Nissan Note E11
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Nissan Note E11 (2006–2010) was a clever little tall-boy mini-MPV built on the Micra platform — extra space and flexibility for people who wanted a bit more than a conventional supermini. With its upright seating, sliding rear bench and decent boot it nailed the practical family brief and long enjoyed a reputation as a fuss-free, sensible used buy. The high entry position also made it popular with older owners. Under the bonnet sat the HR16DE petrol (1.6), the smaller CR14DE (1.4), and the Renault K9K 1.5 dCi diesel. Power ranged from 68 to around 110 bhp — no fireworks, but functional and economical, the diesel especially happy on longer runs.
Typical weaknesses: The best-known concerns water ingress in the boot — the third brake light on the tailgate spoiler leaks, water runs into the load area and pools in the spare-wheel well. Damp carpet, a musty smell or rust down there points straight to the cause. Closely related is the wiring break at the tailgate transition: the cables inside the rubber boot between body and tailgate fracture from repeated opening, which can kill the rear wiper, tail lights, rear screen heater or the lock. The third classic is broken front coil springs — a recurring fault announced by knocking and an uneven ride height. On top of these come a faulty blower resistor (fan speeds 1 and 2 drop out), a sticking driver's-side window regulator, early-wearing rear wheel bearings, a moisture-sensitive relay causing starting trouble in wet weather, and rust on the underbody and rear axle carrier.
Buying advice: Lift the spare-wheel well and boot carpet and check for moisture — that immediately reveals the leaking brake light. Flex the rubber boot at the tailgate and watch for intermittent contacts (test the wiper, rear screen heater and lock operation). Listen for front-end knocking over bumps and inspect both front springs for breaks. Examine the underbody and rear axle carrier for rust and check the rear wheel bearings for a grinding noise. Only choose the dCi with a tidy history; the HR16DE petrol is the more straightforward pick for low-mileage use.
Compared with the plain Micra, the Note offers noticeably more flexibility: the sliding rear bench frees up either legroom or boot space, and the high seating position makes getting in and out much easier — one reason it was so popular with older buyers and small families. Mechanically it shares the uncomplicated Renault-Nissan hardware, so parts are cheap. Running costs stay low as long as rust and water ingress are caught early.
Verdict: An honestly practical mini-MPV whose weaknesses are almost all easy to see and check for. Keep an eye on water ingress, wiring breaks and the springs and you get plenty of usable space in a small package. The individual repairs are mostly modest, but they add up quickly on a neglected example — condition and a dry boot are the best indicators of a good Note. A cared-for example remains a cheap, durable companion for years.
110 PS
Note · Benzin
Practical package, no pulse
Not Really65–116 PS
1.5L Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Note E11 is available with 3 engine variants — from 65 to 117 hp.
Compact common-rail turbodiesel from the Renault-Nissan alliance, built in the millions and refined over decades. Roughly 65 to 115 hp — no sprinter, but punchy in the mid range and very economical. Solid basic mechanics, but the high-pressure pump can shed metal swarf into the fuel system as it wears, causing total failure — insist on a clean service record when buying. The EGR valve and particulate filter coke up under short-trip use, and the timing belt must be changed strictly to interval. The intercooler hose and camshaft sensor are cheap but recurring repairs.
- !! High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure from 150,000 km
The K9K high-pressure pump can generate metal swarf that contaminates the entire fuel system. Pump, all four injectors, fuel lines, and tank must all be replaced.
Symptoms: Engine failure, starting difficulties, black smoke, metal particles visible in fuel filter. - !! Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump from 160,000 km
The K9K timing belt can break prematurely if the injection pump is not correctly aligned. Misalignment causes the belt to fray at the edge and snap well before the replacement interval. Engine damage as it is an interference engine.
Symptoms: Belt noise, visible edge wear on timing belt, sudden engine shutdown - !! Connecting rod bearing failure — engine destruction from 150,000 km
Notorious K9K weakness: the conrod bearings (often cylinder 3) spin at around 100,000–180,000 km, frequently aggravated by oil dilution or long oil-change intervals. Forum-documented: failure at 92,000 km costing €4,300, at 180,000 km costing €6,100.
Symptoms: Rhythmic metallic knocking/rattle from the lower engine block, louder under load and at idle, often with the oil-pressure light. Continued driving risks the rod punching through the block within minutes.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Naturally aspirated 1.4L four-cylinder with around 88 hp and decent refinement, a solid everyday powerplant with no surprises. The slightly larger displacement over the smaller variants makes it a bit more flexible in traffic, though low down it stays a typical naturally aspirated unit without big reserves. Weak points are a stretching timing chain on the pre-series builds, weakening ignition coils and a crankshaft seal that weeps with age. When buying, check for a steady idle, chain noise and oil loss at the block.
- !! Timing chain stretch (pre-facelift models) from 80,000 km
Like the smaller CR engines, the CR14DE in pre-facelift models (up to 2005) is also affected by premature timing chain stretch. Catastrophic engine failure is at risk if ignored too long. Significantly less common from the 2005 facelift onwards.
Symptoms: Rattling and knocking on cold start, check engine light (P0011/P0340), power loss - !! Ignition coil defective from 90,000 km
CR14DE ignition coils fail at higher mileage causing misfires. Reported multiple times in the Note E11. Aftermarket coils are often adequate. Individual replacement is straightforward.
Symptoms: Engine runs rough, jerks on acceleration, check engine light, increased fuel consumption, misfires under load - ! Crankshaft seal leaking from 110,000 km
Crankshaft seals and valve cover gasket leak with age. Oil loss often only noticeable after 100,000 km. Repair is straightforward and should not be ignored to avoid clutch damage.
Symptoms: Oil drops under the engine, oil smell, dropping oil level, oil traces in bell housing
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Proven 1.6L naturally aspirated engine with timing chain. Robust and low-maintenance, but underpowered for heavier models.
- !! Timing chain stretched from 140,000 km
The timing chain can stretch prematurely when oil level is low. The chain tensioner loses oil pressure and can no longer maintain chain tension. Result: chain skip and possible engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling from the engine on cold start that may or may not subside after warm-up. Check engine light may illuminate. - !! Elevated oil consumption from piston rings from 140,000 km
The HR16DE is prone to elevated oil consumption at higher mileage due to worn piston rings or failed valve stem seals. Regular top-ups become necessary.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, dropping oil level between change intervals, oil top-up required. - ! Valve clearances require regular adjustment from 60,000 km
The HR16DE does not have hydraulic tappets. Valve clearances must be adjusted manually every 60,000 km. If neglected, wear occurs on camshaft and rocker arms.
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from the valve train, especially at idle and on a cold engine.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Cable break at tailgate transition The cables in the Note E11 tailgate transition break from constant flexing from around 80,000 km. Reversing camera, number plate light, or rear window heater stop working. Virtually all E11s are affected. Symptoms: Number plate light fails, rear window heater not working, reversing camera goes dark from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Boot water ingress — third brake light Water enters the Note E11 boot through the porous foam seal of the third brake light. Silicone repair only holds temporarily. Symptoms: Wet boot, moisture under boot floor, misted rear window | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Note E11 (2006–2010) — 19 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: K9K (1.5L), CR14DE (1.4L). Typical issues affect Body, Suspension, HVAC, Electronics.
Note (K9K, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, Connecting rod bearing failure — engine destruction. Power: 68 PS.
Note (HR16DE, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched, Elevated oil consumption from piston rings, Valve clearances require regular adjustment. Power: 110 PS.
Note (CR14DE, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretch (pre-facelift models), Ignition coil defective, Crankshaft seal leaking. Power: 88 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan Note? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Note E11 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee