Nissan Note E12
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Note E12 (2013–2022) is the second, noticeably more modern generation of the practical mini-MPV — built on the Renault-Nissan CMF platform and clearly emancipated from its Micra sibling. More grown-up in appearance, with better space, a higher-quality feel and more safety tech, at heart it remained a sober, frugal family car for town and commuting. In Europe it mainly used the small three-cylinder HR12DE petrol (1.2, sometimes supercharged) and the Renault K9K 1.5 dCi diesel; power sat in a narrow 80 to 90 bhp band. No powerhouse, but entirely adequate for its purpose and very economical.
The most important weakness concerns the CVT automatic in suitably equipped versions. The continuously variable transmission with its push-belt is sensitive to hydraulic pressure and neglected oil changes: it jerks, overheats and loses power if the prescribed CVT oil service is skipped. Anyone buying a CVT version must ask for documented oil changes — a neglected CVT is an expensive write-off in waiting, whose repair can exceed the car's value. On the engine side there was a recall for faulty ignition coils and camshaft sensor problems, which show up as rough running and misfires. Add to that worn control-arm bushes, a rusting exhaust system and underbody, a creaking electric power steering in the cold, the familiar blower resistor failure, water ingress in the boot from a leaking tailgate, and a rattly hard-plastic interior.
Buying advice: On CVT models, check the service history consistently for CVT oil changes and watch for jerking, slip or overheating on a longer test drive — when in doubt, favour the manual or diesel variant. Confirm the ignition-coil recall status and listen for a rough idle (camshaft sensor). Inspect exhaust and underbody for rust, check the control-arm bushes for knocking over bumps, examine the boot for damp, and test the power steering for creaking in the cold. The HR12DE as a manual is the most robust and uncomplicated choice.
The E12 is markedly more grown-up than its predecessor, offering modern driver-assistance tech and a higher-quality cabin, yet at heart it remains a sober, sensible buy. The small three-cylinder is frugal but sounds coarse and needs revs to make brisk progress — drive it relaxed and it serves you well. The Renault-Nissan hardware means cheap parts and familiar workshops. The deciding factor in the purchase is, and remains, the transmission variant: a cared-for manual is the worry-free choice, while a CVT is only justifiable with a documented oil-change history.
Verdict: A sensible, frugal family supermini whose biggest risk is clearly the CVT automatic. With a well-maintained CVT (or as a manual) and the ignition-coil recall done, the E12 is a reliable companion with few surprises. Buy a CVT with an unclear oil-change history, however, and you are gambling on one of the most expensive conceivable repairs in this class — here, gearbox care decides between joy and grief.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Note E12 is available with 3 engine variants — from 65 to 116 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
Simple naturally aspirated 1.2L three-cylinder with around 80 hp, robust and cheap to run. The output is fine for city traffic, but on the motorway you shift a lot. The typical three-cylinder character brings some vibration and a gruff note. Watch for a sticking solenoid on the cam phaser and a timing chain that grows louder over time with chain wear. When buying, check for chain rattle on a cold start, a clean idle and well-maintained oil, then the engine soldiers on reliably.
- !! 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 90,000 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 naturally aspirated 1.2L three-cylinder with around 80 hp, robust and cheap to run. The output is fine for city traffic, but on the motorway you shift a lot. The typical three-cylinder character brings some vibration and a gruff note. Watch for a sticking solenoid on the cam phaser and a timing chain that grows louder over time with chain wear. When buying, check for chain rattle on a cold start, a clean idle and well-maintained oil, then the engine soldiers on reliably.
- !! 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 90,000 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 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Note E12 (2013–2022) — 11 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. One problem engine: K9K (1.5L). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Rust, Gearbox.
Note (K9K, 2013–2022) — Stay Away!: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, Connecting rod bearing failure — engine destruction. 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? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee