Nissan Micra Owners' Guide

The Nissan Micra has been a common sight on British roads since 1982, and although it was discontinued in 2023, a revival in 2025 sees the launch of a new all-electric version. 

This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Micra in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Nissan Micra generations

Nissan Micra 1982-1992 (K10) 

The original Micra - a compact, lightweight supermini – gained popularity for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and simplicity. These qualities made it a favourite among city commuters and first-time drivers. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.0-litre 50-55bhp petrol 

• 1.2-litre 60-65bhp petrol 

Nissan Micra 1992-2002 (K11) 

In 1993, the K11 Micra became the first Japanese car to win the European Car of the Year award. It was built in Sunderland and featured a more rounded design, with modern features like airbags, ABS, electric windows, and power steering.  

An extensive facelift in 1997 brought interior updates and new styling. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.0-litre 55-60bhp petrol 

• 1.3-litre 75bhp petrol 

• 1.4-litre 80bhp petrol 

• 1.5-litre 57bhp diesel 

Nissan Micra 2002-2010 (K12) 

The K12 Micra debuted with a distinctive, bulbous design inspired by the mm.e concept car Nissan had exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It featured keyless entry and automatic headlights. A hard-top convertible version known as the C+C was introduced in 2003 and was available in baby pink. 

Body styles: 

• Three-door hatchback 

• Five-door hatchback 

• Two-door convertible (C+C) 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 80bhp petrol  

• 1.4-litre 88bhp petrol 

• 1.6-litre 110bhp petrol 

• 1.5-litre 65-86bhp diesel 

Nissan Micra 2010-2017 (K13) 

Introduced in 2010, the K13 Micra had a more conventional design and was built on a new global platform. Although the design was still slightly bulbous, it had a sleeker and more modern appearance than its predecessor. Optional extras included a navigation system and fuel efficiency-boosting technology.  

Nissan gave this Micra generation a facelift in 2013 that included new headlights, a larger infotainment screen, and new paint options. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 80bhp petrol 

• 1.2-litre 98bhp supercharged petrol 

• 1.5-litre 90bhp diesel 

Nissan Micra 2017-2023 (K14)

 The K14 Micra was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, boasting a more dynamic design and advanced technology. It was angular and sleek compared to earlier models, with hidden rear door handles and sharp crease lines lending it a sporty look. The interior materials improved, and the handling was also noticeably better.   

The K14’s success culminated in two First Car ‘New Car of the Year’ awards in 2018 and 2019. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key engine options: 

• 1.0-litre 70bhp petrol 

• 1.0-litre 100bhp turbocharged petrol 

• 1.0-litre 117bhp DIG-T turbocharged petrol 

• 1.5-litre 90bhp diesel 

Nissan Micra 2025-present (all-electric) 

The Nissan Micra is being revived in 2025 in all-electric form. Developed in collaboration with Renault, it shares the AmpR Small platform with the Renault 5 E-Tech and aims to offer affordability and practicality in the EV market. While the new model's design retains the essence of the original, it has a fresh look, with a sculpted front end and circular LED daytime running lights. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door hatchback 

Key powertrain options: 

• 40kWh battery – 193 miles estimated range; electric motor output approx. 118bhp 

• 52kWh battery – 253 miles estimated range; electric motor output approx. 148bhp 

Service intervals

Maintaining your Micra is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. You can find the servicing intervals for your vehicle in the service and maintenance booklet supplied by Nissan.  

A good rule of thumb for most cars is to book a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, for the best results, you should always follow the schedule outlined by the manufacturer.  

Below are the periodic maintenance recommendations for the 1.2-litre petrol engine found in this Nissan document. 

Key: 

• R = replace 

• I = inspect and correct or replace as necessary 

• [] = at the specified mileage only 

Notes: 

• (1): Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increases, check valve clearance. 

• (2): Replace the drive belt if found damaged. 

• (3): Use Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent in its quality to avoid possible aluminium corrosion within the engine cooling system. First replace at 45 000 miles/60 months, then every 27 000 miles/36 months. 

• Perform “E“ (Checking the mixture ratio and correcting the mixture ratio if necessary) at the middle of replacement interval. 

• (4) Fuel filter is maintenance-free. 

Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides: 

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service? 

• How much should a full service cost? 

• How much should an interim service cost? 

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Tyre pressure

What are the tyre pressures for a Nissan Micra? 

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Micra on TyrePressures.com. 

However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure: 

• In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information. 

How to reset the tyre pressure on a Nissan Micra 

The reset method can vary between different years and trim levels. The following instructions apply to the K14 Micra. Check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your model year.  

• Make sure your tyres are topped up to the correct pressures.  

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine.  

• Press ‘OK’ on the steering wheel controls to enter the menu on the instrument cluster screen.  

