2012 Nissan Juke Problems
Compared with other Nissan Juke years
More complaints than typical for this model
67/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× that of a typical Nissan Juke year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 11 of its 87 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Timing chain stretched or broken (18 complaints, median 80,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 87filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles, 62 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Nissan Juke (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Nissan Juke most often describe a stretched or broken timing chain that can lead to loss of power and, in several complaints, engine damage. A second recurring theme is a fuel odor and fuel pressure sensor concern that many owners say their vehicle was not covered for, and a smaller but consistent group reports repeated battery drain and CVT problems.
- Engine
Timing chain stretched or broken
- 18 complaints (21%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2023
Owners describe a rattling, tickling or popping noise from the engine area, followed by loss of power or a no-start, sometimes at highway speed. Several complaints state that a dealer or independent mechanic found the timing chain stretched or broken and scraped through the timing cover, leaking oil and in some cases requiring engine replacement. Some owners note that a timing chain service campaign existed for certain 2011-2013 Jukes, and others report the chain failed again after an earlier replacement. Reported from about 30,000 to 130,000 miles, with many in the 60,000-105,000 range.
What to check: Listen for a rattle or tick from the engine on a cold start and ask for records of any timing chain replacement, including campaign P4213. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the Juke is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Nissan JUKE shut off when I slowed down to a complete stop after getting off the highway. It sounds horrible when I turn the car on. Like a clicking sound. On youtube I looked up the timing belt issues with the Nissan JUKE and it was the exact same sound. But there was only a recall on the v8 Nissan JUKE so I couldn't get it in to the dealership. It also slows down when I go up to 60 to 70 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11204466, filed 2019-04, 100,000 miles“My 2012 Nissan JUKE all began on wednesday february 25, 2015 when I was beginning my morning. I went out to start my car, the same way I always do before I leave for work in the mornings. Ten minutes later when I walked outside my car was not running. I called a local mechanic who does house calls and asked if he could come over. He knew almost immediately that the timing chain had broken. He continued to run some tests and diagnostics and stated that there was no compression in the valves. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692423, filed 2015-03, 51,400 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell and fuel pressure sensor leak
- 15 complaints (17%)
- median 56,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2025
Complaints describe a strong gasoline odor inside the cabin or under the hood, often after start-up or when the air conditioning or heat is turned on, and sometimes small fuel drips under the vehicle. Owners report that a dealer or mechanic diagnosed a loose or failed fuel pressure sensor, and many state the vehicle was not included in the fuel system recall covering other Jukes. Some complaints mention diagnostic codes P0087 and P0090. Mostly reported between about 18,000 and 100,000 miles, with many in the 46,000-82,000 range.
Recall 12V069000Recall 14V683000Recall 18V1560004 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pressure sensor recalls (12V069, 14V683, 18V156) were performed and whether the sensor has been checked for correct torque. Smell for fuel near the engine bay and check for drips underneath.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle was not listed under Nissan recall id 277139 & id227697 and should be due to I have obd code of p0087 & p0090 which is a fire hazard fuel leak low pressure rail rack and I am not the only owner of jukes that are have the same issue with VIN not covered when they should be. What is going to take a loss of lives”
NHTSA complaint #11173882, filed 2019-02, 53,000 miles“Small drops of fuel under the vehicle were spotted and when the AC/heat is turned on there is a strong smell of fuel that enters the cabin. This happens at initial start up after sitting for several hours. The odor has been ongoing for about a year, when I took the vehicle in to the dealer they said my VIN was not included in any recall campaign and told me some turbo models do that. The drops of fuel was recently.”
NHTSA complaint #11067153, filed 2018-02, 50,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery drains and vehicle will not start
- 12 complaints (14%)
- median 32,500 mi at 4.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2023
Owners describe batteries going flat repeatedly, sometimes within weeks or months of replacement, leaving the vehicle unable to start after being parked. Several complaints state that dealers replaced batteries but could not identify what was draining them, and some mention testing of the brake switch or starter without a resolution. Reported across a wide range of mileage, from very low mileage up to about 56,000 miles.
What to check: Ask about battery replacement history and whether any parasitic draw was diagnosed. Have a mechanic check the charging system and battery condition before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Having problems with the starter. Changed out battery twice within 3 months. The battery is being drained. Not sure why this car is having problems. Had to call aaa for help 3 times. Cannot trust going somewhere. Car may not start once I get to my destination. Have had the car less than 1 year”
NHTSA complaint #10889296, filed 2016-07, 48,000 miles“The battery dies a lot! Cannot figure out why, I have been left stranded numerous times, not fun, sometimes I only left my car for half hour or so, I come back and it is dead, have to wait for aaa or a friend, this has been going for several years and just happened again tonight”
NHTSA complaint #10810609, filed 2015-12, 1,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT hesitation and loss of power
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 81,500 mi at 4.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2015–2022
Complaints describe the vehicle losing power or refusing to accelerate at speed, with the engine revving high without matching road speed changes. Some owners say the CVT overheated and needed a cool-down before resuming, and others report that dealers replaced the transmission or changed fluid after diagnosis. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 100,000 miles, often during highway driving or long trips.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and on a hill, watching for slipping or delayed acceleration. Ask whether CVT fluid changes were done and whether any transmission work is documented.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Cvt - rapid loss of power (85 to 50 almost immediately) while on the freeway. Almost rear ended due to continued loss of speed while trying to get off the freeway to the side of the road. Had to sit on the side of the road for more than 30 minutes for the vehicle to cool down before I could resume my trip. Service engine soon light also came on.”
NHTSA complaint #10915600, filed 2016-10, 82,500 miles“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 have been overheating so it shut down. [] waited about 30 minutes and was able to start my Nissan JUKE and drove to []'s place. I also called aaa to make sure it wasn't a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11394394, filed 2021-02, 90,206 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and sensor faults
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 55,556 mi at 7.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2015–2024
Owners report the airbag warning light flashing or staying on, with shops telling them the passenger seat occupant sensors were faulty and quoting significant repair costs. Some complaints describe airbags not deploying in a collision, and one describes an airbag deploying while the vehicle was parked. Reported between about 32,000 and 85,000 miles.
What to check: Check that the airbag light comes on briefly and then goes out at start-up. Ask whether the occupant classification sensor has been diagnosed or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down the road a lady went through the stop sign and I hit her passenger side door going about 20-25 miles an hour. My car was seen by adjuster yesterday and he totaled it. It is still sitting in lot I told him I wanted Nissan to come find out why my airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10836646, filed 2016-02, 32,707 miles“Air bag light flashes all the time. Car has only70k miles. Auto shop says bags won't work. Sensors in passenger seat bad. Cost $1800 to repair. No reply after numerous try to Nissan 0.”
NHTSA complaint #11330121, filed 2020-06, 70,000 miles
Buying note. A 2012 Juke with documented timing chain and fuel pressure sensor history, plus a recent battery and CVT check, is the safer starting point. Get a pre-purchase inspection that covers the engine noise, fuel smell and airbag warning light before committing.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 2012 Nissan Juke. 62 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 121 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 5 Nissan Juke model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 67 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine29 33%
- Fuel system20 23%
- Electrical system14 16%
- Other or unknown10 11%
- Air bags6 6.9%
- Vehicle speed control6 6.9%
- Brakes2 2.3%
- Engine cooling2 2.3%
- Seats2 2.3%
Also reported: Suspension (2), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Im driving home from work and I stopped at a light while waiting the car jerks and service engine light comes on so I check oil which it did need a oil change so after getti h the oil change I notice my acceleration was slow and the car started making like a you car sound so I take my foot off the gas and press again and it started to pick up speed out still slowly”
NHTSA complaint #11297900, filed 2020-01, 141,256 milesFuel system: “I had a gas/exhaust smell coming into my cabin of vehicle and from my the outside of my vehicle. I took to my mechanic, where he confirmed that there was a gas leak and that Nissan had recalls on my type of vehicle for this reason. Told me to take to Nissan dealer for recall repairs. There were two recall id#: r1201 and r1418. The dealership said my VIN# didn't have a recall, despite the confirmation from my mechanic that there was a leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #11053428, filed 2017-12, 95,612 milesElectrical system: “Problems with constant battery drainage. Even though the car is just parked and nothing on battery drains randomly and out of nowhere. I have replaced battery 7 times in the last 2 years. I am always scared to be stranded and en up calling aaa to rescue me. I have called aaa at least 12 times in the last 3 years just to get my car going. I have taken the car for service and diagnosis to various Nissan dealershipd to have checked and they always say they don't know what the source of the problem is. This is so beyond frustrating!!”
