Nissan Note problems, reliability and years to avoid
If you are considering buying a used Nissan Note, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 10 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Is the Nissan Note reliable?
The Nissan Note has 10 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (owners of the X-tronic CVT automatic have reported a clunk from the drivetrain at 14,000) and suspension (steering racks have failed on first-generation Notes). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.
Which Nissan Note years should you avoid?
No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.
Mk1, 2006 to 20132 high severity
5 known faults, the serious ones in the suspension, bodywork and trim
Mk2, 2013 to 20161 high severity
5 known faults, the serious ones in the gearbox
Years and engines with a serious known fault
2013 to 2017, 1.2 DIG-S with X-tronic CVT: owners of the X-tronic CVT automatic have reported a clunk from the drivetrain
2006 to 2013, All variants: steering racks have failed on first-generation Notes
2006 to 2013, All variants: UK safety recall R/2017/226 covers Notes built from 3 August 2005 to 19 July
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
Generation 1 of 25 known faults · 8 owner reports · 3 good notes
Nissan Note Mk1 (2006 to 2013) problems
SuspensionMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2015 to 2017
Front subframe bulkhead mounts are prone to fracture and the bonded front subframe bushes can detach, bringing knocking from the front and MOT failure. One replacement set of bushes failed again within 18 months. Worn subframe bushes may also be behind rapid front tyre wear.
Rough guide
£Unknown
Typical symptoms
Loud knocking noise from the front suspension, especially over bumps
Excessive or uneven front tyre wear
MOT failure due to subframe issues
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
51000 miles
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SuspensionMedium severity💬 4 owner reports, 2015 to 2017
Front coil springs are prone to premature failure, with multiple reports of both original and replacement springs breaking. This can lead to poor handling and MOT failure.
Rough guide
£Unknown
Typical symptoms
Loud clunking or banging noise from the suspension
Uneven ride height
Poor handling or steering feel
MOT failure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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SteeringHigh severity📝 Editorial
Steering racks have failed on first-generation Notes, in one case twice on a 2006 car within three years, with further rack failures reported. Separately, UK safety recall R/2015/135 covers Notes built from 27 June to 3 September 2008: a bearing in the steering gear may have been left out in manufacture, so the pinion can disengage and steering control can be lost. The recall fix is to inspect the rack and replace it where necessary.
Rough guide
£Unknown
Typical symptoms
Knocking or clunking through the steering when turning
Play or looseness in the steering
Heavy or uneven steering assistance
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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OtherHigh severity🏛️ Official recall
UK safety recall R/2017/226 covers Notes built from 3 August 2005 to 19 July 2013: the front passenger airbag inflator may have been made with faulty propellant and can rupture, so the airbag deploys abnormally in a crash and can injure the occupant. The fix is a new airbag assembly. A separate recall, R/2015/256, covers the driver's airbag inflator on cars built from 30 August 2005 to 31 December 2011, which can rupture and scatter metal fragments.
Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)
Typical symptoms
No symptoms prior to deployment
Airbag warning light may illuminate (though not directly related to this specific fault)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
Any miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial
On early 1.5 dCi engines the EGR valve can stick closed, driving exhaust temperatures up until the turbo bearings fail and oil reaches the intake; at worst the engine runs on its own oil until it is destroyed. If the valve sticks open the engine runs rough. A replacement turbo fitted without a new EGR valve fails again. Renault modified the EGR valve, and no further reports followed in the nine months to April 2007, so this is a risk for the earliest Notes rather than the whole run.
Rough guide
£Unknown
Typical symptoms
Rough running (if EGR stuck open)
Loss of power
Engine consuming its own oil
Turbo failure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi diesel, early engines
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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What owners report on the Mk1
8 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Engine · May 2018A 2013 Nissan Note 1.4 experienced a loss of compression in its fourth cylinder at 37,000 miles, indicating an engine issue.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2016A 2009 Nissan Note 1.6 automatic with 28,000 miles failed to shift into fourth gear, suggesting a transmission problem.
Interior · June 2014The passenger seatbelt in a 2010 Nissan Note 1.4 n-tec became unstitched and was replaced free of charge under warranty.
Engine · June 2014A 2006 Nissan Note petrol engine suffered a timing chain failure, with a repair estimate of £1,000 for replacement.
Engine · March 2014A screeching noise on starting was caused by the ancillaries belt slipping on the alternator pulley, requiring warranty replacement.
Fuel system · March 2013Injection pumps on the 1.5 dCi engine can fail after approximately six years if low lubricity diesel is consistently used.
