The 2012 Nissan Tiida, while praised for fuel efficiency and spaciousness, faces several issues impacting owner satisfaction. Engine problems, including moderate oil consumption and warning lights, are reported by 70% of users. Transmission issues manifest through gear slipping and performance hiccups, affecting 65% of owners. Suspension concerns involve premature strut wear, noted by 68% of users. Electrical issues, such as battery drainage, concern 60% of owners. Frequent brake pad wear raises safety concerns, with satisfaction at 72%. Safety recalls, notably for airbags and fuel leaks, further diminish owner confidence. Insight into ongoing maintenance and ownership costs remains crucial.
Overview of the 2012 Tiida
The 2012 Nissan Tiida is a compact hatchback known for being practical and good on fuel. It's a choice for drivers looking for a dependable and budget-friendly car. This model has a 1.8-liter engine with four cylinders that delivers 126 horsepower. You can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. It gets around 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway, which is quite efficient.
Inside, the Tiida offers lots of space for both passengers and cargo, making it a solid option for families and those who commute daily. The back seats can fold down flat, giving you more room to carry bigger items. It comes with basic features like a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, and air conditioning for comfort and entertainment.
There are other similar cars like the Honda Fit and Toyota Corolla. These might have better performance or more advanced features, but they usually cost more.
The Honda Fit is known for its easy handling and flexibility, while the Toyota Corolla is famous for being reliable. When thinking about which car to get, compare these traits with the Tiida's lower cost and practicality to see which suits your needs best.
Common problems reported for the 2012 Tiida

Component/System | Specific Issues | Frequency of Occurrence | Trends/Changes Over Time | How the Problem Manifests | Impact on Performance | Consumer Satisfaction (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Engine | Uses too much oil | Moderate | More frequent in later years | Warning lights, oil leaks | Less efficient engine, possible damage | 70% |
Transmission | Gears slip | Low | Stays the same | Jerking, slow shifting | Poor acceleration, control issues | 65% |
Suspension | Struts wear out early | Moderate | No big change | Noise on bumps, bad handling | Less comfortable ride, handling problems | 68% |
Electrical System | Battery drains | Moderate | More frequent | Flickering lights, slow starts | Reliability issues, annoyance | 60% |
Brakes | Brake pads wear and make noise | High | More frequent | Squeaking, grinding noises | Weaker stopping power, safety risks | 72% |
Air Conditioning | Cooling is weak | Moderate | No big change | Weak airflow, warm air from vents | Discomfort, less usable | 75% |
Interior | Seat fabric wears out | Moderate | More frequent | Tears, fading | Looks worse, less comfortable | 70% |
Problems with the 2012 Nissan Tiida
Engine
The 2012 Nissan Tiida has problems with oil use. Warning lights come on, and you might see oil leaks. These issues happen moderately often and are becoming more common in later models. The engine could get damaged over time. Satisfaction is at 70%.
Transmission
Gear slipping is an issue, but it doesn't happen much. It feels like jerking and gears change slowly. This can make the car accelerate poorly and affect control. Satisfaction here is 65%.
Suspension
The struts wear out sooner than expected. This leads to noise when you hit bumps and makes the car handle poorly. These problems are moderate and haven't changed much over time. Satisfaction is 68%.
Electrical System
Battery problems are moderately frequent and increasing. Lights might flicker, and the car could start slowly, which makes the car less reliable. Satisfaction is 60%.
Brakes
Brake pads wear out quickly and make noise. You might hear squeaking or grinding, which can make the car stop less effectively and raise safety concerns. Satisfaction is at 72%.
Air Conditioning
The air conditioning doesn't cool well. The airflow is weak, and the vents sometimes blow warm air. This affects comfort and how often you can use it. Satisfaction is 75%.
Interior
The seat fabric wears out moderately and is increasingly reported. There are tears and fading, affecting how the car looks and feels. Satisfaction is 70%.
Recall information specific to the 2012 Tiida
The 2012 Nissan Tiida had several recalls to fix safety and performance problems.
Here's a breakdown of the main issues:
- Airbag Problems: The airbags might not work in a crash. This was a big safety problem, so Nissan recalled these cars to fix the airbags.
- Fuel Leaks: There was a risk of fuel leaks, which could cause a fire. Nissan recalled cars to check and fix the fuel system.
- Steering Issues: Some cars had steering problems because the steering column wasn't made right. This could affect how you control the car. Nissan recalled these cars to fix the steering.
If you own a 2012 Tiida, check if your car is part of these recalls.
Fixing these problems is important for your safety.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2012 model
Owner feedback for the 2012 Nissan Tiida shows a mix of opinions. Many people like its roomy interior and comfy ride, making it a good choice for families and daily use. It's also praised for being fuel-efficient, getting about 30 to 35 miles per gallon.
Some problems have affected how people feel about the car. Recalls related to safety, especially issues with brakes and airbags, have worried some owners. This has made about 60% of them feel less confident about their purchase.
The car has a 1.8-liter engine with 126 horsepower. Some drivers think it's not as exciting as other cars like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.
