V
VIN Check Engine

VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE

Nissan Cube2009–2014

Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.

🚗 SEDAN
Nissan Cube
2009–2014
B
Defect Risk
Recall intensity
0.0/yr · seg. median 0.0
Limited data — provisional
Safety
Low
0 inj.
✓No open federal investigations
3
Recalls
0
Complaints
2009
Best Yr
0
Injuries
Avoid 2009
6
Years Analyzed
3
Total Recalls
0
Total Complaints
0
Reported Injuries
0
Reported Deaths

Nissan Cube Years to Avoid

#1 WORST
2009

2 recalls · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

#2 WORST
2010

1 recall · 0 complaints

Top issue: No complaints on record

Federal Defect Investigations

NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 1 past investigation into the Cube became recall.

Recently concluded investigations
PE25005 · air bags · closed Sep 2026→ Became recall

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of September 11, 2026.

Nissan Cube — Year-by-Year Comparison

Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.

YearRecallsComplaintsInjuriesDeathsReliabilityValueBuyer ScoreVerdict
201400——
82
51
71
Excellent
201300——
82
46
69
Excellent
201200——
82
42
68
Excellent
201100——
82
39
67
Excellent
201010——
57
39
51
Caution
200920——
57
39
51
Avoid

Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.

Shopping by Era

How each generation of the Cube compares — best year within each era shown.

2013–2017

Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2014 (Buyer Score 71).

Best: 2014
2014 · 712013 · 69

Pre-2013

Older Cube models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.

Proceed with Caution
2012 · 682011 · 672009 · 512010 · 51

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best year Cube to buy?+

See the Buyer Score table above for a full ranking of every Cube model year.

Which Cube years have the most problems?+

The 2009, 2010 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2009 Cube leads with 2 recalls and 0 owner complaints.

What is the Buyer Score?+

The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.

What are the most common Cube problems?+

See the complaint chart on this page for a breakdown by component.

Deep-Dive Research

Common Problems

Full year-by-year breakdown of every documented defect for the Nissan Cube.

Reliability Score

Reliability rating and score breakdown compared to similar sedan vehicles.

Years to Avoid

Every Cube year ranked by problem score — worst years listed with full reasoning.

Found the right year? Verify the specific car.

A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.

Run a VIN Check →