Home · 2012 Nissan Juke · Complaints

What 87 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Nissan Juke

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (87)Crash / fire / injury (6)Engine (29)Fuel system (20)Electrical system (14)Transmission & drivetrain (12)Airbags (6)Speed control (6)Brakes (2)Engine & cooling (2)Seats (2)Suspension (2)

29 of 87 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Oct 23, 2025Engine

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 illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but recurred at various speeds. The vehicle was towed to two different independent mechanics who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695304

Jul 7, 2025Engine

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

NHTSA ODI 11671542

Jul 15, 2023Engine

Belt in the engine snapped made the car overheat leak oil and radiator fluid. Mechanic said there was a recal for this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11532467

Apr 6, 2023Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11515740

Oct 25, 2022EngineTransmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11490729

Jun 20, 2022EngineFuel system

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. Although 2012 Nissan Jukes had a factory recall due to gasoline smell, I was told that my VIN number was not included.

NHTSA ODI 11470111

May 5, 2022Engine

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 discovered that engine oil had leaked from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed causing damage to the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage 146,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463479

Oct 6, 2021Engine

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 recall on the timing chain only be effective up to 2014 when obviously it seems to be a problem with the whole engine design. I will not drop $3k every 3-4 years to replace a part that should last longer than a belt or at the minimum of 120k miles if not the life of the car. I’m asking the National Consumers hotline to open another recall on this lemon. The additional issues are the car not starting, after replacing 2 good batteries within 2 years, an independent mechanic replace a relay between the brake and the ignition and it has worked ever since. Crossing my fingers… Also notable is the rinki-dink hood latch that quivers at high speeds. I often wonder when my hood will fly up into my windshield.

NHTSA ODI 11435788

Sep 3, 2020Engine

P4213 JUKE F15 TIMMING CHAIN UPDATE NTB14-030, NISSAN LAUNCHED THIS VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON APRIL 25, 2014 ON CERTAIN 2011-2013 NISSAN JUKE VEHICLES TO OFFER CUSTOMERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN, CHAIN GUIDES, AND CRANK SPROCKET AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER FOR PARTS AND LABOR. ON NOVEMBER 26, 2014 I TOOK MY 2012 JUKE TO TEMECULA NISSAN WHERE ON NOVEMBER 26, 2014 WAS TAKEN FOR SAID RECALL, AFTER 2 YEARS OF DRIVING MY CAR A SOFT CLACKING SOUND STARTED TO WHICH ON ONE OF THE OIL CHANGE ROUTINE I ASKED TEMECULA NISSAN SERVICE REPAIR PERSON TO CHECK AND HE DISMISSED IT AS NORMAL NO PROBLEM. FAST FORWARD TO AUGUST 2020, THE CLACKING SOUND IS LOUDER AND MY MOTOR IS NOT RESPONDING WHEN ACCELERATING. I ONCE AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 TOOK MY CAR TO TEMECULA NISSAN FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TO REVEAL THAT IT IS IN FACT THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS AND HAS AFFECTED CAMSHAFTS AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT WILL AMOUNT TO A TOTAL OF $1,400.00 JUST TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE MOTOR AND SEE THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAULTY TIMING CHAIN, NOT INCLUDE TOTAL REPARATION OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN I BROUGHT UP THE 2014 TIMING CHAIN RECALL, AT FIRST THEY DID NOT HAD ANY RECORD OF RECALLS FOR A TIMING CHAIN ON MY CAR, TO WHAT I CLAIM TO HAVE PROVE OF IT, THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISMISSED IT AS AN EXPIRE WARRANTY ISSUE THAT WAS FIXED FOR FREE BUT CURRENTLY OUT OF WARRANTY, I RESPONDED THAT THAT WAS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE BUT A DEFECTIVE PART RECALL, HE INSISTED THAT REGARDLESS OF BEING A RECALL ISSUE IT WAS ONCE REPAIRED AND THAT WAS IT. NOW I AM LEFT WITH AN AUTO THAT WAS PERHAPS NEVER FIXED AND WITH A LONGSTANDING RECALL PROBLEM THAT PERSIST. THE TIMING CHAIN CAUSES MY CAR TO NOT RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATION PEDAL IS PRESSED ON EITHER ON A FREEWAY OR ANY INTERSECTION PUTTING MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILY SAFETY AT RISK.

