2009 Nissan Cube: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Nissan Cube has 198 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system. Owners most often flag cvt transmission failure — complete failure requiring replacement, slippage, whining noise, lack of acceleration, error codes. very frequent concern, cited as the model's primary weakness. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

198
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
4
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Nissan Cube vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
46
electrical system
44
power train
40
engine
30
fuel/propulsion system
14

Recalls affecting the 2009 Cube

tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Campaign 09V393000

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, M…

fuel system, gasoline:storage

Campaign 10V330000

NISSAN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 NISSAN CUBE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 26V230000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Cube vehicles. The driver’s air bag inflator may rupture or detach from the steering wheel during air bag deployment.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is polarized, with a strong divide between owners who cherish the vehicle's unique character and practicality and those who have faced significant mechanical failures. A dedicated group of owners expresses deep affection for the Cube's boxy design, e

  • CVT Transmission Failure — Complete failure requiring replacement, slippage, whining noise, lack of acceleration, error codes. Very frequent concern, cited as the model's primary weakness. Frequency: very frequent.
  • General CVT Reliability Concerns — Anxiety over long-term durability, reports of shops refusing service, advice against fluid changes by some mechanics. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Rear Door Latch Failure — A known defect causing the rear hatch door to become inoperable; repair cost estimated around $400+. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Parts Availability & Cost — Difficulty sourcing parts due to the model's rarity and discontinuation, leading to higher costs and longer repair times (e.g., starter motor). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Sluggish Performance — Described as slow, especially for highway merging and passing; handles "like a slab-sided bus." Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Cube.

Other Cube model years

2010 Cube
Full Nissan Cube owner reportCompare against another car