2009 Nissan Cube

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2009 Cube.

Body VANTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2009 Nissan Cube is a boxy, tall-roofed van built on Nissan's B-platform and powered by a compact powertrain paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission featuring variable gear ratios, delivering EPA fuel economy of 28 city, 30 highway, and 29 combined miles per gallon with a 4.3-quart oil capacity using 5W-30 viscosity. Among its model generation spanning 2009 to 2014, the 2009 model year holds an unenviable position as the most problematic, generating the highest owner complaint count of 100—with steering emerging as the primary concern—alongside three safety recalls issued that year alone. The contrast with later model years is stark: by 2013, complaints had plummeted to just three total, suggesting that initial quality issues were substantially addressed through the production run. This trajectory indicates that while a 2009 Cube requires careful pre-purchase evaluation of its steering system and recall compliance, examples from the latter half of the model's lifecycle represent a notably more reliable proposition.

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 economy28/30/29 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 / rim6 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	1520865F0E
Engine air filter	16546ED000
Spark plug	22401JD01B
Front wiper blades	288901FC2A alt 288901FC3A
Serpentine belt	11720ED80C alt 11720JD20A
Thermostat	21200ED00A alt 212306N20A
Cabin air filter	272771FC0A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	156.7 in
Overall width	66.9 in
Overall height	65 in
Wheelbase	100 in
Track (front / rear)	58.3 / 58.3 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	51/49

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	28 / 30 / 29 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	98 cu ft
Cargo volume	11 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular 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

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2009	S 1.8L I-4	9.10 sec	17.00 sec	122 hp	FWD
2009	S 1.8L I-4	9.30 sec	17.20 sec	122 hp	FWD
2010	SL 1.8L I-4	9.30 sec	17.20 sec	122 hp	FWD

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 Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.3 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts	80 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0-22.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	72-87 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	92 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	50 rpm
Ignition Timing	13, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance	5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPM	Idle rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.00 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	4.10 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	410 cca

Service checks

Injector Primary Resistance	11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Compression	174-217 psi. 15 maximum variation psi.
Engine Oil Pressure	9 psi @ Idle, 29 psi @ 2000
Intake Valve Lash	0.010-0.013 in
Exhaust Valve Lash	0.011-0.015 in

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	62 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.059 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0014 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.945 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To	0.945 in
Rotor Minimum Machining	0.866 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

1

1.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.0

1.4 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

1

20 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 60

20 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

1

51 ft. lbs., step 2: 720 degrees, step 3: 22 ft. lbs., step 4: 60

51 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages

1	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
2	100 degrees.	100 degrees
3	Loosen all bolts in reverse order.
4	30 ft. lbs.	30 ft. lbs
5	100 degrees.	100 degrees
6	100 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

1

25 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60

25 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 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 3,750 mi. The big-interval services (every 3,750 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 3,750 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 mi	Battery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Drive Belt (replace) · Emission Control System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel System (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment) · Radiator Cap (inspect)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 mi	Radiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

09V393000Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating SystemsReported 05/10/2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA… Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TPMS NUT WITH A NEW, MORE ROBUST NUT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 9, 2009…

10V330000Fuel System, Gasoline:StorageReported 22/07/2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 NISSAN CUBE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 30, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO… Remedy: DEALERS WILL DEVELOP A SPECIAL PROTECTOR AND ATTACH IT TO THE GASOLINE RECIRCULATION TUBE AT THE LOCATION OF THE FILLER NECK CONNECTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 86 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
NTB10-073B	2026-05-29	Air Bags	VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN 2009-2010 CUBE; PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG CAMPAIGN ID #…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C	2026-04-13	Structure	CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB19-071D	2024-09-19	Air Bags	DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last…
NTB13-107G	2024-05-20	Electrical System	VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…

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.

Group 35 battery Vehicles taking 4.3 qt Engine oil filter 1520865F0E Engine air filter 16546ED000 Spark plug 22401JD01B Front wiper blades 288901FC2A

Reference guides

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

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Related vehicles

Same model, other engines and model years.

Other years

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2009 Cube take?

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

Does the 2009 Cube have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Cube get?

EPA figures are 28 city / 30 highway / 29 combined mpg.