2011 Nissan Juke diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Nissan Juke diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Nissan Juke diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Track rod ends5.4× usual
  Nissan Juke

  25.4% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.1%, against 2.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint3.6× usual
  Nissan Juke

  21% All 2011 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.8%, against 3.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes3× usual
  Nissan Juke

  16.9% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Nissan Juke

  17.8% All 2011 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Nissan Juke

  17.2% All 2011 cars

  9.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2011 Nissan Juke diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Nissan Juke diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  38% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2011 Nissan Juke diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• CVT automatic

  CVT automatic and all 4x4s

  The CVT needs fluid changes about every 30,000 miles, or it can fail. All 4x4 versions have it.

  At the viewing: Ask for gearbox service receipts and walk away from judder, noises or warnings.

  Source: Parkers: Nissan Juke (2010-2019) used review

• Timing belt (1.5 dCi)

  1.5 dCi diesel

  The 1.5 diesel’s timing belt is due at 5 years or 72,000 miles, and some fail earlier.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof of a belt change.

  If it needs doing: Timing belt (cambelt) change, about £300–£700 (often with the water pump). ClickMechanic

  Source: Parkers: Nissan Juke (2010-2019) used review

• Rust underneath

  Subframes, sills, suspension mountings and the base of the windscreen can rust.

  At the viewing: Look underneath and check the MOT history for corrosion advisories.

  Source: Parkers: Nissan Juke (2010-2019) used review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Nissan Juke diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2011 Nissan Juke diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2011 Nissan Juke diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2011 Nissan Juke diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?