NHTSA complaint #11152246, filed 2018-11, 25,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My vehicle had started to struggle with losing speed/power while on the highway approximately one week ago. Began to notice a rattling noise along with oil leaking from my vehicle's engine a few days ago. Took it into the Nissan service department right way. Today I was informed that the timing chain had been stretched and was scraping against my engine, creating a hole and requiring a new engine. If I had been on the highway when my timing chain completely failed I could have been seriously injured or dead. Nissan quotes me at 9000+ dollars to replace my engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186941, filed 2019-03, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 62 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 86,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Juke. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juke · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.1% risk |
| Juke · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Nissan Juke version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juke FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,850 |
| Juke FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 25 | 30 | 27 | $3,050 |
| Juke AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 29 | 27 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V156000Mar 7, 2018Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Nissan Juke 2011–2012
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Nissan Juke vehicles previously remedied under recall 12V-069. During that recall remedy, the fuel pressure sensor may not have been properly tightened, potentially causing the sensor to…
- 14V683000Nov 28, 2014Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Nissan Juke 2012–2014, Infiniti QX56 2012–2013, QX70 2014–2015 +2 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Nissan Juke, 2012-2013 Infiniti M56, QX56, and 2014-2015 Infiniti Q70 (V8 engine vehicles only), and QX80 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been sufficiently…
- 12V328000Jul 12, 2012SeatsCovers: Nissan Juke 2012
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 juke vehicles manufactured from february 3, 2012, through may 26, 2012. Due to an incomplete weld penetration, the rear seat back striker may partially separate in a crash.
- 12V069000Feb 24, 2012Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Nissan Juke 2011–2012, Infiniti M 2011–2012, QX 2011–2012
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 juke, infiniti qx and infiniti m vehicles. The fuel pressure sensors may not have been tightened to the correct specification. As a result, the fuel pressure sensor may loosen due to heat and vibration causing…
Recall details for the 2012 Nissan Juke → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 121 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Juke
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 14 | 15,000 | 1 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 28 | 48,574 | 1 | 4 | 29 | 26 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 34 | 27,000 | 1 | 4 | 29 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 59 | 60,000 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 36 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 103 | 69,539 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 61 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 87 | 59,000 | 4 | 4 | 29 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 153 | 64,000 | 3 | — | 29 | 92 · More | Falling |
All Nissan Juke model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Juke?
Owners of the 2012 Nissan Juke most often describe a stretched or broken timing chain that can lead to loss of power and, in several complaints, engine damage. The issues reported most often: Timing chain stretched or broken; Fuel smell and fuel pressure sensor leak; Battery drains and vehicle will not start.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Nissan Juke have?
NHTSA recorded 87 consumer complaints for the 2012 Nissan Juke as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Nissan Juke is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 29 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system with 20.
Has the 2012 Nissan Juke been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Nissan Juke do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Nissan Juke 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Nissan Juke get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Juke (Juke, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 27 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Nissan Juke reported?
Among the 62 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 86,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.