• Scroll left until you find ‘settings’. Press ‘OK’.  

• Scroll to ‘tyre pressures’ and press ‘OK’ to enter.  

• If you’re happy with the current target pressures, select ‘calibrate’ followed by ‘start’.  

• You will see a message saying, ‘resetting tyre pressure system’. Once this message disappears, drive around for a few minutes to complete the reset. 

Engine oil

It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide.  

5W-30 oil is commonly used in Nissan models. 

However, the recommended oil can vary between different Micra engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle. 

What is the oil capacity of a Nissan Micra? 

Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The Micra generally requires between 2.8 and 4.8 litres. 

Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system. 

Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide. 

Battery

What battery do I need for my Nissan Micra? 

The table below provides a general guide based on common setups, but battery requirements vary by engine variant so should be checked against the information in your owner’s manual. 

The following table uses information from What Battery. 

Things to consider when buying a battery for your Nissan Micra 

• Start-Stop Systems: Models equipped with start-stop technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) due to their enhanced charge cycles and durability.      

• Battery Dimensions: It's crucial to match the battery dimensions and hold-down type to ensure proper fitment.      

• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Higher CCA values are beneficial for cold starts, especially in diesel engines.      

• Battery Brands: Reputable brands like Bosch, Varta, Exide, and Halfords offer batteries compatible with Nissan models.   

Want to make your new battery go the distance? Check out our top tips for maintaining your car battery. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Nissan Micra? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Nissan Micra warning lights you might not know 

Nissan water in fuel warning light 

The water in fuel light is only found in diesel models. There are a few variations of it; most show a canister representing the fuel tank and droplets of water. It switches on to signal that the fuel is contaminated, which can happen for several reasons:  

• Faulty fuel filter  

• Improper fuelling  

• Fuel system leaks  

• Condensation  

 You will likely notice a drop in performance and efficiency. Whether you can continue driving depends on when the light comes on. If it illuminates immediately after fuelling, the fuel is probably contaminated; you should switch the engine off to avoid damage.  

 On the other hand, if the light comes on under normal driving conditions, it should be safe to continue your journey, though you should drain the system as soon as possible. 

Nissan master warning light 

Spotted a yellow warning triangle with an exclamation mark in it? This is Nissan’s master warning light. It can be triggered by various minor problems, such as an open door or a loose fuel cap, and a message explaining the issue will usually appear beside it, so you don’t have to do any guessing.  

Many causes of the master warning light are quick and easy to fix. Once you’ve resolved the issue, you can drive away. However, if the light stays on, you should have it investigated by a mechanic to check for a more serious problem. 

Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test! 

Common problems

Here, we look at two common problems with the Micra. 

1. Worn clutch 

The clutch on manual Micra models from 2010-2016 can wear out, and when it does, it’s expensive to replace, especially considering the car's low value.   

Keep an eye out for common signs of clutch wear, such as:  

• Slipping gears  

• Spongy clutch pedal  

• Unusual noises  

• Vibrating pedal  

• High biting point 

 Check out the following guides for more clutch-related advice: 

• How to tell if you need a new clutch 

• The ultimate guide to clutch repairs 

• How long does a clutch last? 

• Why is my clutch squeaking? 

2. Broken suspension 

The lower suspension wishbones and bushes in the K13 Micra can wear out prematurely, often resulting in knocking noises. Other possible symptoms include:  

• Uneven tyre wear  

• Poor handling  

• Steering wheel vibrations  

 Ignoring this problem will lead to your car failing its MOT, so you shouldn’t delay a repair.  

 And if you’re in the market for a second-hand Micra, use the advice in this guide to ensure the car you buy has no hidden suspension issues. 

 Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Nissan Micra questions and topics

How to open a Nissan Micra bonnet 

• Pull the bonnet release lever under the dashboard on the driver’s side. It is black and shows a picture of a car with the bonnet open. 

• The bonnet should now be slightly open. Push your finger under the bonnet above or below the Nissan badge (depending on model generation) to locate the second lever/tab.

• Push the tab to the left and hold it there. 

• With your spare hand, lift the bonnet. 

• Secure the bonnet in place. 

Is a Nissan Micra a good car? 

The Nissan Micra is a good car for drivers who prioritise value for money, comfort, and reliability. It’s ideal for city use thanks to its small size and easy manoeuvrability. However, it doesn’t deliver an exciting or powerful drive.   

Do Nissan still make the Micra? 

The combustion engine Micra was discontinued after the K14. However, Nissan is launching an all-electric version in 2025.  

If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:

• Car ownership 101: everything you need to know

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance

• How does a car work?

• Top ten cars like the Nissan Juke

• Nissan Juke owners' guide