By Jude Knox The 2018 Nissan Micra exhibits several common problems that potential buyers should consider. Issues include engine rough idling and stalling (70% dissatisfaction), transmission shifting delays (65% dissatisfaction), and frequent electrical failures such as battery drain (60% dissatisfaction). Additionally, there are recalls for airbag malfunctions and braking system failures. Owner reviews highlight positive aspects like fuel efficiency (36 MPG) and compact design, yet complaints on outdated technology persist. While the 2018 Micra has good resale value, careful inspection of service history and maintenance records is essential. Understanding these factors can guide informed decisions on ownership. Further insights await.
Overview of the 2018 Micra
The 2018 Nissan Micra is a practical and stylish choice for city drivers. Its sleek shape and bold front design grab attention. With a length of about 3,999 mm, a width of 1,743 mm, and a height of 1,485 mm, it offers plenty of room inside for people and their stuff.
It has a 1.0-liter engine with three cylinders, giving 70 horsepower and 95 Nm of torque. This engine is efficient, using around 5.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. You can choose between a five-speed manual or a CVT for a smoother ride.
Inside, the Micra is modern and user-friendly. It includes a 7-inch touchscreen, easy phone connections, and safety features like ABS, stability control, and airbags.
When compared to cars like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit, the Micra is often more affordable and still loaded with standard features.
While others might have bigger engines, the Micra is easy to drive in the city and saves money on fuel. It's a smart pick for those watching their budget.
Common problems reported for the 2018 Micra
| Component/System | Specific Issues | Frequency of Occurrence | Trends/Changes Over Time | How the Problem Manifests | Impact on Performance | Consumer Satisfaction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Rough idling, stalling | Moderate | No significant change | Engine shakes, loses power | Slower acceleration, possible stalls | 70 |
| Transmission | Shifting delays, harsh shifting | Moderate | More reports in later models | Hesitation, noise during gear changes | Poor acceleration, more wear | 65 |
| Electrical System | Battery drain, faulty sensors | High | Consistently reported | Dashboard warning lights, won't start | Reliability issues, unexpected stops | 60 |
| Suspension | Early strut wear | Low | No significant change | Bumpy ride, noise over bumps | Less comfortable ride | 75 |
| Braking System | Brake pad wear, ABS issues | Moderate | Similar issues across years | Warning lights, less effective braking | Longer stopping times | 68 |
| Interior/Comfort | Seat comfort problems | Moderate | More complaints in newer models | Uncomfortable on long drives | Affects overall driving experience | 72 |
| Fuel System | Fuel gauge inaccuracies | High | Reports have increased | Erratic fuel gauge readings | Might run out of fuel | 64 |
Problems with the 2018 Nissan Micra
Engine:
- Issues: Users notice rough idling and stalling.
- Occurrence: Moderate, especially in older cars.
- Trends: No major changes over the years.
- Symptoms: Engine shakes and loses power, mostly at low speeds.
- Performance: Leads to slow acceleration and possible stalling.
- Satisfaction: 70% are unhappy with engine issues.
Transmission:
- Issues: Shifting delays and harsh gear changes.
- Occurrence: Moderate, common in city driving.
- Trends: More reports in newer models.
- Symptoms: Gear changes cause hesitation and strange noises.
- Performance: Results in poor acceleration and extra wear.
- Satisfaction: Around 65% are dissatisfied.
Electrical System:
- Issues: Battery drains and sensors fail.
- Occurrence: High, often soon after buying.
- Trends: Consistent problem over the years.
- Symptoms: Dashboard lights up, car won't start.
- Performance: Causes reliability issues and might leave you stranded.
- Satisfaction: 60% are not satisfied.
Suspension:
- Issues: Struts wear out early.
- Occurrence: Low, but some drivers notice.
- Trends: No major changes over time.
- Symptoms: Ride feels bumpy and noisy when hitting bumps.
- Performance: Comfort decreases.
- Satisfaction: 75% are satisfied.
Braking System:
- Issues: Brake pad wear and ABS problems.
- Occurrence: Moderate, several owners report this.
- Trends: Same issues across different years.
- Symptoms: Warning lights and less effective brakes.
- Performance: Stops take longer, safety concerns arise.
- Satisfaction: About 68% are dissatisfied.
Interior/Comfort:
- Issues: Seat comfort is lacking.
- Occurrence: Moderate, especially for long-distance drivers.
- Trends: More complaints in newer models.
- Symptoms: Seats cause discomfort on long trips.
- Performance: Driving experience is affected.
- Satisfaction: 72% are satisfied with comfort.
Fuel System:
- Issues: Fuel gauge gives wrong readings.
- Occurrence: High, noted early by many.
- Trends: Increasing reports since 2017 models.
- Symptoms: Fuel gauge readings are not reliable.
- Performance: Risk of running out of fuel unexpectedly.
- Satisfaction: Satisfaction is at 64%.
Recall information specific to the 2018 Micra
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Micra should be aware of several recalls due to safety and performance issues.
These problems might affect how well the car works and the safety of the people inside.
Here are the main recall issues for the 2018 Micra:
- Airbags: Some cars had problems with airbags not deploying during crashes, which could lead to more injuries.
- Brakes: Certain models had braking system problems that could reduce braking ability and increase safety risks.
- Electrical System: Some recalls were for electrical failures that might cause the car to suddenly stop working or important parts to fail.
- Fuel System: A few cars had leaks in the fuel system, which could be a fire risk and affect the environment.
Nissan has contacted owners about these issues and is offering free repairs or replacements at their service centers.
Micra owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if their car is part of these recalls.
