Research · Small Station Wagons
2011 Nissan CubeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Cube. Most complaints involve power train (15) and electrical system (5). The EPA rates it 27–28 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
27–28mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
31
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Nissan Cube as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2012 – Nov 2024
- Power train15
- Electrical system5
- Air bags5
- Structure3
- Seat belts2
- Steering2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Suspension1
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
Power train
15 reports
“On March 24, 2023 Friday, I was picking my child up when I noticed a loss of power and acceleration at the gas pedal. This was then followed by a loud, whining sound while in traffic. Luckily, we were not hit when the car lost power. I am mechanically inclined, and was able to deduct that the car went into limp mode. After further research, it is determined that the CVT transmission failed. This could have caused serious injuries to myself, my child, or whoever it may have impacted our vehicle, because of how it lost acceleration While in transit. Vehicle currently has 141,554 miles and it is a 2011 Nissan cube why does the recall affect 2009, 2010, it skips 2011 and then proceeds to carry-on from 2012 on up? What sense does this make , since it’s the same transmission in all of these vehicles? I am contacting Nissan USA to file a complaint, I have also confirmed this with an OBD two scanner. Today’s date is March 27, 2023.”
Electrical system
5 reports
“REAR BACK DOOR DOES NOT OPEN EVEN U U TRY TO LOCK & UNLOCK,JUST HAPPEND OUT OF THE BLUE .ALSO THE RIGHT DRIVER WINDOW ONE ROLL DOWN . THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT HAPPEN OUT OF THE BLUE WERE BOTH MY SUN VISOR DONT GO UP WHICH MAKE THAT A HAZARD TO SEE TRAFIC”
Air bags
5 reports2 crashes
“INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH WHERE SOMEBODY MADE A LEFT HAND TURN IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS GOING 40 STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD. SLAMMED ON MY BREAKS BUT STILL HIT THE TURNING CAR. THE WHOLE FRONT CRUMPED SO THE CAR WAS TOTALED BUT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *TT”
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 | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Cube Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 29 | 27 | $2,400 | 329 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 27mpg 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
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 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.
2011 Cube questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Cube have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Cube problems?
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (15), electrical system (5), air bags (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Nissan Cube get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Cube at 27–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026