Is the 2012 Nissan JUKE reliable?

The 2012 Nissan JUKE has 109 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Nissan JUKE?

Top problems: ENGINE (31 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (20 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Nissan JUKE?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SEATS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Nissan JUKE?

The 2012 Nissan JUKE gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Nissan JUKE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Nissan JUKE is approximately $1,434/year (wagon class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Nissan JUKE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Nissan JUKE has 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 83. The most common issue is engine problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: when traveling in the juke especially with the window down a bit there is a constant wave of heat coming up from the floor area behind the center console. the heat is enough to make your legs sweat. upon finding the source i burnt my finger on a pipe that is behind the console with now insulation or. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

4 crash reports 4 injuries

109

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

31 complaints

28%

• WHEN TRAVELING IN THE JUKE ESPECIALLY WITH THE WINDOW DOWN A BIT THERE IS A CONSTANT WAVE OF HEAT COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR AREA BEHIND THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE HEAT IS ENOUGH TO MAKE YOUR LEGS SWEAT. UPON FINDING THE SOURCE I BURNT MY FINGER ON A PIPE THAT IS BEHIND THE CONSOLE WITH NOW INSULATION OR
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 NISSAN JUKE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE GEARS MALFUNCTIONED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED OFF FOR FIVE MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD RESTART. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE A WEEK AGO. NEITHER THE D
• WHEN I TURN ON MY AC GAS FUMES COME OUT. A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS. IT ONLY LAST A COUPLE OF MINUTES BUT IT HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. *TR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“WHEN TRAVELING IN THE JUKE ESPECIALLY WITH THE WINDOW DOWN A BIT THERE IS A CONSTANT WAVE OF HEAT COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR AREA BEHIND THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE HEAT IS ENOUGH TO MAKE YOUR LEGS SWEAT. UPON FINDING THE SOURCE I BURNT MY FINGER ON A PIPE THAT IS BEHIND THE CONSOLE WITH NOW INSULATION OR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Nissan JUKE

Based on 75 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 63K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 33K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Reported earliermedian 57K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Reported earliermedian 60K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 75K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 64K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE07/03/2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Nissan Juke vehicles previously remedied under recall 12V-069. During that recall remedy, the fuel pressure sensor may not have been properly tightened, potentially causing the sensor to loosen and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Nissan JUKE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,500/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Nissan JUKE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,434

Full coverage / month

$120

Liability only / year

$595

vs US avg

-14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (wagon)0.95x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1434

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan JUKE Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2012 JUKE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 109 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHEN TRAVELING IN THE JUKE ESPECIALLY WITH THE WINDOW DOWN A BIT THERE IS A CONSTANT WAVE OF HEAT COMING UP FROM THE FLOOR AREA BEHIND THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE HEAT IS ENOUGH TO MAKE YOUR LEGS SWEAT. UPON FINDING THE SOURCE I BURNT MY FINGER ON A PIPE THAT IS BEHIND THE CONSOLE WITH NOW INSULATION OR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: WHEN TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONING IN THE CAR AFTER ENGINE STARTUP A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS ENTERS THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE FUMES ARE VERY STRONG AND UNMISTAKABLE. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME BUT HAPPENS OFTEN ENOUGH TO BE A CONCERN. THIS STARTED I WOULD SAY WITHIN THE PAST 4-6 MONTHS, NOT SUR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHEN TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONING IN THE CAR AFTER ENGINE STARTUP A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS ENTERS THE VEHICLE CABIN. THE FUMES ARE VERY STRONG AND UNMISTAKABLE. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME BUT HAPPENS OFTEN ENOUGH TO BE A CONCERN. THIS STARTED I WOULD SAY WITHIN THE PAST 4-6 MONTHS, NOT SUR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: THE TIMING CHAIN HAS GONE BAD AND I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER JUKES. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL YET? *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)