Nissan Note is a compact hatchback that has gained popularity due to its practicality, efficiency and affordable price. However, like any car, it is not without its drawbacks. In this article we have collected real owner reviews, have analyzed the typical problems and weaknesses of the model to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.

We will pay special attention engine reliability (especially HR12DE And HR16DE), gearboxes (Jatco variator and manual transmission), suspension, electronics and fuel consumption. Let's also figure out what faults appear after 100,000 km and how to avoid them. If you are considering Nissan Note used or new, this information will save you time and money.

1. Engines Nissan Note: resource, problems and reviews from owners

The most common motors in Nissan Note - petrol HR12DE (1.2 l, 80–98 hp) and HR16DE (1.6 l, 110–117 hp). Both engines belong to the series HR, known for its efficiency, but they also have weaknesses.

Owners 1.2 liter version note:

  • 🔧 Vibrations at idle - especially noticeable after 80,000 km. Often associated with worn engine mounts or dirty throttle body.
  • 🛢️ Maslozhor after 150,000 km — oil consumption of up to 500 ml per 10,000 km is considered the norm, but some copies “eat” up to 1 liter.
  • ⚡ Problems with ignition coils - manifested by misfires and errors P0300.

For 1.6 liter version characteristic:

  • 🔥 Overheating during traffic jams — a weak point of the cooling system (especially on cars before 2016).
  • 🕳️ Crankshaft seal leaks - appear after 120,000 km and require replacement with engine disassembly.
  • 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators — many owners complain about the “diesel” sound during cold starts.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy Nissan Note with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders. A drop below 11 bar indicates an imminent major overhaul.
📊 What engine does your Nissan Note have?
  • HR12DE (1.2 l)
  • HR16DE (1.6 l)
  • Other petrol
  • Diesel
  • I don't know

2. CVT Jatco vs. Mechanics: what breaks more often?

Most Nissan Note are equipped CVT Jatco JF015E (1.2 l) or JF016E (1.6 l). Reviews about it are contradictory: some praise the smooth ride, others criticize it for expensive repairs.

Typical CVT problems:

  • 🔄 Jerks during acceleration - often caused by worn belts or solenoids. Solved by changing the oil (every 60,000 km!).
  • 🚨 Error P17F0 - indicates overheating or malfunction of the valve body. Repairs cost 50,000–80,000 rubles.
  • 🛑 Loss of traction at speed - a symptom of wear on the cones. Requires CVT replacement (from RUB 150,000).

Manual transmission (5MT) is considered more reliable, but it also has weaknesses:

  • 🔗 Clutch wear — the disk and basket last 100,000–120,000 km, replacement costs 15,000–20,000 rubles.
  • 🔊 Crunching sound when engaging 2nd gear - a problem with synchronizers, typical for boxes before 2018.
Gearbox type Average resource Repair cost Frequent breakdowns
CVT JF015E (1.2 l) 150,000–200,000 km from 50,000 ₽ Belt wear, solenoids, overheating
CVT JF016E (1.6 l) 180,000–220,000 km from 60,000 ₽ Valve block, cones, oil leaks
Mechanics 5MT 250,000+ km from 15,000 ₽ Clutch, synchronizers
💡

If you choose Nissan Note with a CVT, be sure to check the oil change history. The oil in the variator should be changed every 60,000 km, and not “for the entire service life,” as they say in the service book!

3. Suspension and steering: what breaks first?

Suspension Nissan Note It is designed for urban use, but on Russian roads its service life is reduced. Owners note the following problems:

Front suspension:

  • 🔩 Wheel bearings — fail after 80,000–100,000 km. Symptom: hum when driving at speeds of 60–80 km/h.
  • 🛞 Stabilizer links — “consumables”, changes every 30,000–40,000 km.
  • 🔧 Shock absorber supports — they begin to creak after 60,000 km and require replacement along with the shock absorbers.

Rear suspension:

  • 🔊 Knock in the rear spring area - caused by wear of rubber gaskets or breakage of springs (rare, but it happens).
  • 🚗 Spring sagging — after 150,000 km the car “squats” on the rear axle.

Steering:

  • 🔄 Steering rack play — appears after 100,000 km, can be eliminated by adjustment or replacement (30,000–50,000 ₽).
  • 🛢️ Power steering leak — on models before 2017, the weak point is the power steering pump oil seal.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a metallic knock from the front after passing a speed bump, immediately check the ball joints. Their wear and tear Nissan Note may cause the wheel to come off!

Mileage and service history|Condition of the variator/box|Play in the suspension and steering wheel|Air conditioner operation|Electronics (sensors, on-board computer)-->

4. Electronics and on-board computer: glitches and failures

Electronics Nissan Note not highly reliable. Most often, owners encounter the following problems:

Typical failures:

  • 📱 Multimedia system glitches — freezes, spontaneous reboots (especially on models 2014–2016).
  • 🔋 Battery drains overnight - the “leakage” of current from a faulty comfort or alarm unit is to blame.
  • 🚨 False alarms of sensors - for example, ESP or ABS turn on for no reason.
  • 💡 Burnt-out dashboard lights - LEDs are defective; repairs cost RUB 5,000–10,000.

