Nissan Juke Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Nissan Juke is one of the UK’s most popular small crossovers. It’s easy to drive, good on fuel, and has a bold look that stands out. But as with any car, especially one as widely sold as the Juke, a few common issues have shown up over time. This guide explains the most frequent problems found in the Nissan Juke and what the typical repair costs are here in the UK.
1. CVT Gearbox Problems (Automatic Versions)
What to look for:
- Jerky acceleration
- Delay when pulling away
- High revs with little speed increase
Cause:
Jukes made between 2010 and 2016 often came with a CVT gearbox. These gearboxes are known to wear out early, especially if the fluid is never changed.
Repair cost:
- Fluid change and reset: £150 to £250
- Gearbox rebuild or full replacement: £1,000 to £2,500
- Reconditioned unit: £800 to £1,500
2. Timing Chain Rattle (1.2 and 1.6 Petrol)
What to look for:
- Rattling noise when starting the engine
- Misfiring or hesitation
- Warning light on the dash
Cause:
Chain stretch or worn tensioners. Common in high-mileage engines or ones with poor service history.
Repair cost:
- Timing chain kit and fitting: £700 to £1,200
- Diagnostic check: £80 to £120
3. Turbo Failure (1.2 DIG-T Petrol)
What to look for:
- Power loss
- Whistling sound from engine
- Black or blue smoke from exhaust
Cause:
The turbo can fail due to oil starvation, blocked pipes or worn seals. This issue is often seen in the 1.2 petrol engines.
Repair cost:
- New turbo: £900 to £1,400
- Reconditioned turbo: £600 to £900
- Oil system flush: £100 to £200
4. Power Steering Faults
What to look for:
- Steering feels heavy
- Warning light on the dash
- No power assist at low speed
Cause:
Power steering motor failure or a fault in the sensor system. Water ingress or poor wiring are common triggers.
Repair cost:
- Steering motor: £400 to £700
- Steering sensor or control unit: £150 to £300
5. Boot Water Leaks
What to look for:
- Damp carpet or boot lining
- Musty smells
- Windows fogging up
Cause:
Rear door seals can fail, or drainage channels may be blocked. This is often reported in older Juke models.
Repair cost:
- Seal replacement: £100 to £200
- Drainage clean and reseal: £60 to £120
- Interior drying and cleaning: £100 to £300
6. Suspension and Steering Noises
What to look for:
- Clunks or rattles going over bumps
- Steering feels loose
- Uneven tyre wear
Cause:
Worn suspension components such as drop links, bushings or top mounts.
Repair cost:
- Drop links or bushes: £80 to £150
- Shock absorber: £150 to £250 per wheel
- Steering rack: £600 to £1,000
7. Battery and Stop-Start System Issues
What to look for:
- Stop-start not working
- Car won’t restart after stopping
- Warning light on dash
Cause:
Weak AGM battery or a fault in the start-stop system controller.
Repair cost:
- New AGM battery: £120 to £180
- System reset or control unit: £100 to £250
8. Interior Wear and Build Quality
What to look for:
- Rattling or squeaky dashboard
- Door handles sticking
- Air vents or glovebox broken
Cause:
General wear and poor interior materials in early models (2010 to 2015).
Repair cost:
- Trim repairs: £50 to £150
- Door handle replacement: £60 to £100
- Glovebox or dashboard panel: £100 to £300
Summary Table: Nissan Juke Problems and Repair Costs
Problem | Symptoms | Estimated UK Cost |
---|---|---|
CVT gearbox issues | Jerky drive, slipping, noise | £150 to £2,500 |
Timing chain rattle | Cold start rattle, poor running | £700 to £1,200 |
Turbo failure | Smoke, whistle, power loss | £600 to £1,400 |
Power steering problems | Heavy wheel, dash warning | £150 to £700 |
Boot leaks | Wet carpets, smell, foggy glass | £60 to £300 |
Suspension knocks | Clunks, poor handling | £80 to £1,000 |
Battery or stop-start | No restart, system not working | £120 to £250 |
Interior wear | Squeaks, trim or handle failure | £50 to £300 |
Which Nissan Juke Models Have the Most Issues?
- Jukes built between 2010 and 2016 with CVT automatics have the most gearbox issues
- 1.2 DIG-T petrol engines often suffer from turbo failure and oil usage
- Diesel Jukes can also develop EGR or DPF issues, not covered here
- Early models are more likely to have interior trim faults and water leaks
The newer generation Juke from 2019 onwards has seen big improvements in gearbox reliability, build quality and engine performance.
Tip Before Buying a Used Nissan Juke
Before buying a used Juke, especially an automatic or turbocharged version, always book a pre-purchase inspection. Trusted companies like CAREXAMER offer mobile inspections anywhere in the UK. They check things like gearbox condition, turbo health, boot leaks and engine diagnostics before you spend a penny.
Final Thoughts
The Nissan Juke is a fun and practical compact SUV, but it does have some known weaknesses. Most of the problems are easy to avoid or fix if you know what to look out for. With regular maintenance, careful checks and a good inspection before buying, you can enjoy years of affordable motoring without major surprises.
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