Inside, the Tiida is spacious, but opinions on the quality of materials are mixed, with some saying it lacks the refinement of other cars.
Comparison to previous and subsequent Tiida model years
The 2012 Nissan Tiida brought several changes compared to the 2011 and 2013 models.
In terms of design, the 2011 Tiida had a basic and traditional look. The 2012 model introduced a newer design with sleeker lines and a modern front, making it more attractive.
For technology, the 2012 Tiida came with better features. It had an improved infotainment system with Bluetooth, which was missing in the 2011 version. The dashboard was also redesigned, making controls easier to reach for the driver.
When it comes to performance, the 2012 Tiida had a 1.8-liter engine that produced 126 horsepower. It offered a smoother ride and better fuel economy, achieving 31 mpg combined. This was an improvement over the 2011 model, which had issues with power and responsiveness.
The 2013 Tiida kept the design and tech improvements of the 2012 model but had problems with build quality and reliability. Many users found the interior materials lacking, affecting the overall experience.
This shows the differences in quality among these model years, making it important to check these details when looking at used Tiidas.
Tips for buying a used 2012 Tiida
When buying a used 2012 Nissan Tiida, it's good to keep some key things in mind to make sure you get a car that meets your needs. The Tiida is known for being practical and saving on fuel, but there are a few issues you should look out for.
- Get the Vehicle History Report: This report will show if the car had any accidents, its service history, and if the mileage on the odometer is accurate. It's helpful to know the car's past and how well it was taken care of.
- Look for Mechanical Problems: Check how the engine and transmission are working. Some 2012 Tiidas have issues with the transmission, like slipping or rough shifting. Take the car for a test drive to see how it runs.
- Check Inside and Outside Condition: Look at the inside of the car for any wear or damage, especially on the seats and dashboard.
For the outside, see if there is rust, how the paint looks, and if the panels line up well. If you see signs of past bodywork, there might be hidden issues.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2012 Tiida
Keeping your 2012 Nissan Tiida in good shape helps it run well and last longer. Here are some simple tips to follow:
- Oil Changes: Switch out the engine oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Use good-quality synthetic oil to keep the engine in top condition.
- Brake System Check: Look at the brake pads and rotors every 10,000 miles. Replace them if they're worn out to keep the brakes working well.
- Tire Care: Rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles and check the tire pressure every month. This helps the tires last longer and improves fuel efficiency.
- Fluid Levels: Keep an eye on important fluids like coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Change them as needed to avoid any problems with overheating or the transmission.
Here's a quick guide:
Maintenance Task | Frequency | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Oil Change | Every 5,000 – 7,500 miles | Improves engine longevity |
Brake Inspection | Every 10,000 miles | Ensures safe stopping performance |
Tire Rotation | Every 5,000 – 7,500 miles | Enhances tire life and performance |
Fluid Check | Monthly | Prevents overheating and failures |
These steps can help you keep your 2012 Nissan Tiida running smoothly.
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
The resale value of a 2012 Nissan Tiida depends on several things like its condition, how many miles it has, and how popular it is in the used car market. Generally, this model has an average resale value when compared to other small cars. Cars with fewer miles and a good maintenance history tend to get better offers.
For long-term costs, think about fuel efficiency, insurance, and maintenance. The Tiida is good on gas, getting about 30 miles per gallon, which helps keep costs down.
Things That Affect Resale Value and Costs
Factor | Effect on Resale Value |
---|---|
Vehicle Condition | A car in great shape sells for more. |
Mileage | Fewer miles usually mean a higher price. |
Market Demand | Popular models get better prices. |
Maintenance History | Regular service records boost value. |
When compared to cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Tiida often has a lower initial price and holds its value well. However, its maintenance might cost a little more due to parts. The Tiida is reliable, but it's smart to compare resale value with other cars in its class to decide on ownership costs.
People Also Ask
What Is the Fuel Economy of the 2012 Nissan Tiida?
The 2012 Nissan Tiida is good on gas. It gets about 28 miles per gallon when driving in the city and about 34 miles per gallon on the highway. This makes it a smart choice if you want to save money on fuel.
How Does the 2012 Tiida Handle in Different Weather Conditions?
The 2012 Tiida handles well in rain and light snow, staying stable. But, how well it drives can change if the tires aren't good or if the car isn't taken care of well. So, it's important to keep the car in good shape for safe driving.
Are There Any Aftermarket Modifications Recommended for the 2012 Tiida?
For the 2012 Tiida, you can make it better by changing the suspension to help it handle better, adding a cold air intake for more engine power, and getting custom wheels to make it look cool. These changes can make your car more fun to drive!
What Are Common DIY Repairs for the 2012 Tiida?
For a 2012 Tiida, you can do simple fixes like changing the oil and oil filter, swapping out air filters, replacing brake pads, and checking the battery. These help keep your car running well and let you take care of it yourself.
How Does the 2012 Tiida Compare to Competitors in Its Class?
The 2012 Tiida is great because it saves fuel and is comfy. It's roomy inside and doesn't break down often. But, it doesn't have as many cool tech features or sporty driving as some other cars in its class.