Owner reviews and satisfaction rates for the 2018 model
Many people like the 2018 Nissan Micra for its small size and good gas mileage. It's easy to drive in the city because it handles well. The car gets around 36 miles per gallon, which is good compared to other small cars.
However, some users are not happy with the inside of the car. They say the materials used are not as nice as those in cars like the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta. The Micra's infotainment system has basic features like Bluetooth, but some people think it could be more modern and user-friendly.
Safety is another area where the Micra gets mixed reviews. It did well in crash tests, but it doesn't have some of the newer safety features found in other cars. This can be a concern for people who want the latest safety technology.
About 75% of Micra owners say they would tell others to buy this car. This shows that most people are happy with it, even though some have issues with the interior and technology.
Comparison to previous and subsequent Micra model years
The 2018 Nissan Micra stands out from its earlier and later versions with some key changes in looks, driving power, and gadgets. The 2018 model has a fresh design with sharper lines and a bold look, moving away from the rounder shape of the 2015 Micra. This change follows a trend in car design toward sportier and more streamlined cars.
The engine in the 2018 Micra is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 109 horsepower. This is similar to the power in the 2014 model but not as strong as the turbocharged engines introduced in the 2019 and 2020 models. These newer engines offer better fuel efficiency and more power, which many drivers appreciate.
In terms of features, the 2018 Micra comes with advanced technology like a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity, which were either missing or less advanced in older models.
Meanwhile, models like the 2020 Micra added more safety features, such as automatic emergency braking.
Feedback from users shows that while the 2018 Micra is affordable and has the basics, it doesn't have the latest tech and performance upgrades of newer models. Buyers need to consider if they want to stick with a budget-friendly choice or choose a newer model with more features.
Tips for buying a used 2018 Micra
When buying a used 2018 Nissan Micra, consider these tips to help you make a good choice.
First, check the car's service history. A complete record shows the previous owner took care of it. Look for regular oil changes, tire rotations, and repairs.
Next, inspect the car carefully:
- Outside: Look for rust, dents, or paint that doesn't match, as these might mean past accidents.
- Inside: Make sure all electronics work, like the air conditioning, infotainment system, and seat controls.
- Tires: Check that the tires wear evenly and have enough tread depth. Uneven wear could mean alignment issues.
- Engine: Listen for strange sounds during a test drive. See how the engine responds at different speeds.
Also, get a vehicle history report. This report shows if the car was in any accidents, if there are title problems, or if the odometer reading is off.
Lastly, compare prices on websites like Autotrader and CarGurus to know the car's market value.
Maintenance recommendations for the 2018 Micra
Regular check-ups keep your 2018 Nissan Micra running well. This small car is great on gas and easy to drive around town. Stick to a routine maintenance plan to avoid problems and make your rides smooth.
Maintenance Schedule for 2018 Nissan Micra
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Oil Change | Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles |
| Tire Rotation | Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles |
| Brake Inspection | Every 10,000 miles |
| Air Filter Replacement | Every 15,000 miles |
Change the oil to keep the engine running nicely. Rotate the tires so they wear evenly and last longer. Check the brakes to catch any problems early and stay safe.
Besides these tasks, look at the coolant level and clean the battery terminals from rust. Replace windshield wipers when needed to see clearly in bad weather.
Use parts and fluids made for your Nissan. They fit well and work right, helping your car perform better.
Resale value and long-term ownership costs
The 2018 Nissan Micra has a good resale value. It's known for being reliable and efficient on fuel. Many people find Micra holds its value better than other small cars. This is because it doesn't lose value quickly and there are plenty of buyers looking for used ones, especially those who want to save money.
Owning a Micra for a long time doesn't cost much. It's a good choice if you want to save money. Maintenance is cheap, it uses less gas, and insurance costs are reasonable. These factors make owning a Micra less expensive over time.
Here's a simple table to show some key points:
| Aspect | Nissan Micra |
|---|---|
| Average Resale Value (3 years) | $10,500 |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 30 city / 38 highway |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost | $450 |
People Also Ask
What Is the Best Way to Troubleshoot Nissan Micra Electrical Issues?
Check the fuses, wires, and connectors one by one. Use special tools to find error codes. Make sure all the ground wires are tight and secure. Look at the car's manual for detailed electrical drawings to help you fix the problem.
How Does the Micra Perform in Extreme Weather Conditions?
The Nissan Micra works well in extreme weather. It stays steady and easy to control whether it's hot or cold outside. Its design helps it handle temperature changes, so it stays reliable and keeps drivers comfortable in different weather.
Are There Aftermarket Modifications Available for the Nissan Micra?
Yes, you can find many aftermarket parts for the Nissan Micra. These include parts to make it faster, look cooler, or drive smoother. People can change their car to match their style and make it more fun to drive.
What Are the Common Fuel Economy Issues With the Micra?
The Nissan Micra might use more fuel if the engine isn't working well, tires aren't filled right, or if you drive in a way that wastes gas. Regular check-ups like changing the oil and air filter can help the car use less fuel.
How Does the Micra Handle in Terms of Safety During Accidents?
The Micra has strong parts and smart airbags to keep people safe in accidents. In tests, it does well and gets good scores, which means it helps protect people inside if there's a crash.
Wrapping Up
The 2018 Nissan Micra presents a blend of compact design and practicality, though it is not without its challenges. Common issues include electrical malfunctions and transmission concerns, which warrant attention. Recall data highlights specific safety concerns addressed by Nissan. While owner satisfaction varies, a thorough assessment of maintenance needs and market value proves essential for potential buyers. In summary, informed decisions regarding the 2018 Micra can lead to satisfactory ownership experiences, provided potential pitfalls are recognized and managed.