Air bags: inflator module
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.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 56 owner complaints for the 2010 Nissan Cube. Most complaints involve electrical system (20) and steering (17). The EPA rates it 27–29 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“Problem is the anti theft module located on the steering column has malfunctioned for my wife’s 2010 Nissan Cube keyless ignition. Vehicle would not restart for my wife after sitting for 5 hours, luckily she was not way off somewhere. From what I’ve seen Nissan did a recall of a similar defective module on other models but did not include the Cube. Nissan doesn’t even have the parts readily available for repair. Vehicle has been sitting at a repair shop for over a month now. This should be a safety issue as it could leave people totally stranded in the middle of nowhere with no meaningful way to repair the vehicle. The part number of the module is 487001 FA0C. It is believed that Nissan did not recall the Cube because of the low quantity of vehicles manufactured in relation to the other problem models.”
“MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HIS COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC FOUND THE PROBLEM TO BE THE STEERING MODULE THAT STARTS THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED AT MY COST OF $971.00. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS PREVALENT IN THE YEAR PRIOR TO MINE AND THAT THEY WERE BEING REPAIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO CAMPAIGN FOR MY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBER. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE YEAR PRIOR TO MINE IS COVERED BUT MINE IS NOT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SERVICED AS REQUIRED THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP ORIGINALLY, THEN CONTINUED BY MY MECHANIC. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS MANUFACTURER TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THIS DEFECT.”
“The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Cube. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V230000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The contact stated that the parts had not been available for approximately 62 days. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 31 | 29 | $2,200 | 306 |
| Cube Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
| 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 |
2 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.
Owners filed 56 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (20), steering (17), air bags (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2010 Nissan Cube at 27–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).