Nissan Note E12
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Note E12 is available with 3 engine variants — from 65 to 116 hp.
Renault-Nissan 1.5 dCi diesel engine — fitted in millions of vehicles. Fundamentally solid, but EGR valve and injectors are weak points.
- !! 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 130,000 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 - !! EGR valve clogged with soot from 80,000 km
The K9K EGR valve clogs with soot deposits, especially during frequent short-trip driving. A stuck valve causes power loss and increased consumption.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough running, increased fuel consumption, check engine light with EGR fault code.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Simple 1.2L three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Robust and cheap to maintain, power is only sufficient for city use.
- !! CVT drive belt premature wear (recall)
The CVT drive belt wears prematurely due to insufficient hydraulic pressure. Nissan recalled over 4,600 vehicles in Germany (build years 2010–2014). Fix: transmission ECU software update.
Symptoms: Poor acceleration, CVT warning light illuminates, slip sensation on pull-away especially in cold weather - !! Camshaft timing solenoid stuck from 95,000 km
The inlet camshaft timing solenoid sticks or corrodes, providing incorrect valve timing. Fault code P0011 typically appears from 90,000 km. Replacing the solenoid (€100–150) is usually sufficient.
Symptoms: Check engine light with fault code P0011, worse throttle response in lower rev range, rough running - !! Timing chain noise / chain wear from 130,000 km
Unlike the K12, the timing chain in the HR12DE for the K13 is considerably more robust; chain wear occurs at earliest beyond 120,000 km. However, individual cases of chain elongation are documented.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start that subsides after reaching operating temperature; fault code P0011 combined with P0340
Simple 1.2L three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Robust and cheap to maintain, power is only sufficient for city use.
- !! CVT drive belt premature wear (recall)
The CVT drive belt wears prematurely due to insufficient hydraulic pressure. Nissan recalled over 4,600 vehicles in Germany (build years 2010–2014). Fix: transmission ECU software update.
Symptoms: Poor acceleration, CVT warning light illuminates, slip sensation on pull-away especially in cold weather - !! Camshaft timing solenoid stuck from 95,000 km
The inlet camshaft timing solenoid sticks or corrodes, providing incorrect valve timing. Fault code P0011 typically appears from 90,000 km. Replacing the solenoid (€100–150) is usually sufficient.
Symptoms: Check engine light with fault code P0011, worse throttle response in lower rev range, rough running - !! Timing chain noise / chain wear from 130,000 km
Unlike the K12, the timing chain in the HR12DE for the K13 is considerably more robust; chain wear occurs at earliest beyond 120,000 km. However, individual cases of chain elongation are documented.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start that subsides after reaching operating temperature; fault code P0011 combined with P0340
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall ignition coils defective 2016 recall for the Note E12 due to possible short circuits in the ignition coil that can in the worst case cause engine failure. ABS and airbag issues are also possible. Symptoms: Engine misfiring or failure, check engine light, rough idle | Low | |
| Camshaft sensor fault The camshaft sensor in the Note E12 petrol engines is prone to failure and triggers the check engine light. A fault can cause rough running and increased fuel consumption. Symptoms: Check engine light on, rough running, increased fuel consumption, engine stumbling from 80,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2025
The Note shows misaligned dipped beam, failed lights and oil loss at engine and gearbox.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 18 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Note E12 (2013–2022) — 9 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Rust, Gearbox.
Note (K9K, 2013–2022) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, EGR valve clogged with soot. Power: 90 PS.
Note (HR12DE, 2013–2022) — Be Careful: CVT drive belt premature wear (recall), Camshaft timing solenoid stuck, Timing chain noise / chain wear. Power: 80 PS.
Note (HR12DE, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: CVT drive belt premature wear (recall), Camshaft timing solenoid stuck, Timing chain noise / chain wear. Power: 80 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 E12 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Note E12? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan Note E12 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan Note E12 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Note E12? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee