NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 3 owner complaints for the 2013 Nissan Cube. Most complaints involve air bags (1) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 27–28 mpg combined.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Sedan vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, to January 29, 2014, 2013-2014 Cube vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 21, 2013, and 2013-2014 Juke vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 22, 2013. When exposed to hot temperatures, the affected vehicles have an engine start/stop button that may stick inside the button housing.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 NISSAN CUBE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLID ON ICE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE TRACTION AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,500.”
“FOR THE 2ND TIME IN A MONTH SUDDENLY THE VDC LIGHT (VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL) WAS ON FOLLOWED BY THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON. THE FIRST TIME WAS AROUND 8000 MILES, THE 2ND TIME WAS 9500 MILES (11 MONTHS AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED NEW). THE DEALER (WALSER NISSAN IN BURNSVILLE, MN) COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SYMPTOM WAS THE SAME, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, COULDN'T GO BEYOND 30 MPH, AS IF IT WENT INTO LIMP-HOME MODEL. WHEN I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, LOCKED IT AND CAME BACK IN A FEW MINUTES LATER, IT RESET ITSELF. THE ENGINE RAN FINE, IT WAS AS IF THERE WAS COMPUTER OR SENSOR GLITCH. BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT REMAINED ON UNTIL THE DEALER RESET IT. THIS CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT IF I WERE DRIVING IN A BUSY HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN 30 MPH ? *TR”
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 | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,300 | 314 |
| Cube Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 29 | 27 | $2,400 | 334 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall 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 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Nissan Cube at 27–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).