NissanCube2011Overview/nissan/cube/2011/base/

2011 Nissan Cube

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Cube.

Body TRUCKTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2011 Nissan Cube, classified as a TRUCK, rides on a compact platform that pairs a modest 4.3‑qt oil capacity with 5W‑30 API‑rated lubrication and an automatic transmission featuring variable gear ratios, delivering EPA‑rated fuel economy of 26/30/28 mpg. Its powertrain, the focal point of the 31 owner complaints recorded for the model year, reflects a reliability profile that improved markedly from the 100 complaints of the 2009 peak to just three in 2013, with no recalls ever issued. Consequently, the 2011 Cube represents a transitional point in the line’s history, offering modest efficiency and a proven drivetrain while benefiting from the downward trend in complaint frequency that would later solidify its reputation.

Model year201420132012201120102009

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.3 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque72-87 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy26/30/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 410 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 410 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTURNOEM · verified
Tire sizeP195-60R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter16546ED000
Spark plug22401JD01B
Front wiper blades288901FC2A alt 288901FC3A
Serpentine belt11720ED80C
Thermostat212306N20A alt 21200ED00A
Cabin air filter272771FC0A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length156.7 in
Overall width66.9 in
Overall height65 in
Wheelbase100 in
Curb weight2795 lb
Track (front / rear)58.3 / 58.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)51/49

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined26 / 30 / 28 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume98 cu ft
Cargo volume11 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Cube of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

9.1–9.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.10 sec — 2009 S
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2010SL 1.8L I-49.30 sec17.20 sec122 hpFWD
2009S 1.8L I-49.10 sec17.00 sec122 hpFWD
2009S 1.8L I-49.30 sec17.20 sec122 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.3 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 72-87 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0-22.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.3 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts80 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug18.0-22.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub92 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Ignition Timing13, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity4.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance410 cca

Service checks

Radiator Cap Pressure ReliefRadiator leak pressure testing, 5 psi.
Engine Compression174-217 psi. 15 maximum variation psi.
Engine Oil Pressure9 psi @ Idle, 29 psi @ 2000
Intake Valve Lash0.010-0.013 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.011-0.015 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle62 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.059 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0014 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.945 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.945 in
Rotor Minimum Machining0.866 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 6020 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
151 ft. lbs., step 2: 720 degrees, step 3: 22 ft. lbs., step 4: 6051 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2100 degrees.100 degrees
3Loosen all bolts in reverse order.
430 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
5100 degrees.100 degrees
6100 degrees.; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 11 mm and 45 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.15 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to bolt threads and seating surface.100 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
125 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6025 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
At 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Nissan Cube sits at the apex of a clear downward trend in complaints and recalls for the model line, with only 31 complaints and no recalls that year, compared to 100 complaints and 3 recalls in 2009 and 55 complaints and 2 recalls in 2010. Investigations remained minimal across the span, with one each year from 2010 through 2014, while TSB counts peaked in 2011 at 98, indicating a strong focus on corrective actions rather than safety‑related defects. The most frequent complaint categories for 2011 were Power Train (14) and Air Bags (4), but these represent a small fraction of overall complaints, and the model recorded only two crash‑related complaints and one fire‑related complaint. In the broader arc, 2011 marks the year with the lowest complaint volume and zero recalls, suggesting that the vehicle’s reliability issues were largely resolved by this generation. Given this data, 2011 appears to be a solid year to purchase, offering the lowest reported defect rate within the examined window.

0
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
98
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
31
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 31 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train14
Air Bags4
Structure,Unknown Or Other2
Electrical System2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Electrical System,Visibility/Wiper1
Seat Belts1
Steering,Suspension,Structure1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 98 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB19-071D2024-09-19Air BagsDTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Cube. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Cube take?

4.3 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Cube have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Cube get?

EPA figures are 26 city / 30 highway / 28 combined mpg.