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Nissan · Supermini · 2013–2022

Nissan Note E12

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Nissan Note E12 is available with 3 engine variants — from 65 to 116 hp.

1.5L · Diesel· 90 PS
2013 2022
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L · Benziner· 80 PS
2013 2022
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.2L · Benziner Hybrid· 80 PS
2017 2022
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Nissan 1.5L (Diesel, 90 PS) has the K9K (1.5L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.2L (Benziner, 80 PS) has the HR12DE (1.2L) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.2L (Benziner Hybrid, 80 PS) has the HR12DE (1.2L) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!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
Ad Ignition coil Note E12 1.2 HR12DE22448-1KT0A ignition coil Note
 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
Ad Camshaft sensor Note E12 HR12DE23731-1KT0A camshaft sensor Nissan
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
766 complaints · 2013–2022
Powertrain
245 ⚠ 4
Other
139 ⚠ 5
Engine
117 ⚠ 1
Airbags
117 ⚠ 53
Brakes
102 ⚠ 32

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (245 complaints)
⚠ Other (139 complaints)
⚠ Engine (117 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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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? +
The Nissan Note E12 has 9 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Note E12? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: K9K (1.5L), HR12DE (1.2L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the K9K (1.5L).
Which Nissan Note E12 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Note E12 — rated: "Not Really". {description} The most economical way from A to B — driving fun is not part of the mission.
Is the Nissan Note E12 worth buying used? +
The Nissan Note E12 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Note E12? +
The Nissan Note E12 is available with engine variants from 65 to 116 hp. Petrol: HR12DE (1.2L). Diesel: K9K (1.5L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee