Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Nissan Cube owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Faulty transmission, discolored, broken. Needs to either be repaired or replaced. At 111,000 miles my car had trouble stopping. I almost got hit in the middle of the intersection. Have really bad whiplash and continue to see a chiropractor every 2 weeks. I have taken my Nissan Cube 2009 111,000 miles to 3 mechanics. (Nissan, meineke and pismo automotive) have documentation available upon request. Including Nissan when they said that it would be $260 to diagnose I went to 2 other mechanics shortly after) of which, I couldn't get a clear answer as to which was going on with my engine. The transmission CVT which I now know it is, because of your website, it was making all kinds of weird noises (engine revving). Jerking transmission, shifting (slamming and harsh while braking) have transmission leaks reported and reported that CVT was not only leaking, but blackened in color. …
I am the 2nd owner of this car. I purchased this vehicle April of 2016. The only light that has been on has been the tpm light. On July 3rd,2016 , I was driving on the highway with my children when the car suddenly stalled. It completely stopped driving no matter how hard I would push on the gas. When I had to vehicle inspected, it was the transmission that had failed. According to the dealership, there was an extended warrenty on this CVT transmission because of problems it was having. There was no light on or anything to show that there had been an issue with this transmission, it just suddenly stopped working as I was driving. I contacted Nissan directly and they told me there was nothing they can do because it was out of warranty. I feel this is unsafe because people do drive with their children in the vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Cube. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. Updated 04/07/16 the consumer stated the transmission failed twice. The manufacturer refused any additional assistance after the second failure. The transmission was replaced.
This car since purchase has had the transmission replaced four times. When the transmission fails the car coasts to a stop which on the highway is a danger as the car is susceptible to be hit by other cars. In addition when the transmission fails the engine stops and the braking system is rendered inoperable the only way to stop the car is via the emergency break. The transmission failure in these cars is a known problem as nisan has extended the warranty t ten years. When the transmission failed on my son he was on the highway and barely made it to the breakdown lane without getting hit. This is a serious safety issue due to the fact if the disabled car is hit it could cause fatalities due to the failure of the systems.
Recently my Nissan Cube came up with an error code indicating a step motor malfunction. This is a component of the CVT transmission that tells the transmission how to operate. Without this critical component the vehicle does not behave properly. I have involved in a number of situations where the vehicle will suddenly stop at highway speeds or not accelerate after reducing speed causing an extreme hazard. Nissan is aware of these failing transmissions and did in fact increase the warranty coverage at one point. These are an extreme danger on the road!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Cube. While making a left turn, the vehicle started to jerk and failed to accelerate. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle was able to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to metro Nissan of montclair (located at 9440 autoplex st, montclair, ca 91763), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Takata recall: car was fine when I parked it when I got up the next morning, I crank it put it in reverse and the car would not move. Towed the car to the dealer and they are saying it's the clutch in the transmission. I can't see how it go out overnight sitting cart, I've own the car 1 year and 1 month just passed the warranty. Carmax maxcare will not cover it says it is a maintenance issue. I have no pictures or documentation at the moment the car is at a Nissan dealer just sitting
Takata recall. My Cube will not go anywhere, I put it in drive push gas and car will not roll. It won't drive in any of gears. Vehical drove my family last nite, we went on a trip, got to destination went to bed , woke up to leave and car will not go anywhere . Started the engine and put car into drive pushed accelerator and car will not roll. We are stuck in yosemite 150 miles from home.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Cube. While driving 3 MPH, the transmission failed. The vehicle started out fine and then felt as if it were placed in the neutral gear. The contact was depressing the accelerator pedal with no response. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Was driving home with my husband from the grocery store. Pulled onto highway and car stopped accelerating. Pulled over and car would rev up but not go in drive or reverse. Car was towed back home and being traded in. It's 1,000 miles over the extended warranty. They should recall these knowing the CVT is bad.
Transmission complaints in other Cube years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Nissan Cube?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Nissan Cube, 20% of the model year's 101 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Cube transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Nissan Cube, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Cube transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.