NHTSA ODI 11353066

Jan 8, 2020Speed controlEngine

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 ODI 11297900

Oct 22, 2019Engine

TL-

NHTSA ODI 11270182

Sep 28, 2019Speed controlEngineFuel system

CAR TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING IN LOW SPEED. OR AFTER A TURN NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CHECK ENGINE CODES WHATSOEVER STARTING ON SEP 26 2019. AND KEEP DOING IT AT LEAST TWICE PER DAY

NHTSA ODI 11258673

Jul 17, 2019Speed controlEngine

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. BEFORE TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, I HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. MY VEHICLE HAD STARTED TO STRUGGLE WITH LOSING SPEED/POWER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 55 MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11232906

Jun 17, 2019Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN JUKE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. BEFORE TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WALSER NISSAN WAYZATA (LOCATED AT 15906 WAYZATA BLVD, WAYZATA, MN 55391, (612) 426-6995) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE, TURBO, MULTIPLE FLUIDS, TIMING CHAIN, AND BALANCE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11220703

Jun 4, 2019Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN JUKE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD POPPING OR TICKING NOISE OCCURRED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SOUND APPEARED TO COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE POPPING OR TICKING NOISE BECAME LOUDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BAKE NISSAN (LOCATED AT 19630 NORTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77065, (832) 604-3495) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE ORIGIN OF THE NOISE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11217809

Apr 29, 2019Engine

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 ODI 11204466

Mar 14, 2019Transmission & drivetrainEngine

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. THEY HAD A 'VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN' BACK IN 2014 FOR DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAINS IN 2010 - 2013 NISSAN JUKES. I BOUGHT MY NISSAN FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP IN 2014, NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE NOR DID ANY NISSAN SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTIFY ME OF THE ISSUE WHEN I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN.

NHTSA ODI 11186941

Jan 2, 2019Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN JUKE. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2018 BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11164502

Dec 27, 2018Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN JUKE. WHILE DRIVING, THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED OFF INTO THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KELLY NISSAN OF WOBURN (95 CEDAR ST, WOBURN, MA 01801, (781) 835-3500) TO BE DIAGNOSED. ALSO, A CONSUMER ADVOCATE PLANNED TO INVESTIGATE ON BEHALF OF THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE IF THEY WOULD COVER SOME OF THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11163655

Dec 3, 2018Engine

I ARRIVED AT AN OUT OF TOWN DESTINATION TO FIND I HAD OIL COVERING THE MOTOR. MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A 2" GASH IN THE FRONT COVER OF THE TIMING CHAIN, WHICH WAS COMING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE BUT WHEN I CONTACTED NISSAN, THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED AT A DIFFERENT PLANT AND WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL. MECHANIC FIXED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THE ISSUE WAS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY WEAR OR NEGLIGENCE.

NHTSA ODI 11155752

Aug 16, 2018EngineFuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN JUKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LOVING NISSAN (1433 S MEDFORD DR., LUFKIN, TX 75901, (936) 634-4488) FOR AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. **TR CORRECT INFO: THE 2012 JUKE STARTED A TICKING SOUND WHEN RUNNING. HAD THE OIL CHANGED PER 3 MONTH TIME ON JULY 14TH, 0 TICKING FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS THEN TICKING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD AGAIN. SCHEDULED SERVICE APPT FOR 8/31/18. THE SERVICE DEPT SAID NEEDED TIME CHAIN REPLACED. WENT BACK, NOTED TIMING CHAIN REPLACED PER RECALL ON 4/6/15 @MILEAGE 6/05. 8/3/18 MILEAGE 111830- TIMING CHAIN ONLY LASTED 50,779 MILES COUNT. THE PART ONLY LAST 50,779 MILES @ DOCUMENTATION, BUT HAS BEEN TICKING FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. I HAVE SPOKEN AND NIACIN NORTH AMERICA, THEY ONLY WARRANTY FOR 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES ON REPLACED PARTS. THIS JUKE WAS RUNNING FINE BEFORE TIMING CHAIN REPLACED. ALSO, I HAD THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS TIMING CHAIN NEEDS TO LAST MORE THAN 50,000 MILES. WE ALSO HAVE RECEIPTS FROM WHERE WE DID HAVE THE OIL CHANGED. THAT WAS ALSO A QUESTION- THE DEALERSHIP SAID MUST HAVE NOT CHANGED OIL- SO THAT'S WHY TIMING CHAIN FAILED SO SOON, I WAS TOLD IF THE TIMING CHAIN SNAPS- THE CARDIAC WHILE DRIVING!! UPDATED 11/8/18*JB

