Nissan Note E11-FL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Note E11-FL (2010–2013) is the facelifted version of the clever Micra-based mini-MPV. Subtly revised on the outside (front end, lights, equipment details), it stayed mechanically faithful to its predecessor: a practical tall-boy with upright seating, a flexible cabin and good space on a small footprint. That blend of clear sightlines, a high seating position and genuine usefulness kept it an ideal second car and family runabout for town and short trips. The engine line-up was led by the HR16DE petrol (1.6) and the CR14DE (1.4), alongside the Renault K9K 1.5 dCi diesel. Facelift power ran from 88 to around 110 bhp — usable and economical, which is all a Note needs to be and all it really requires.
Typical weaknesses largely overlap with the pre-facelift, no surprise given the near-identical hardware. Water ingress in the boot via the leaking third brake light on the tailgate spoiler remains the defining problem — water collects in the spare-wheel well, soaking carpet and floor pan, and unnoticed it starts rust from the inside. Equally familiar is the wiring break at the tailgate transition, where cables inside the rubber boot fracture from frequent opening and knock out the wiper, lock or lights. Add to that the recurring broken front coil springs, betrayed by knocking and an uneven stance, and the faulty blower resistor that disables individual fan speeds. A facelift quirk is the standard radio display going unreadable in heat — annoying in summer, but harmless and not a safety issue.
Buying advice: As with the E11, first check the spare-wheel well and boot carpet for damp — the quickest indicator of the leaking brake light. Flex the rubber boot at the tailgate and run through all the electrical rear functions. While driving, listen for front-end knocking and inspect the front springs. Cycle the blower motor through every speed to test the resistor. The radio display is purely a comfort flaw and no reason to reject an otherwise good car. The HR16DE petrol is the straightforward choice for low-mileage use; only take the dCi with a complete service history and predominantly long-distance use.
Over the pre-facelift, the E11-FL gained mainly in equipment and detail quality, but deliberately stayed the same pragmatic tall-boy. For buyers that means there is no reason to pay more for the facelift if a cared-for pre-facelift example is cheaper — the hardware is near-identical. The Note's strength remains its usefulness: plenty of flexibility, good visibility and low running costs thanks to cheap parts. A dry boot and healthy suspension are the key buying arguments.
Verdict: The facelift brings a little more equipment and a fresher face, but inherits the known weaknesses practically unchanged. Keep an eye on the leaking brake light, the tailgate wiring loom and the springs and you get a practical, frugal family companion with high everyday value. Most faults are easy to check and affordable to fix — the deciding factors for a good buy are a dry interior and an honest, traceable service record.
110 PS
1.6 · Benzin
Solid everyday engine
Decent65–116 PS
1.5L Diesel
8 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Note E11-FL is available with 4 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
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard radio display unreadable in heat The standard radio display in the Note E11-FL becomes unreadable or goes completely dark at temperatures above 25°C. A facelift-specific issue. Replacement display (SA1245) available as a DIY solution for around €50. Symptoms: Display goes dark in heat, readout illegible, radio works but display is absent | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 24 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Note E11-FL (2010–2013) — 19 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: K9K (1.5L), CR14DE (1.4L). Typical issues affect Electronics, Body, HVAC, Suspension.
Note (K9K, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, Connecting rod bearing failure — engine destruction. Power: 86–90 PS.
Note (HR16DE, 2010–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched, Elevated oil consumption from piston rings, Valve clearances require regular adjustment. Power: 110 PS.
Note (CR14DE, 2010–2013) — 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-FL have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee