2009 Nissan Cube
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2009 Nissan Cube maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Nissan Cube.
For oil changes, the 2009 Nissan Cube takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.2 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Blue Long Life Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is Nissan NS-3. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Nissan Cube, torque the lug nuts to 80 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2009 Nissan Cube have reported 5 common issues including "CVT Transmission Failure", "Excessive Oil Consumption" and "AC Compressor Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2009 Nissan Cube uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.2 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 80 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2009 Nissan Cube. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2009 Nissan Cube.
Common problems reported by 2009 Nissan Cube owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
CVT Transmission Failure
The Cube's Jatco CVT suffers from the same failure patterns as other Nissan CVT-equipped vehicles. Symptoms include shuddering during acceleration, delayed engagement, whining noises from the transmission, and eventual inability to move. The transmission can fail between 70,000 and 120,000 miles.
Perform regular CVT fluid changes with Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid every 30,000 miles as preventive maintenance. For symptomatic vehicles, a fluid change and TCM reprogram per TSB NTB14-012 may extend life. Complete CVT replacement is often necessary once significant degradation occurs. Check extended warranty eligibility.
Est. Cost: $300 - $4,500Excessive Oil Consumption
The 1.8L MR18DE engine can consume oil at an accelerated rate, sometimes exceeding a quart every 2,000 miles. Owners may not notice until the oil level drops critically low, potentially causing engine damage. The issue is related to piston ring design and valve seal wear.
Monitor oil level frequently between changes and top off as needed. Switching to a high-quality full synthetic oil may reduce consumption slightly. In severe cases, piston ring replacement or engine rebuild may be needed. No specific Nissan TSB exists for the Cube, but the issue is widely documented by owners.
Est. Cost: $100 - $3,000AC Compressor Failure
The AC compressor can fail prematurely, often developing an internal leak or clutch failure. Symptoms include the AC blowing warm air, a clicking sound when the AC is engaged, or the compressor clutch not engaging at all. Refrigerant leaks at the compressor shaft seal are also common.
Replace the AC compressor, receiver/drier, and expansion valve as a complete system. Flush the AC lines to remove any debris from the failed compressor. Recharge with the correct specification R-134a refrigerant. A new compressor typically comes with a new clutch assembly.
Est. Cost: $700 - $1,500Catalytic Converter Failure
The catalytic converter can fail prematurely, often related to the oil consumption issue which coats the catalyst material with oil. Symptoms include a sulfur or rotten egg smell, check engine light with P0420 catalyst efficiency code, reduced power, and failed emissions testing.
Replace the catalytic converter with an OEM or CARB-compliant aftermarket unit. Address the underlying oil consumption issue first to prevent premature failure of the replacement converter. California-compliant catalytic converters are required in states that follow CARB emissions standards.
Est. Cost: $800 - $2,000Rear Hatch Strut Failure
The asymmetric rear hatch (a unique Cube design feature with its off-center rear glass) relies on gas struts that weaken over time. The heavy hatch door will not stay open on its own, slowly descending and posing a head-bump hazard. This is an especially common issue given the hatch's unusual weight distribution.
Replace both rear hatch gas struts as a pair, even if only one has weakened. OEM and aftermarket struts are available. The replacement is straightforward and can be done without tools in some cases using clip-on style struts. Consider heavy-duty aftermarket struts for longer life.
Est. Cost: $50 - $150