How to diagnose problems:

  1. Connect the scanner ELM327 and check for protocol errors OBD-II.
  2. If the multimedia is glitchy, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
  3. To check current leakage, turn off the fuses one by one and measure the current with a multimeter (norm: up to 50 mA).
How to reset ESP errors on Nissan Note

1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine).

2. Press the brake pedal and hold for 10 seconds.

3. Turn the steering wheel left and right all the way 3 times.

4. Turn off the car and start it again - the error should be reset.

5. Fuel consumption: real numbers vs. factory data

Official fuel consumption for Nissan Note with engine HR12DE is 5.2 l/100 km in the combined cycle. However, the owners report other figures:

Engine Factory data (l/100 km) Real consumption (according to reviews) Reasons for increased consumption
HR12DE (1.2 l, 98 hp) 5.2 (mixed) 6.5–7.5 l CVT, short trips, traffic jams
HR16DE (1.6 l, 117 hp) 5.8 (mixed) 7.5–9.0 l Aggressive driving, faulty spark plugs

How to reduce consumption:

  • ⛽ Use AI-95 fuel — at 92nd, consumption increases by 0.5–1 l/100 km.
  • 🔧 Change the air filter every 15,000 km — a clogged filter adds 0.3–0.5 liters to the flow rate.
  • 🚗 Monitor your tire pressure - lower pressure increases rolling resistance.
💡

Real fuel consumption on a Nissan Note with a CVT is 15–20% higher than factory data. If your car consumes more than 9 l/100 km, check the spark plugs, ignition coils and mass air flow sensor (MAF).

6. Interior and ergonomics: pros and cons

Salon Nissan Note assessed by owners as practical, but with cheap materials. Main complaints:

Disadvantages:

  • 🪑 Uncomfortable seats — insufficient lateral support, after 2 hours of driving the back begins to hurt.
  • 🔊 Noisy at speed — poor sound insulation of wheel arches and doors.
  • 🌡️ Weak interior heating — in winter, the stove cannot cope with frost below -20°C.
  • 📏 Small trunk — 250 liters (350 liters with folded seats) is not enough for a family.

Pros:

  • ✅ High driving position — good visibility, easy parking.
  • ✅ Steering wheel adjustments for reach and tilt - even for tall drivers.
  • ✅ Lots of places for little things — Cup holders, pockets in the doors, a box under the steering wheel.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy Nissan Note for long trips, be prepared for the fact that you will have to make stops on the highway every 1.5–2 hours - the seats are not designed for long driving.

7. Typical problems Nissan Note by year of release

The design of the model changed in 2013 and 2016. Let's look at what problems are typical for each generation:

2010–2013 (first generation, E11):

  • 🔧 Weak brake hoses — crack after 5–7 years of use.
  • 🔋 Problems with the generator - the diode bridge fails.
  • 🚪 Rear arch corrosion - begins after 3-4 years, if not treated with anticorrosive.

2013–2016 (restyling, E12):

  • 📱 Climate control glitches — the temperature sensor gives incorrect readings.
  • 🔊 Alternator belt whistling — requires replacement of rollers every 60,000 km.

2016–2020 (second generation, E13):

  • 🔋 Weak battery — the standard battery lasts 2–3 years.
  • 🚨 System errors ProPilot — false alarms on uneven roads.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note

🔧 Which engine is more reliable: 1.2 or 1.6?

1.6 liter HR16DE more resourceful, but more gluttonous. HR12DE more economical, but requires frequent oil changes (every 7,500 km) and is sensitive to fuel quality. For the city, 1.2 is better, for the highway - 1.6.

⚡ Is it possible to tow Nissan Note with a variator?

Yes, but only with hanging front wheels (on a tow truck) or at a speed of no more than 50 km/h and at a distance of up to 50 km. Towing with a flexible hitch prohibited — this will kill the variator!

🛢️ What oil to pour into the variator?

Official recommendation - Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. Analogues: Mobil CVT Fluid or Idemitsu CVTF. Replace every 60,000 km!

🔋 Why does the battery drain quickly?

Most often the culprit current leakage from the comfort unit (up to 0.5 A). Check the fuse #32 (10A) in the mounting block. It could also be a faulty generator or a short circuit in the wiring.

🚗 Is it worth buying Nissan Note used?

Yes, if:

  • Mileage up to 100,000 km.
  • There is a full service history.
  • The variator was serviced (oil change every 60,000 km).

No if:

  • The car was used as a taxi.
  • There are traces of an accident or corrosion.
  • The seller cannot show receipts for repairs.