the air bag had deployed. The vehicle was towed to an Independent mechanic but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified oβ¦
Iβm having problems with 2012 Nissan Juke CVT Transmission. The dash light turned on βSERVICE ENGINE SOONβ. Should I take to a Nissan Dealership. Thant you
Timing Chain: National Consumers reported my vehicle replaced the timing chain in 2018 prior to my ownership. Now it has failed again to the tune of $3K at 88K miles. The Nissan Dealership will only guarantee warranty for 1yr or 12k miles which seems sub par. How can a voluntary β¦
WHILE ON THE 405 FREEWAY I SUDDENLY LOST CAR SPEED. I WAS FLOORING THE GAS BUT THE CAR BARELY MOVED. [] SHAKEN UP AND SCARED. [] SUGGESTED I PUT ON THE CAR HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THE NISSAN JUKE TRANSMISSION MUST HAVEβ¦
EVERY TWO (2) YEARS ONE OF THE HOSES ON THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BURSTS DUE TO EXCESSIVE PRESSURE AND SPEWS THE CONTENTS OF THE SYSTEM ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN THE HOSE BURST, IT CAUSES THE ENGINE TO STUMBLE AND HESITATE AS WELL AS CAUSING SMOKE TO COME FROM THE β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Juke.
2012 Nissan Juke Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Juke. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Nissan Juke Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Juke reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 87 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Nissan Juke shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 2012 Nissan Juke?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (31 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (15 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Juke?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Juke?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Nissan Juke, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 87 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Juke have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Nissan Juke. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Juke?βΎ
The 2012 Nissan Juke shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems 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 Juke reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Nissan Juke based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
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.