Nissan note Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
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Nissan note Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs

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The Nissan Note is a small and practical hatchback that’s well known for being easy to drive, cheap to run and surprisingly spacious inside. It’s popular with city drivers, new motorists and families who want budget-friendly motoring. But like all cars, the Note has some well-documented issues. In this guide, we’ll go through the most common Nissan Note problems and the average repair costs based on UK garage rates.

Book inspection

1. CVT Gearbox Problems (Automatic Models)

What to look for:

  • Jerky acceleration
  • Delay when setting off
  • Engine revs rising without speed increase

Cause:
Earlier automatic Notes, especially from 2006 to 2013, use a CVT gearbox that can wear out internally, particularly if fluid is never changed.

Repair cost:

  • CVT fluid service and software update: £150 to £250
  • CVT rebuild or replacement: £1,200 to £2,300
  • Reconditioned gearbox: £900 to £1,500

2. Timing Chain Rattle (1.2 and 1.4 Petrol)

What to look for:

  • Rattling sound on cold start
  • Engine hesitation or misfire
  • Warning light on dashboard

Cause:
Timing chain stretch or a weak tensioner. More common in higher mileage petrol engines.

Repair cost:

  • Timing chain kit and fitting: £600 to £1,000
  • Engine diagnostics: £80 to £120

3. Clutch and Flywheel Wear (Manual)

What to look for:

  • Clutch slipping under load
  • Juddering in first gear
  • Burning smell from under bonnet

Cause:
Wear and tear over time. Some diesel versions come with dual-mass flywheels, which adds to cost.

Repair cost:

  • Clutch only: £500 to £800
  • With flywheel: £900 to £1,300

4. Coil Pack or Ignition Issues

What to look for:

  • Engine shaking or misfiring
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Flashing engine light

Cause:
One or more ignition coil packs failing, which is common in older petrol Notes.

Repair cost:

  • Single coil pack: £60 to £120
  • Full set: £200 to £300
  • Fitting: £40 to £80

5. Electric Power Steering Faults

What to look for:

  • Heavy steering or no assistance
  • EPS warning light on dash
  • Intermittent steering issues

Cause:
Steering motor or sensor fault, sometimes caused by electrical issues or low voltage.

Repair cost:

  • Power steering motor: £400 to £700
  • Sensor or column repair: £150 to £300
  • Software reset: £60 to £100

6. Diesel DPF and EGR Problems

What to look for:

  • Reduced power or limp mode
  • Excess smoke from exhaust
  • Engine management light on

Cause:
Short trips cause carbon build-up in the exhaust gas recirculation valve and block the diesel particulate filter.

Repair cost:

  • EGR clean or replace: £200 to £400
  • Forced DPF regeneration: £100 to £200
  • New DPF: £800 to £1,200

7. Suspension Knocks and Worn Components

What to look for:

  • Clunking sound over bumps
  • Steering feels loose
  • Uneven tyre wear

Cause:
Worn drop links, bushings or strut top mounts. Often seen in older Notes or those driven on rough roads.

Repair cost:

  • Drop links or bushes: £80 to £150
  • Shock absorber: £150 to £250 per wheel
  • Full suspension refresh: £500 to £800

8. Interior Wear and Door Handle Faults

What to look for:

  • Loose or squeaky dashboard
  • Door handle not opening properly
  • Air vent flaps broken or stuck

Cause:
Plastic components degrade with age and use. These issues are cosmetic but common in early Notes.

Repair cost:

  • Handle replacement: £40 to £100
  • Trim and vent fixes: £50 to £150
  • Full glovebox or dash part: £100 to £200

Nissan Note Problems and UK Repair Cost Summary

ProblemSigns to Watch ForEstimated Cost (UK)
CVT gearbox issuesJerky drive, rev hang£150 to £2,300
Timing chain rattleCold start noise, poor performance£600 to £1,000
Clutch or flywheel wearSlipping, burning smell£500 to £1,300
Ignition coil failureMisfire, engine light£60 to £300
Steering motor faultHeavy steering, EPS warning£150 to £700
Diesel DPF or EGR faultLoss of power, black smoke£100 to £1,200
Suspension noisesKnocking over bumps, steering play£80 to £800
Interior trim issuesRattles, broken handles£40 to £200

Which Nissan Note Models Have the Most Issues?

  • 2006 to 2013 automatic Notes: CVT gearbox wear
  • 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines: Timing chain and coil pack faults
  • 1.5 dCi diesel Notes: EGR clogging and DPF trouble
  • Older cars in general: Suspension knocks and trim wear

Later models, especially from 2014 onwards, show better reliability. Choosing a manual over CVT and avoiding neglected diesels helps reduce risk.

Tip Before You Buy a Used Nissan Note

Before buying a second-hand Note, especially if it’s an automatic or high-mileage diesel, book a full pre-purchase inspection. Companies like CAREXAMER offer detailed checks including diagnostics for engine, gearbox, steering, and electrical systems. It could save you hundreds or even thousands in hidden repair costs.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan Note is a practical small car with good interior space and sensible running costs. Most of its problems are common for the age and type of vehicle and can be avoided with proper servicing and buying carefully. If you catch issues early and plan ahead, the Note can be a great, dependable daily driver.

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