IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Nissan Note (E11)

UK cars went on sale from February 2012 with a further running revision, and the tail end of E11 production overlapped the E12 launch, so the last of these NOTES are high-quality late cars that undercut the newer model in price while sharing its engines.

What changed for 2012

  • •Late-life running changes to trim and equipment, with better specification for the money
  • •Rear-run cars were sold alongside the new E12, pushing used prices down
  • •Final engines and gearboxes shared directly with the Micra and Note E12 families

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Corrosion of the rear subframe and suspension pick-up points, a repeated Note advisory item
  • !Tie rod ends, bushes and drop links worn from school-run kerbing
  • !Exhaust collapse at the flexible joint and a rusty silencer
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.5 dCi Injector, Turbo and DPF Trouble

SeriousEngine

The Renault-derived diesel can be economical, but injector leaks, turbo wear and blocked DPFs create stacked bills on neglected cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£1,800
Warning Signs:

Smoke under load, Limp mode, Whistling turbo or difficult starting

What to Inspect:
  • Look for black carbon around injectors
  • Check for turbo whistle and full boost
  • Ask what kind of journeys the car does
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Coil Spring Breakage

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Rear springs corrode and snap, often showing up first as a failed MOT rather than obvious poor ride.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£320
Warning Signs:

Rear sits unevenly, Clonk from the back, Broken spring noted on MOT

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect both rear springs directly
  • Check ride height side to side
  • Look for fresh spring replacements on only one side
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Steering Rack Knock

ModerateSteering

A clonk through the steering over low-speed bumps is common and can point to rack wear or tired front-end joints.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£600
Warning Signs:

Knock through the wheel, Noise over rough urban roads

What to Inspect:
  • Drive on broken surfaces
  • Check track rods and rack play
  • Inspect front tyres for odd wear
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 Nissan Note (E11)

  • Buy the newest car you can for the money - a 2012 reg E11 is often cheaper than a 2010 and far fresher inside
  • Ask for the GOV.UK recall printout, since the earlier E11 airbag campaign covered cars built up to July 2013
  • Check for the rear seat ISOFIX bracket and pretensioner campaign records if the van is used with child seats
20112013
Check a 2012 Nissan Note (E11) by Registration