Nissan Micra K12 (2003-2010): known problems and buying guide

Below-average breakdown record. Prefer a car built after the 2005 facelift and check the chain on pre-2005 1.2 petrols before paying.

Updated 27 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.2, 65 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€395	€1,566	84	Petrol	CR12	Manual (5)	2005–2007

Years and codes: built 2003 to 2010. Petrols CR12 (1.2), CR14 (1.4) and HR16 (1.6). Diesel K9K (1.5 dCi).
Reliability: 2/5. ADAC rates the Micra below average for breakdowns and inspections. The 1.2 petrol before the 2005 facelift can have a stretched timing chain.
DIY: 2/5. Chain and diesel turbo work needs a workshop. Most buyer checks need no tools.
Prefer: a car built after the 2005 facelift, with service records.
Avoid: a pre-2005 1.2 petrol with no timing chain records, and a 1.5 dCi with no injector or turbo records.

1.2 petrol, CR12 (65 and 80 PS): the timing chain can stretch, mainly before the 2005 facelift. See the table.
1.4 petrol, CR14 (88 PS): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.6 petrol, HR16 (110 PS, 160 SR and C+C): no fault confirmed in the sources read.
1.5 dCi, K9K (65, 68, 82 and 86 PS): injector leaks and turbo failures at high mileage. See the table.
5-speed manual: no fault confirmed in the sources read.
4-speed automatic: no fault confirmed in the sources read.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Timing chain stretch on the CR12 petrol	1.2 petrol (CR12), mainly before 2005	Not stated	No confirmed price
Injector leaks and turbo failure on the K9K diesel	1.5 dCi (K9K)	Not stated	No confirmed price
Ignition lock fault	All	Not stated	No confirmed price
Airbag plug fault	Many older cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Tailgate lock fault	All	Not stated	No confirmed price
Suspension wear and failed inspections	All	Not stated	No confirmed price

On a 1.2 petrol built before the 2005 facelift, ask for timing chain records. Listen for a rattle on cold start. A rattle, knocking under load changes, or no chain records means a workshop must check the chain.
On a 1.5 dCi, ask for injector and turbo records. Leaks from the injection system or a failed turbo are bad signs. A workshop must check both.
Turn the key through every position and start the engine. A lock that sticks, or a car that will not start, is a fault.
Start the car and check the airbag warning light. If it stays on, a scanner is needed to read the fault. A faulty airbag plug is one cause.
Open and close the tailgate with the key and with its switch. A lock that does not open or close is a fault.
Bounce each corner of the car. Shock absorbers that let the car keep bouncing need replacing. Ask for the TÜV report. Failed springs or shock absorbers are a bad sign.
Check every recall campaign for the VIN with a Nissan dealer before you buy. The campaigns are in the Recalls table.

Operational	€186
Workshop	€112
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€102
Total per month	€400
New-car depreciation (not included)	€29

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.