Used Nissan Juke 2010-2019 reliability

The Nissan Juke has tough SUV looks, but its largely painted bumpers can be susceptible to parking damage and the optional 18in wheels on some models are easily damaged when parking.

Many Jukes will have been used as family transport, so the interior can take a bit of a bashing and some interior trims are liable to peeling plastic coverings. It’s also worth checking that rear passengers will be happy; a consequence of the Juke’s bold styling is that the rear side windows are very small.

The Juke has been the subject of seven recalls, with potential faults ranging from possible fuel leaks to oxygen sensor problems, so it's worth speaking to a Nissan dealer to check that any car you're interested in buying has had the necessary work carried out.

Generally speaking, the Juke doesn’t have too many problems, but the ones it does have are potentially costly to put right. The main issue is with the CVT gearbox fitted to the 1.6 petrol models; it has a poor reliability record, not least because repairs generally aren't possible and thus the entire gearbox tends to need replacing. Nissan has contributed to the cost in some cases.

There have been some problems with turbochargers on both petrol and diesel models, but regular oil changes should prevent this. Some owners have also complained of premature wear on several components, notably the clutch on manuals, as well as front brake pads.

Like all modern diesels, the 1.5 dCi can be susceptible to a clogged or blocked diesel particulate filter if it isn't driven regularly on the motorway or for longer journeys. As such, for a Juke that’s going to be primarily based in town, a petrol model would be preferable.

This generation of Juke didn't feature in the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, but in the last one it did appear in the Juke came last out of 25 cars in the small SUV category. For information, the latest 2019-onwards Nissan Juke came last in the class in our most recent survey.

Nissan’s reliability as a whole has slipped in the ratings recently to 28th out of 31 manufacturers with a below-average score of 85.9%. That placed it above Alfa Romeo, MG and Vauxhall but below everyone else.

Used Nissan Juke reliability: the owners' view

As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers provided varied feedback on the reliability and dealer service of this generation of the Nissan Juke.

Many owners praised the car for its robust engine performance and general dependability. However, recurring faults were highlighted, particularly concerning the gearbox and turbocharger, with some readers reporting costly repairs.

Electrical issues, such as faulty warning lights and intermittent sensor failures, were a frequent source of frustration. Several owners experienced delays when parts were needed, with one mentioning a repair that stretched over several weeks.

Feedback on dealership service was equally mixed. While many found the staff helpful and courteous, others were dissatisfied with diagnostic accuracy and the repeated need for follow-up visits to fix unresolved issues. Some also criticized the cost of repairs and servicing at official Nissan outlets.

Overall, the Juke offers questionable reliability, and dealer service can be hit or miss.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.