NISSAN CUBE Rear Door Latch BREAKS In The WORST Possible Way 

I had a Cube with a 6 spd manual. It’s my second favorite car after my Miata. I was working at the largest wholesale auto auction, driving everything from clapped out Civics to supercharged Mercedes. The first time I sat in a Cube, I was astonished. The interior was huge, the seat was the best, and I was charmed by the little rug on the dash.. Manual good, CVT bad.

I just traded in my 2010 Cube. I went thru multiple transmissions on it, but luckily it was all under warranty. Never had an issue with the back door thankfully. Got over 100K out of the Cube, so I cannot complain too much about it. I liked the car.

Watching you work on that door have me flashbacks of working at the Nissan plant.

A lot of elderly folks love a Honda Element! I see so many paps driving them.

Great video, however in my case I did find an easy fix that may or may not work on other latch problems, but definitely worth a try before having to destroy parts and buying new ones. Follow all the steps to get the interior plastic door panel off and remove the plastic seal paper. Remove the torx bolt that's straight ahead on the latch which holds the end cap of the exterior handle and then remove the handle cap on the outside of the door. Now try pulling back hard the wide silver lever at the bottom of the latch assembly (it's located just below the torx bolt that you just removed) and the door should pop open. What seems to have happened is the door handle has a plastic arm that hooks around the verticle metal lever of the latch assembly to open the door, but over time the plastic handle arm wears down and cannot pull the verticle metal lever far enough back to trip open the locking latch via the cable. If your door had opened using this method, there are two easy mods that need to be made in order to correct the problem. Unfortunately without pics here it's difficult to explain. The entire section on the handle cap to the left of the torx hole is a plastic guide area where the curved part of the handle rides and needs to be cut away. On the handle itself, there are two small stopper tabs (at the end of the curve) molded in that need to carefully be filed back about 1/4". Both of these mods will allow the handle to be pulled out further than before, thus pulling the metal verticle arm out more to compensate for the gap of the worn plastic. Cleaning the actual door locking latch with WD-40 is also a good idea to keep it lubed.

Don’t forget about the Kia Soul. Those things are everywhere and the hip height is a big reason. Very easy to get in and out of. Plus, they still make them. 😁😁😁

Just made this repair today on a 2012 Cube. This made it easy. GREAT VID. Don't know why people break the plastic in these repair vids, though. I just reached under the back of the latch, and there is a manual level that'll open the door. Then you can just unscrew the actuator, as opposed to breaking it. 15 minute job.

your videos have made it possible for me to attempt working on cars at home. As a first time mechanic I got done a ton of things for my daily. I did Timing belt/waterpump ( My friend who a mechanic gave the ok on timing ) all fluids and filters changed. Brakes and rotors done and belts replaced

JR finishes working on The Cube - goes home and plays Q-Bert. 😳😖😵‍💫

Jr is the only one I know that don’t push his merch as much as others…and I have to appreciate that!

From the modified Ariel atom to the Nissan Cube, might be the biggest car content transition in RU-vid history 😂

I bought my Cube six years ago and reluctantly agreed to an extended warranty at the dealership. I wish I’d still had it in effect when the transmission went out two years ago, but it did come in handy for making the $500+ rear door repair (this same issue) only $200.

If John started making glass sculptures the channel would be known as WatchJRBlow

Working on cars is enough of a pain in the ass but you doing it for the camera at this quality is flat out amazing

Jake is a decent cameraman. Nice One!

The last time I was this early, JR still worked behind a desk.

Are there previous videos of the C10? I’ve never seen that before.

110% Jake is the best camera minion at JR's Speed Factory.

Excited for cube content! Glad to see the rear door is working again

Thank you...thank you. I have a 2011 nissan cube backdoor hasn't open in years..after watching your video I ordered part from Amazon. It installed as your video said...YA...YA..It opens.

The old Chevy in the background looks sweet!!

Classic nissan. This happens often with the door latches on the 90s 300zx. No way to access it without destroying your door panel. Big sad

Can't wait to see the "WINDSHIELD PARTY"!

You got yourself a nice T7 right there. Love those floor scrubbers

Butyl rubber cleanup, scrub your hands with wd40 to dissolve it before hitting them with gojo. Stuffs the worst, especially after it's been heat cycled for 20 years

Thanks. Replaced mine before it could break. It took me 30 minutes total.

Wow that hatch design is a nightmare. Great job getting that fixed

Lights on that shop are super bright, not to mention the floors nicely done!!

I had this problem happen right after I bought my cube. I totally gave up on fixing it

Hey man, Thank you so much for this video. I was able to swap my actuator out in 2014 Nissan Cube in about 30 mins without breaking anything lol.

JR is such fun, I always wanted a cube, but got a Kia soul

So happy to see a video about the cube! It's been a while, can't wait for the transmission vid....Please include your opinion on jatco cvt, thanks!

I love the shop floor and lighting!

I have owned one Nissan in my life, an '82 Maxima that I bought in Orlando and took to Indianapolis as an airport or work car. That thing sat for two months without starting, and I walked up to it covered with 10 inches of snow, brushed it off, and it started on the first turn of the key. I've never seen a car as reliable as that '82 Maxima. And it talked to me on occasion. Every once in a while when the door was open I heard this "Door is open" in a British accent. Only later did I find that this was done by an actual phonograph inside the dash! Old Nissans were SOLID. Modern Nissans are NOT the same from what I have read!

I knew someone in Georgia with a vanity plate on their Cube that was 'Square'. You need this plate if it's hanging around for a bit.

I bought my 2011 cube new. I'm 6'6" 375 lbs and it's roomy. Havent had a problem with the latch but what annoys the piss out of me is the servo on the hatch door lock mechanism. It's shot and makes a loud buzzing noise when it locks. Honestly, I don't want to spend the $200 on the part as long as it still works. I was in my 50's when I bought it but it was the cheapest car I could find with the most room.

Was the Cube's latch assembly engineered by Audi?

A handed door? Must be a blast in the rain and wind! Typical Nissan, too clever for school.

You can use coffee grounds and salt with coconut oil to get industrial adhesives off your skin, without damaging your hands. :) 1/4 cup of coconut oil 1/8 cup of salt 1/8 cup of coffee grounds Mix into paste then scrub hands until the adhesive is removed. Wash with warm water. Then apply lotion to lock in moisture.

One of our shop vehicles is a Scion Xb and I have to admit it does have a really good ride height, easy to get in and out of too.

Love the American accent. What’s a new “mear? “ is that what we call a mirror in England 😅😅😅 Nice update, funky little car.

Recently learned about Hinge Point (H-Point) in Ergonomics...Practically defines car/SUV/Truck people.

"Pretty sure you know how to remove three Philips screws......" Hahah

I've been dealing with this issue for the last year. I'm an artist and I use large canvases. I need my back door to get them in the car.

Your shop looks incredible.

Classic WatchJRGo stuff. Thanks

my 09 cube this rear door won’t lock. Great video!

I’m 56 (57 in August). Is the Cube (and others like it) what I have to look forward to? Just shoot me now.

the internal plastics in nissan door handles/lock assemblies are infamous for breaking after x years. they really need to make certain parts metal again. as for the rubber gunk, 92% ipa or brake cleaner, rub it into the affected spots before it evaporates. there's other things that'll do it, but those two are the most effective i've found.

The struts on ‘17 Soul hatch have already given out! I thing I’d I’d rather have a swing out door like this!

I had 8 year extended warranty purchased when I purchased my NEW NISSAN CUBE 2011 model on Dec 2011! Well, one time the back door lock failed and it was repaired under warranty. I love my Nissan Cube for all the reasons JR has mentioned! 😀 Being a female driver I purchased another 4 year extn. warranty. Hummmm, it got over in Dec 2023! And as proving the Murphy's law correct, the back door lock jammed yesterday March 21 2024!!! I took it to the dealer repair shop to have it checked, I am told the actuator needs to be replaced and the repair cost $ 600/- whoaaa! Someone on other Nissan forum mentioned he had the same problem as mine (posted on 2012) that is 12 years back, had costed him $ 350/- . Should I go to other car repair shop to see what he would charge? OR getting it fixed by Nissan Dealer repair services, the same dealer from whom I purchased the car? Since my car is now out of warranty, I feel skeptical if he would actually replace the door lock with a new part? How would I know that he has not fixed the existing mechanism and charging me for the new part and labor? I would appreciate JR or any experienced person respond to my query.

It's a race between the cube and the Atom. Thinking this would make some high-school kid a GREAT first car.

The rear door latch in my car was changed once under warranty. And a second time by my self when it started not opening

If I could help Watch JR Goes work on the Nissan Cube I would drink the cold Bartle Skeets and roll up the fat Woolford and get all schmoked up.

We need a update on the Aztec lol 😂

Do you have a website for the car's ur selling

"I got it on me again!" - that's why i wear gloves. :P

With your attention to detail I am surprised you didn't clean that back hatch area while you had it apart.

Wow, from Axom to Cube, what range

"My Trim is Completely Gone" Ummm, she's been gone for a long time now. 🤣😂😲

JR is a sweet sweet boy, saving the Cube for that next grandma buyer ; I want to see that Cube cut up and turned into a mid engine box on wheels or make it Dual Engine , one in the front one in the back !!!! turn it into the shop fish tank

Next video: Installing a windshield on an Ariel Atom!!

What happened to the 600,000 truck and the C5?

What a PITA , but Great job !! Just suggesting, maybe getting a tool cart so u can put your tools on it with the screws and other hardware. Keep grinding !

I have anxiety! Did the earth tab get screwed back on???!!!!

3M adhesive remover takes the black goo right off your hands. Not so good for the skin but it works. Latex gloves are the best prevention for this issue....

$6-8k is the going price for ANY running car these days. Market is crazy. The Chrysler PT Cruiser had a similar problem with the electronic switch on the trunk. $10 part that they charged you $300 for plus labor.

Awesome now I can order the part!

At least the use car market will be in your favor and your make a good $$ on the cube or anything else you sell right now. Thanks JR.

is that a rear view ''mear'', or mirror??? Asking for a friend.

Hey JR love the videos! Any plans to do another project like the tracker? More of a long term buy and upgrade project? Speakers lights, lift kit and what not.

You did reattach the ground for the rear defroster, right?

When you're dealing with that butyl slime, throw some masking tape over it while you're working on the door.

Nothing like some new trim!

Do you have the biggest shop on RU-vid?

I'm 61 years old and there is no way in hell I'd be driving that box on wheels around. Thanks, JR. I feel young again. Hopefully, I have another 20 years before I consider a cube my method of transportation.

Ugh my 08 Nissan rouge door handles for driver and passengers had to be fixed I did it myself so

Turbo'd NC miata possibly? I saw the NC1 in the corner earlier in the video.

I want to Watch JR Go for a Motorcycle ride somewhere fun and beautiful. Helmet Cam Baby!!!!

I just had my mechanic replace the latch part. It does lock, but when I drive it sounds like the lock is not fully engaged , a rattling noise comes from the lock. Does anyone know what causes this? Is there an adjustment required?

Hi Jake!

Hey!

I wouldn't mind buying that Cube when finished.

The CVT Trans bite back.

Nice dark blue Miata👌.

Next video: JRGO buys wrecked Jeep Gladiator

I got mine open with out replacing it playing with a screwdriver and is working

I know this is a common failure for the cube, but my wife's cube only fails like this in the winter... Any idea why it would be intermittent like that?

Did you put the ground back together for the Window Defogger?

Show us the b5S4!

Nissan was like YEAh! 😂 🤣

Now you got the cube fixed … what about the Rolls?

That remote doesn't seem to work quite ok, any idea how one would fix that?

Transmission will be no big deal. Good luck man.

Try baby oil to remove sticky petroleum based rubber compounds ))

In Kansas how many cars a year can u sell without a dealers license in Massachusetts it’s only 4

"I'll bet the dealership charges a mint for this"

The cube krom came with a rear door sub…

Nissans all take that double tap of the key fob for the locks. 1 tap driver's door. 2 taps all around doors and you only have so long to open a door before it locks the all round doors.

Cube R 👍