Air bags: inflator module
Free remedy
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.
Research · Small Station Wagons · 2 NHTSA variants
2009 Nissan CubeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 101 owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Cube. Most complaints involve steering (23) and electrical system (22). The EPA rates it 26–29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
26–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Apr 2026
Owner complaints
101
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Fuel system
Free remedy
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, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A REAR MOVING BARRIER CRASH TEST AS REQUIRED, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE LIMITS.
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Free remedy
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, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. THE MATERIAL IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY CORRODE AND POTENTIALLY CRACK IN AREAS WITH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE NUT MAY COME OUT OF THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER AND THE TPMS LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
101 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2009 – Jul 2026
- Steering23
- Electrical system22
- Power train20
- Engine15
- Air bags8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Wheels6
- Service brakes6
- Structure6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
23 reports
“2009 Cube would not start. Steering wheel locked prevented me from starting the car. Called AAA and they tried to jump start and still would not start. AAA towed my car to Capital Nissan in San Jose and they confirmed it was the Steering Lock Unit. Replaced and charged me 1363.46. After researching online there was a recall (not my Cube and I don't know why) back in 2011. I also found that "recalls never expired". I feel because this incident happened at a later time the Steering Lock Unit became defective. I've noticed the warning light on my dashboard for awhile but it was off and on and have been taking my car for maintenance over the years at Premier Nissan (now called Capitol Nissan in San Jose) and thought maybe the tech would find the problem. I feel because it was defective and recalled I shouldn't have to pay for parts and labor. Also on my Invoice they wrote down the mileage as 140000 and that is not true. My Cube has 138000.”
Electrical system
22 reports
“MY 2009 NISSAN CUBE HAD A RECALL FOR THE MANUFACTURING DEFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRICAL STEERING COLUMN LOCK (ESCL). IT WENT OUT IN JANUARY 2020 AND THE NISSAN DEALER WANTS 832.00 TO REPAIR WHAT IS A NISSAN MANUFACTURING DEFECT. INVESTIGATING THIS IT WAS FOUND THAT IN JANUARY 2012, JUST BEFORE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM THE NISSAN DEALER, THE ESCL RECALL WAS FIXED AT THE MURFREESBORO DEALERSHIP. AS I WASNT THE OWNER AT THE TIME I DO NOT HAVE PAPERWORK TO SHOW THIS, ONLY THE WORD FROM THE DEALER. THE ESCL IS OBVIOUSLY STILL A PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID SINCE IT WAS FIXED ONCE THAT MET THE RECALL CRITERIA AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MANUFACTURERS DEFECTIVE ESCL. THE RED LIGHT WITH THE KEY CAME ON WHEN IT WAS PARKED AT A STORE AND WOULDN'T MOVE SO IT WAS TOWED TO THE NISSAN DEALER. THEY HAVE STATED THE PART IS 579.93 AND THE LABOR WILL BE 312.50. NISSAN CONSUMER HOTLINE WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS REPAIRED BUT WOULDN'T GIVE ME A DATE/PLACE SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM TO GET THIS INFORMATION. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO STATED IT WAS DONE IN JANUARY 2012 WHEN IT WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION TO SELL ON THE LOT. SINCE IT IS A DOCUMENTED…”
Power train
20 reports
“ON 07/20/2020 TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING. VEHICLE VIBRATES AND SHUTTERS IN MOTION. LACK OF POWER. AT 124,000 MILES. UNABLE TO GET TO 50 MPH. VEHICLE ALSO VIBRATES WHEN STATIONARY.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 30 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| Cube Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
4 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Cube as of Oct 30, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2009 Cube questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Cube have?
3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2009 Nissan Cube problems?
Owners filed 101 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (23), electrical system (22), power train (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Nissan Cube get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Cube at 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026