Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Nissan Cube, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 14 | 45% |
| Air bags | 4 | 13% |
| Structure | 2 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Seat belts | 1 | 3% |
| Steering | 1 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 3% |
| Power train | 1 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The gas tank has malfunctioned and is leaking. According to the mechanic, it is the same issue related to the recall of the gas tank regarding the 2009-2010 Nissan Cube. My safety and others are put at risk because gas
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
On March 24, 2023 Friday, I was picking my child up when I noticed a loss of power and acceleration at the gas pedal. This was then followed by a loud, whining sound while in traffic. Luckily, we were not hit when the ca
NHTSA complaint: Power train
AT 110K MY CAR STALLED. MID SUMMER 2020 I STARTED MY CAR IT BEGAN TO DRIVE THEN STOPPED MOVING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON LIBERTY ST IN SPFLD, MASSACHUSETTS. I HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD INTO THE CUMBERLAND FARMS THAT W
NHTSA complaint: Power train
2011 CUBE, REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. NO DOOR HANDLE IN SIDE OF VEHICLE, NO WAY TO OPEN. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD. I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS, FROM OTHER CUBE OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA complaint: Structure
REAR BACK DOOR DOES NOT OPEN EVEN U U TRY TO LOCK & UNLOCK,JUST HAPPEND OUT OF THE BLUE .ALSO THE RIGHT DRIVER WINDOW ONE ROLL DOWN . THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT HAPPEN OUT OF THE BLUE WERE BOTH MY SUN VISOR DONT GO UP WHICH
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
PASSENGERS SEAT BELT BECAME UNBOLTED FROM BODY OF CAR. THE BOLT THAT HELD THE BOLT TO THE CAR AT THE FLOOR BY THE DOOR WAS JUST HANGING ON THE BELT. THERE WAS ABOUT AN INCH OF THREADS ON THE BOLT. IT MUST HAVE BEEN WORKI
NHTSA complaint: Seat belts
MY CAR STALLED OUT OF NO WHERE WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. TRANSMISSION DIED AT 120,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
UNDER 59,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME MY CVT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR $3,400. BUMMER.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
| Reliability raw | 81 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 78 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 55 | average |
| Performance | 43 | below average |
| Efficiency | 50 | average |
Percentile ranks against other wagons in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 14 of them (45%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 81/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 78/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2011 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.