Interior · September 2011The latch mechanism of a rear seatback refused to release, but a quick tug on the lever resolved the issue.
Bodywork · January 2011A four-month-old 1.4 n-tec model experienced repeated door lock failures, indicating a persistent issue with the locking mechanism.
What owners like about the Mk1
3 notes
March 2019A well-maintained 2009 Nissan Note 1.6 automatic achieved 130,000 trouble-free miles, with regular servicing and gearbox oil changes.
March 2018A Nissan Note 1.5 DCI covered 300,000 mostly trouble-free miles before its piston rings eventually failed.
The Nissan Note achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult safety, 3 stars for child safety, and 2 stars for pedestrian safety.
Generation 2 of 25 known faults · 10 owner reports · 1 good note
Nissan Note Mk2 (2013 to 2016) problems
Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
Owners of the X-tronic CVT automatic have reported a clunk from the drivetrain at 14,000 miles, a violent judder when accelerating after coasting, and a complete transmission failure at under 28,000 miles that was replaced under warranty.
Rough guide
£Unknown
Typical symptoms
Noisy transmission operation
Clunk from the drivetrain
Juddering or shuddering during acceleration, especially after over-run
Loss of drive
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 DIG-S with X-tronic CVT
Typical mileage:
14000-28000 miles
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SuspensionMedium severity💬 7 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
Premature wear and failure of front anti-roll bar bushes, leading to creaking and rattling noises from the front suspension. Nissan has developed redesigned parts, but the issue can recur.
Rough guide
£200-400
Typical symptoms
Squeaking or creaking noises from the front suspension, especially over speed humps or uneven roads
Rattling from the front wheels
Poor handling or vague steering feel
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
20000-60000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
February 2018A 2016 Nissan Note developed rattles from the front suspension, indicating a potential issue with components.
February 2018A recently purchased 2015 Nissan Note 1.5 dCi experienced an issue with its suspension bushes.
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2016 to 2018
Air conditioning systems are prone to requiring re-gassing at low mileages, often due to leaks. The system uses the expensive R1234YF refrigerant, making repairs significantly more costly than older systems. Multiple reports of system failure and long waits for parts.
Rough guide
£250-600+
Typical symptoms
Air conditioning blowing warm air
System not cooling effectively
Unusual noises from the A/C compressor
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants with A/C
Typical mileage:
20000-50000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 1 owner report, 2019
One owner reported that on a 2016 Note the front windscreen had not been sealed properly, so rainwater reached the wiper motor. The wipers and all the lights failed at once, because other parts on the same electrical circuit were knocked out too, and repairs took several weeks. A wing mirror indicator and a rear door lock later failed on the same car.
Rough guide
£Unknown
Typical symptoms
Wipers stop working
Lights go out
Indicator or door lock failures
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2018 to 2019
Reports of excessive oil consumption on the 1.2 DIG-T engine, with one owner reporting 2 litres of oil used in 11,000 miles and completely blackened engine oil. This can indicate internal engine wear or issues.
Rough guide
£500-2000+
Typical symptoms
Frequent need to top up engine oil
Engine oil quickly turning black after an oil change
Blue smoke from the exhaust (especially on startup or acceleration)
Engine warning light related to oil pressure or emissions
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 DIG-T (HR12DDT)
Typical mileage:
30000-70000 miles
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What owners report on the Mk2
10 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Exhaust · October 2019A 2016 Nissan Note 1.5 dCi at 30,000 miles repeatedly displayed an engine warning light, leading to multiple warranty replacements of exhaust filters and sensors.
Engine · April 2019A 2015 Nissan Note 1.5 DCI at 41,000 miles displayed multiple warning lights, with diagnostics indicating issues including boost pressure and preheating unit faults.
Electrics · March 2019The infotainment system of a 2016 Nissan Note 1.2 DIG-S Tekna CVT gave false tyre pressure readings and erratic MPG figures.
Bodywork · March 2019A 2014 Nissan Note developed a minor area of corrosion on its roof, above the front passenger door, despite no visible damage.
Engine · April 2017A squeaking noise from the top belt tensioner of a 2014 Nissan Note 1.2 DIGT was fixed under warranty by cleaning and resetting.
Engine · April 2017A rattle from the engine of a 2014 Nissan Note was caused by a failing auxiliary belt pulley.
Suspension and steering · November 2016A rattle from the front wheel of a 2016 Nissan Note, present for 2,000 miles, was traced to a loose wheel hub and tightened.
