Nissan CG10DE Engine (1992–2002) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Nissan CG10DE is a 998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1992 and 2002. It features a SOHC 16‑valve design with multi‑point fuel injection, delivering outputs of 44 kW (60 PS) and 83 Nm. Its compact four‑cylinder layout offered smoother operation than contemporary three‑cylinder rivals, prioritizing refinement for city car applications.

Fitted primarily to the Nissan Micra K11, the CG10DE was engineered for urban economy and low…

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 1992–2002 meet Euro 2 standards for applicable markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).

Nissan CG10DE Technical Specifications

The Nissan CG10DE is a 998 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for city cars (1992-2002). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable performance and frugal fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes urban efficiency and low emissions.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
998 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
66.0 mm × 73.3 mm
Power output
44 kW (60 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
83 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Fuel system
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
Emissions standard
Euro 2
Compression ratio
9.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
None
Timing system
Chain-driven
Oil type
Nissan 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH)
Dry weight
85 kg

Nissan CG10DE Compatible Models

The Nissan CG10DE was used exclusively in the Nissan Micra K11 platform with transverse mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine was part of Nissan's CG-family, sharing its basic architecture with the CG13DE but with a smaller displacement. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Nissan
Years:
1992–2002
Models:
Micra (K11)
Variants:
All variants
View Source
Nissan Group PT-2000

Looking for a replacement Nissan engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.

Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.

Common Reliability Issues - NISSAN CG10DE Compatible Models

The CG10DE's primary reliability risk is ignition coil pack failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Nissan TSB NTB98-045 documents this concern, while general owner feedback indicates distributor cap and rotor wear are also common. Neglecting scheduled spark plug changes can accelerate coil failure, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.

Ignition coil pack failure
Symptoms: Engine misfire, rough idle, loss of power, difficulty starting, and an illuminated check engine light with misfire codes.
Cause: Electrical breakdown of the coil windings due to prolonged heat exposure and age, a known design weakness in early production units.
Fix: Replace the entire ignition coil pack assembly with the updated OEM part as specified in Nissan TSB NTB98-045.
Distributor cap and rotor wear
Symptoms: Engine misfire, especially in damp conditions, rough running, and difficulty starting.
Cause: Carbon tracking and erosion of the cap's terminals and rotor arm due to high-voltage arcing and moisture ingress over time.
Fix: Replace the distributor cap and rotor arm with genuine Nissan parts as part of routine ignition system maintenance.
Throttle body carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough or unstable idle, hesitation during acceleration, and poor throttle response.
Cause: Accumulation of carbon deposits and oil residue on the throttle plate and bore, restricting airflow and interfering with the idle air control valve.
Fix: Remove and clean the throttle body with an appropriate solvent. Reset the ECU idle adaptation after cleaning.
Coolant leaks from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant puddles under the front of the engine, low coolant level, and potential engine overheating.
Cause: Degradation and hardening of the rubber O-ring seal on the plastic thermostat housing, leading to loss of sealing pressure.
Fix: Replace the thermostat housing and its O-ring seal with a genuine Nissan part. Ensure bolts are torqued to specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1992-2002) and owner-reported failure data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

NISSAN CG10DE FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The CG10DE is generally very reliable for its era if basic maintenance is followed. Its main weakness is the ignition coil pack, which is a common failure point after 100,000 km. With regular servicing and timely replacement of the coil pack, it can easily exceed 200,000 km. Its simple, non-turbocharged design contributes to its overall durability.

The most frequent issues are ignition coil pack failure (causing misfires), distributor cap and rotor wear (especially in damp weather), and throttle body carbon buildup (causing rough idle). Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing are also common as the engine ages. These are well-documented in Nissan service information.

The CG10DE engine was used exclusively in the second-generation Nissan Micra, known as the K11, which was produced from 1992 to 2002. It was the base engine option for this popular city car in many markets.

Significant power gains are unlikely. As a small, naturally aspirated engine designed for economy, its tuning potential is very limited. Simple modifications like a performance air filter or exhaust offer minimal gains. Forced induction would require extensive, cost-prohibitive modifications, making it impractical for this engine.

Excellent for its time. Official combined figures for the Nissan Micra K11 are around 5.5 L/100km (51 mpg UK). Real-world driving typically yields 6.0-6.5 L/100km (43-47 mpg UK) in mixed conditions, making it a very economical choice for city and suburban driving.

No. The CG10DE is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail or jump, the pistons would not collide with the valves. This design provides a significant safety margin against catastrophic engine damage in the event of a timing system failure.

Nissan originally specified a 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity grade engine oil meeting API SG or SH standards. Modern equivalents meeting API SN or higher are also suitable. Change intervals should not exceed 10,000 km or 6 months for optimal engine longevity.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.

Evidence and uncertainty

A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.

Transparency in gaps

A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

NISSAN Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data compilation

Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.

Corrections & Submissions

Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.

Copyright & Legal

Copyright and permissions

Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

Ownership and commercial services

EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.

Funding model

Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.

Last Updated: 18 Oct 2026

Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.