DecodedCars2012 Nissan Cube
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Small Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 5dr Hatch 1.8 S/1.8 Sl
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 156.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,804 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints16 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 87 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Nissan Cube is a small station wagon offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 157 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,804 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 30 highway), 13% better than the 2012 small station wagon average of 24.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Cube — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Cube →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr Hatch 1.8 S/1.8 Sl | 156.7 in | 66.9 in | 65 in | 99.6 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,804 lb | 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 | 26 / 30 / 28 | +13% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Cube | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 29 / 27 | +9% | $2,500 | 329 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Nissan Cube.
Similar 2012 small station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Cube (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Honda Fit | 31 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2012 Nissan Juke | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Kia Soul | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Cube.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Nissan Cube is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Nissan Cube buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 73,069 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 2012 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 →