Research · Small Station Wagons
2012 Nissan CubeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 19 owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Cube. Most complaints involve power train (6) and electrical system (3). 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
19
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 2012 Nissan Cube as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
19 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2013 – Mar 2026
- Power train6
- Electrical system3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Air bags2
- Engine1
- Tires1
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
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
6 reports
“I PURCHASE MY 2012 NISSAN CUBE ON JANUARY 2019 W 93K ON JUN 2019 STARTED A NOISE .IT BECAME INCREASINGLY WORST, TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC HE ROAD TEST THE CAR ,AND TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION I GOOGLE THE CVT TRANS AND FIND OUT THAT NISSAN HAVE TROUBLE WITH THOSE TRANS ,THEY EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON SOME MODELS FROM 2000 TO 2010 I TOOK IT TO RT.46 NISSAN ON TOTOWA NJ TO MAKE SURE THAT WAS THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS .THEY WANT $4163.00 TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE TRANS THAT THEY KNOW HAVE A BUNCH OF PROBLEMS ..TWICE THE CAR STALL WHEN I`M DRIVING I`M NOT GOING TO PAY FOR A TRANS.THAT HAS A HISTORY OF PROBLEMS,I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON 2012 MODELS I`M SURE MY COMPLAIN IT`S NOT THE ONLY ONE”
Electrical system
3 reports
“Problem # 1- is 3 out of 4 door lock actuators all of a sudden stopped working at the exact same time, except the driver door. This is a huge safety issue and causes the door to remain locked. This causes someone getting locked inside the vehicle or locked outside. (Google) all the review's as this is a common thing people are reporting. Problem #2- My daughter said she almost passed out because he gas tank started to leak because the hose connector is plastic and integrated into the gas tank. The only way to fix this is replace the gas tank at $600+. (Google) this is a common problem that people are reporting. My vehicle only has 40k miles on it and its already a fire hazard because fuel is leaking from a plastic cheap fitting. This is the fitting that the fill hose connects to the gas tank. No warning signs until gas fumes filled the cab. This is a fire hazard and also can cause the driver to pass out because of the fumes in the vehicle. No inspections just phone calls to the service department. They want to charge me $175 to just tell me what is broken that I already know. So I called local dealership and they confirmed the symptoms are likely due to broken…”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“2013-2014 oxygen gas sensor Intermittently failed to operate, causing CO2 into the cabin. Issue not found Nissan instructed to take it to another dealer they found issue and replaced. 2025 same issue dealers cannot find major c02 entering cabin. Cannot drive car due to extreme c02 have blood test indicating c02 in blood. Extreme situation both times!”
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
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Nissan Cube as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 6172
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.
2012 Cube questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Cube have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Cube problems?
Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (6), electrical system (3), fuel/propulsion system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Nissan Cube get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Nissan Cube at 27–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026