NHTSA ODI 11120418

Jul 9, 2018Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN JUKE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED, THE ENGINE SEIZED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. PRIORITY NISSAN TYSONS CORNER (8525 LEESBURG PIKE A, VIENNA, VA 22182, (703) 442-8700) DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11110289

Oct 19, 2017Engine

MY DAUGHTER PURCHASED A USED 2012 NISSAN JUKE FROM A NISSAN DEALER IN 2014. RECENTLY, SHE HAD A VERY LARGE OIL LEAK. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD US THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE TIMING CHAIN COVER AND SOMETHING INSIDE IS RATTLING, BUT THEY CAN'T TELL WHAT IT IS UNTIL THEY OPEN THE CASE WHICH TAKES 6 HOURS. THEY ALSO SAID THEY NEED TO REBUILD THE CAMS AND ALL TOP SEALS IN THE CAMSHAFT AREA. I ASKED WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSE THIS AND WAS TOLD IT LOOKED LIKE FRICTION FROM THE BROKEN PART INSIDE CAUSED THE HOLE IN THE TIMING CHAIN COVER. I WAS TOLD THE CAMS AND SEALS NEEDED TO BE REDONE DUE TO LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVEN WITH THE OIL LEAK, WE WOULD HAVE NOTICED IN ON THE DRIVEWAY. THE OIL HAD JUST BEEN CHANGED A FEW WEEKS BEFORE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I FOUND SEVERAL REPUTABLE SOURCES SAYING THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR OF NISSAN JUKE HAS MANY INCIDENTS OF THE TIMING CHAIN STRETCHING AND DAMAGING THE COVER CAUSING OIL LEAKS AND ENGINE DAMAGE - A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE COST OF THE JOB IS $2,900. (PLUS RENTAL CAR) IT ALSO APPEARS NISSAN ISN'T ADDRESSING THE ISSUE AS WELL AS IT SHOULD (CONSUMER REPORTS). I'VE CALLED NISSAN USA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AFTER SPEAKING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE, ASKED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR. I WAS TOLD I'D GET A CALL BACK WITHIN 4-8 BUSINESS HOURS. IT'S NOW BEEN DOUBLE THAT TIME AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED A CALL. IT APPEARS NISSAN KNOWS OF THIS DEFECT AND ISN'T WILLING TO REPAIR IT AFTER IT CAUSES DAMAGE OR AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. I FEEL THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!

NHTSA ODI 11034709

Oct 12, 2016Speed controlEngine

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 ODI 10915600

Nov 9, 2015Electrical systemEngine

2012 NISSAN JUKE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FAILURE TO START PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY. THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE DEEMED TO BE GOOD. WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, IT INITIALLY MADE AN ELECTRONIC CLICKING NOISES; NOT STARTER MOTOR CLICKING NOISE. THE ENGINE DID NOT TURN AT ALL AND AFTER A COUPLE OF TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD GO TOTALLY DEAD. UPON BEING JUMP STARTED, THE BATTERY AND ELECTRONICS WERE PERFECTLY FINE. *JB

NHTSA ODI 10806932

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Working with the data? Download all 87 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Nissan Juke verdict →