Gearbox and clutch · September 2016A 2015 Nissan Note suffered clutch failure at 14,000 miles; the dealer replaced it under their liability obligation.
Electrics · February 2016The second, unused key for a Nissan Note had a short battery life, requiring replacement.
Electrics · July 2015A December 2014 Nissan Note Tekna dCi at 6,000 miles had a failed rear LED light cluster, requiring a full replacement.
What owners like about the Mk2
1 note
The 2013 Nissan Note achieved a 4-star NCAP rating, with strong scores for adult and child protection.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 29 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Nissan Note advert and we check it in seconds.
Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 7 DVSA recalls for the Note, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.
🏛️ August 2020Cars built September 2015 to August 2016
Possible reduced retention force of the rear door child lock switch
Possible reduced retention force of the Rear Door Child Lock switch.
Put right by: Fit a countermeasure part into the child lock door switch aperture of all potentially affected vehicles.
DVSA R/2020/220299,631 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2017Cars built August 2005 to July 2013
Abnormal deployment of passenger airbag
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passengerairbaginflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant This could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passengerairbagto deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the airbag with a new assembly.
DVSA R/2017/226124,482 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2016Cars built April 2016 to April 2016
Wheels may lock if ABS is activated
It has been identified that due to a manufacturing issue the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Actuator Control Unit may have contamination within it. When in use the contamination particle can migrate within the ABS unit and become trapped in a valve. In this condition the ABS may not operate as per design intent in the worst case when the ABS is activated under certain unusual driving conditions the customer may experience wheel lock and the vehicles dynamic behaviour would be adversely affected.
Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the ABS control unit and where necessary replace it with new component.
DVSA R/2016/273197 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2016Cars built August 2015 to January 2016
Engine may stall and/or fail to restart
The engine ignition coil may not be to the correct specification. The internal electrical components of the coil may short circuit resulting in an engine misfire. In the worst case this short circuit may cause a fuse inside the Power Distribution Module (IPDM) to fail stopping power to the ignition relay. In this condition the engine may stall and prevent the customer from being able to restart the engine.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the ignition coil with new.
DVSA R/2016/0082,010 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2016Cars built August 2005 to December 2011
Drivers airbag may rupture if deployed
In the event of drivers airbag deployment the internal pressure of inflator may increase abnormally and in an extreme case cause the drivers airbag inflator casing to rupture. In an extreme case this may cause a scattering of metal fragments.
Put right by: Owners will be advised that their vehicle is affected by the recall and will be contacted again when parts are available and the driver's air bag will be replaced..
DVSA R/2015/256124,507 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2015Cars built July 2013 to March 2014
Engine push start switch may malfunction
On affected models with a push start ignition switch the switch may remain in the pressed position and not return after switching the engine on. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition the emergency engine stop function may operate and cause the engine to unintentionally stop.
Put right by: Inspect and where necessary modify the push start switch housing.
DVSA R/2015/13310,248 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2015Cars built June 2008 to September 2008
Loss of steering control
The lower pinion needle bearing may have been omitted during manufacture of the steering gear due to insufficient controls in the suppliers manufacturing process. It is possible the pinion may disengage from the steering gear with loss of steering control.
Put right by: On affected vehicles inspect and where necessary replace rack.
DVSA R/2015/1356,973 vehicles affected in the UK
Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Nissan Note buying questions
What are the most common Nissan Note problems?
Three stand out. Gearbox: owners of the X-tronic CVT automatic have reported a clunk from the drivetrain at 14,000 miles (typically 14000 to 28000 miles). Suspension: steering racks have failed on first-generation Notes. Suspension: premature wear and failure of front anti-roll bar bushes, leading to creaking (typically 20000 to 60000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Nissan Note years should I avoid?
No Nissan Note year is a write-off, but the Mk1 (2006 to 2013) carries the most serious faults: suspension and bodywork and trim. The Mk2 (2013 to 2016) has high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Nissan Note?
Ask the seller about the gearbox and suspension faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for noisy transmission operation, knocking or clunking through the steering when turning and squeaking or creaking noises from the front suspension, especially over speed humps or uneven roads. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 10 known faults before you travel. Check a Nissan Note advert →
Are there any recalls on the Nissan Note?
The DVSA lists 7 safety recalls for the Nissan Note issued between 2015 and 2020. The most recent, from August 2020, is "Possible reduced retention force of the rear door child lock switch". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.
What is the real MPG of a Nissan Note?
Owners report 47.3 mpg on average across the Nissan Note engines with data, about 84% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 1,228 owner submissions. Nissan Note Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Nissan Note owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Nissan Note goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.