2012 Nissan Juke: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Nissan Jukes, from 25,592 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Nissan Jukes than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Track rod end4.5× usualNissan Juke22.1% All 2012 cars4.9%Rough price £80–£450
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 joint3.4× usualNissan Juke19% All 2012 cars5.6%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Rigid brake pipes2.6× usualNissan Juke14.5% All 2012 cars5.5%Rough price £100–£400
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.
- Brake pads1.9× usualNissan Juke18.2% All 2012 cars9.6%Rough price £80–£180
At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.6× usualNissan Juke15.8% All 2012 cars10.1%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Shock absorbers: 1.7% here, against 6.5% of all 2012 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 1.4% here, against 4.4% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Nissan Juke MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension53% 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.
- Brakes41% 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.
- Tyres37% 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 electrics29% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors11% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
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.
- Timing chain and oil use (1.2 DIG-T)1.2 DIG-T petrol
The 1.2 petrol can wear its timing chain and burn oil. Buying guides advise avoiding it.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle on a cold start and check the oil level.
- CVT automaticCVT 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.
- 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.
- Turbo lag and timing chain (1.6 turbo)1.6 turbo petrol
The 1.6 turbo petrol can stretch its timing chain and suffer turbo problems.
At the viewing: Listen for rattles and check the service history.
- 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17,141 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 23,819 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 37,239 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 36,648 | Suspension 34% |
| 2015 | 37,379 | Suspension 41% |
| 2014 | 35,972 | Suspension 46% |
| 2013 | 33,893 | Suspension 52% |
| 2011 | 18,573 | Suspension 54% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Nissan Jukes registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score