Are you thinking about buying a Nissan? If so, you should know that, just like other automakers, Nissan does its best to make safety and reliability the highest priority. Despite those efforts, their vehicles can still develop problems that can interrupt your enjoyment of the vehicle.
What are some common Nissan problems?
The wide majority of complaints about Nissan vehicles involve problems with the transmission.
According to owners, the issues that come up most often include:
- Coolant leaking into transmission
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failure
- Jerking when shifting
- Blown head gaskets
- Broken door handle
Exploring all of these Nissan problems and more will help you with needed information to make the best buying decision as you consider your next vehicle purchase.
A World Class Automaker
Nissan first decided to take its vehicles worldwide in the 1950s with its small Datsun car line up. The goal was to fill an unmet need and tap into the world’s largest automotive market—the U.S.
The company first showed the Datsun Bluebird at the 1958 Los Angeles Auto Show and shortly thereafter formed a U.S. subsidiary, Nissan Motor Corporation, USA.
This initial launch was quickly followed by the Datsun Fairlady roadsters, the fast 411 series, the Datsun 510 and finally, the Datsun 240Z.
It took only 12 years for Nissan to become one of the world’s largest exporters of automobiles. The oil crisis of the 1970s sent U.S. consumers in search of smaller, fuel-efficient cars and Nissan was more than happy to oblige. Nissan has become a leader in the electric vehicle sector.
Popular Nissan models include the Altima sedan and Rogue SUV, while the Nissan LEAF is its most fuel efficient with a combined MPG of 111. The current Nissan lineup includes 15 cars and SUVs, and eight vans and trucks.
The Most Common Nissan Problems
Coolant Leaking into Transmission
Transmission problems are the most common complaint about Nissan vehicles. Unfortunately, the 2005-2007 Pathfinder is a victim of one such widespread defect. The issue is that coolant leaks into the transmission, causing transmission failure at around 90,000 miles.
This issue has also been identified in the 2005-2007 Xterra and Frontier. This defect was the subject of a class action lawsuit. Nissan also issued two warranty extensions, but owners have complained that the extended warranty does not cover the issue in most vehicles. The NHTSA investigated, but was unable to force a recall since no safety issue is involved.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Failure
The 2013-2015 Nissan Altima and 2012-2017 Versa are among Nissan models exhibiting CVT transmission failure. Owners complain about vibration and transmission failure related to the CVT transmission, as well as a whining noise from the power steering pump and constant windshield cracks that may be due to the vibration as well as poor design.
The CVT defect was subject to a class action settlement in 2019. However, the settlement only covers transmission repairs up to 7 years after purchase or 84,000 miles, leaving many owners out in the cold.
Jerking When Shifting
One of the most disconcerting engine issues to strike Nissans is the tendency for the engine to start burning a great deal of oil. This problem has been identified in the 2000-2003 Altima.
Along with burning oil, the catalytic converter goes out, the head gasket blows and the catalytic converter goes bad. Eventually, the entire engine needs replacement.
The 2004-2006 Nissan Maxima has widespread transmission problems. It starts with the vehicle jerking when shifting, and progresses to full-blown transmission failure.
Maxima owners report spending $3,000 to replace the transmission, typically around when the odometer hits 100,000 miles.
There’s a class action lawsuit that was filed in late 2011, and as of fall 2020, it is still in the “discovery” stage, early in the judicial process.
Blown Head Gaskets
The 2005 Sentra has earned numerous complaints about blown head gaskets. Some have reported that the design for the gasket is unusual. The bolts were stretched when turned, setting them up for failure over time. The only remedy appears to be replacement.
Broken Door Handle
Owners of the 2004 Nissan Murano SUV report the door handle on their 2004 Nissan Murano falls off in their hands. Complaints say that using just normal strength to open the vehicle’s doors resulted in the handle dropping off in their hands.
The remedy for most has been going to the dealer for a replacement handle, though there are reports that replacements have fallen off as well.
Airbag Recall
Perhaps the biggest problem in the automotive industry in recent years has been the massive recall of millions of vehicles around the world due to faulty Takata airbags. The airbags had been installed in cars made by dozens of automakers between 2002 and 2015.
The problem is, the airbag can explode, causing serious injury and even death. Several Nissan models were involved and the company recalled the affected vehicles so that the airbags could be replaced.
Brake Fluid Leaks
In addition to problems with transmissions, Nissan had to recall almost 400,000 cars in 2019 due to an issue with brake fluid leaks. This was the second widespread recall for brake fluid leaks. Aside from the obvious problems, this could cause with braking systems, it was also found that the leaking fluid posed a fire risk to affected vehicles.
