The Nissan CR14DE is a 1,386 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2013. It features an aluminium block and head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 16 valves with electronic fuel injection. This compact engine was designed for efficiency and smooth operation in Nissan's global supermini and city car platforms.
Fitted primarily to the Nissan Micra (K12/K13) and Note (E11), the CR14DE was engineered for responsive urban driving a…

Production years 2004–2013 meet applicable Euro 4 emissions standards for their respective model years and markets (Nissan Technical Service Bulletins, EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007).
The Nissan CR14DE is a 1,386 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for supermini applications (2004-2013). It combines electronic fuel injection with a DOHC 16-valve valvetrain to deliver smooth, economical performance. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes low-end torque and urban drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,386 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 72.6 mm | |
Power output | 65–72 kW (88–98 PS) | |
Torque | 128–134 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 10.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven camshafts | |
Oil type | API SL/SM, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 | |
Dry weight | 98 kg |
The Nissan CR14DE was used across Nissan's K12/E11 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor ECU tuning for different model weights and was succeeded by the HR14DE. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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.
The CR14DE's primary reliability risk is variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid failure on high-mileage examples, with elevated incidence in vehicles using lower-quality oil. Nissan service data indicates solenoid clogging is a common cause of rough idle after 100,000 km, while timing chain rattle can occur if maintenance is neglected. Extended service intervals make adherence to OEM oil specifications critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (2004-2013) and internal service data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CR14DE is generally a reliable and economical engine. Its simple design and chain-driven timing system contribute to longevity. The main long-term concern is the VVT solenoid, which requires good oil maintenance. With regular servicing using the correct oil, many CR14DE engines have comfortably exceeded 200,000 km.
The most frequent issues are VVT solenoid failure (causing rough idle), timing chain rattle on high-mileage engines, ignition coil failures, and valve cover gasket leaks. These are well-documented in Nissan service manuals and are typically straightforward to address with OEM parts.
The CR14DE was primarily used in the Nissan Micra (K12 and early K13 models) and the first-generation Nissan Note (E11) during the 2000s and early 2010s. It was the standard 1.4L petrol engine for these popular superminis and small MPVs.
The CR14DE has very limited tuning potential. It is designed for economy, not performance. Basic modifications like a performance air filter or free-flow exhaust might yield a negligible 2-3 kW gain. Significant power increases are not practical or cost-effective for this engine.
Fuel economy is excellent for its era. Expect figures around 5.5–6.5 L/100km in combined driving for a Micra or Note. Real-world consumption varies based on driving style and conditions, with city driving being less efficient and highway driving more so.
Yes. The Nissan CR14DE is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps significantly, the pistons can collide with the open valves, causing severe internal engine damage. While the chain is designed to last the engine's life, any unusual noise should be investigated promptly.
Nissan originally specified API SL or SM grade oil, typically in 5W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity. Modern, high-quality API SN or SP oils in the same viscosity range are suitable and often provide better protection, especially for the VVT system. Always consult the owner's manual for the specific recommendation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
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.
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.
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.
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.