DecodedCars2009 Nissan Cube
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatch
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 28 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 156.7 in
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2009 small station wagon (23.5 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Nissan Cube is a small station wagon offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (28 city / 30 highway), 23% better than the 2009 small station wagon average of 23.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Hatch | 156.7 in | 66.9 in | 65 in | 100 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | – | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cube | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 30 / 29 | +23% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Cube | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +11% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Nissan Cube under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Nissan Cube (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Honda Fit | 31 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2009 Scion xB | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Apr 9, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V230000 · 47,928 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Cube vehicles. The driverâs air bag inflator may rupture or detach from the steering wheel during air bag deployment.
- Risk
- A driver's air bag that ruptures or detaches can strike the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the front air bag inflator serial number, and replace the inflator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is R26A1. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 14, 2026.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage · Jul 22, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V330000 · 46,000 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 NISSAN CUBE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ROTATED FOLLOWING A REAR MOVING BARRIER CRASH TEST AS REQUIRED, THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE LIMITS.
- Risk
- FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SPECIAL PROTECTOR AND ATTACH IT TO THE GASOLINE RECIRCULATION TUBE AT THE LOCATION OF THE FILLER NECK CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2009 Nissan Cube is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Nissan Cube buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 16 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 91,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Cube. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cube years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →