For many years, people have been drawn to the Nissan Navara because of its design, dependability, and usefulness as a pickup truck. Like any other car, certain model years have done better than others in terms of performance.
The worst years to avoid the Nissan Navara are from 1997 to 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016. The best years to buy the Nissan Navara are from 2005- 2007, 2009- 2010, and 2015 to current models. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmunds, Repairpal, and Kelley Blue Book.
This article will examine the best and worst Nissan Navara years, regardless of whether you’re looking to buy a used car or are just interested in learning more about the model’s past.
Nissan Navara Years to Avoid
It’s crucial to keep in mind that many Navara owners have enjoyed trouble-free ownership, and not every model will have similar problems. Here are some of the worst Nissan Navara years.
First Generation: D22 Navara (1997 – 2004)
The Nissan Navara of this generation was manufactured between January 1998 and December 2004. There are two diesel engines available for this Nissan, ranging in capacity from 2.5 to 3.0 liters and producing 133 to 148 horsepower.
It has only one petrol engine with a displacement of 2.4 liters and 148 horsepower, which was reckless. The vehicle is only offered with a manual transmission and has a very slow-moving 2.4-liter gasoline engine
Some users report that when unladen, the suspension does not comply. Moreover, there is no thigh support in the front seats, and has low legroom in the rear seat for twin cabs.
Single-row timing chain failure and early wear have been reported for cars equipped with the 2.5-liter YD25DDTi turbo-diesel engine. The engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced if the timing chain breaks and internal parts clash and cause significant damage.
After the car has driven 80,000 miles (128747.52 km), it is advised that the timing chain be examined every 40,000 miles (64373.76 km). The Nissan D22 Navara’s engine compartment may be making rattling noises because the cam chain tensioner and camshaft bearing nuts need to be changed.
Second Generation: D40 Navara (2008, 2011, 2012)
These model years from this generation are also unreliable. There have been reports of the primary simplex timing chain straining. Additionally, there may be wear and/or damage to the vacuum pump timing chain sprocket and shaft, as well as the timing chain guides.
It also has bad timing chain issues. There might be a coolant leak from the recirculation (EGR) cooler due to internal corrosion or splitting at the flanged ends.
The coolant may evaporate due to the exhaust system’s heat, making it impossible to detect it accumulating under the car. Therefore, low coolant levels and coolant stains around the EGR pipe and cooler are indicators that the EGR cooler is leaking. If the coolant leak is not fixed, the engine may overheat and harm the cylinder head gasket.
Numerous Nissan D40 Navara cars have been reported to have firewall fractures around the clutch master cylinder, which keeps the clutch from engaging. The Nissan D40 Navara appears to be especially vulnerable because of the stresses applied to the firewall when the body bends.
These cars may have a high-pitched whining or buzzing sound coming from the secondary timing chain system that gets louder in engine RPM. The exhaust gas temperature sensor on these cars had a significant failure rate and might send the engine into “limp home” mode.
Owners of Nissan D40 Navara cars with automatic gearboxes have mentioned shaking or vibrations under traveling between 80 and 110 km/h; using overdrive (O/D); and when the gearbox is under strain (for example, when accelerating up a hill or passing someone).
Nissan D40 Navara also has front suspension noise and stabilizer bar bushing. Some drivers also report that when driving on a highway, the car’s right front seatback may shake.
D40 Navara: 2006 Nissan Navara
Regarding its dependability, the 2006 Nissan Navara has received mixed evaluations. The vehicle has been well-received by most owners, although a small number have had problems that have caused them inconvenience and expensive repairs.
Some of the most typical problems that 2006 Navara owners have problems with the timing chain, and failure of the engine could result from this if not fixed quickly.
Problems with the gearbox, such as shifting into different gears or the stick shifting, have been recorded by owners and have the potential to affect the vehicle’s performance and dependability. This is especially true with manual transmissions.
J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study gave the 2006 Nissan Navara a score of 2.5 out of 5. As far as mid-sized pickup trucks go, this grade is below par.
For the 2006 Nissan Navaras, there have been many recalls to fix issues with different parts:
- Nissan recalled more than 133,000 Navaras around the world in 2009 over concerns about the fuel tank.
- In 2013, Nissan recalled more than 20,000 Navaras in Australia on concerns about the front suspension.
Although many have enjoyed their 2006 Nissan Navara pickup trucks, a small number of owners have reported problems with the truck’s reliability.
Before buying a 2006 Navara, prospective purchasers should be aware of the problems with the engine, gearbox, and other parts, as well as the vehicle’s below-average dependability ratings and recalls.
D40 Navara: 2013 Nissan Navara
Consumer reviews and dependability statistics indicate that the 2013 Nissan Navara, like other mid-sized pickup trucks, has seen some reliability concerns.
Fuel injectors, timing chains, and turbochargers have all been the source of engine difficulties for certain owners. Engine failure, decreased fuel efficiency, and subpar performance are all possible outcomes of these issues.
Problems with shifting and clutch engagement have been reported with Navara’s manual transmission, leading to shifting difficulties, slippage, and other transmission-related issues.
Wiring, sensors, and computer modules have all been the source of complaints from owners regarding electrical issues. Many difficulties, such as warning lights, engine stalling, and other performance concerns, might be caused by these issues.
Multiple recalls have been issued for the 2013 Nissan Navara, covering issues such as broken airbags, faulty fuel systems, and problems with brakes.
D40 Navara: 2016 Nissan Navara
The 2016 Nissan Navara, in contrast to its 2015 predecessor, has a history of dependability problems. Experts and owners alike often mention problems with diesel engine malfunctions, excessive use of fuel, leaks in engine oil, and turbocharger problems.
There is conflicting data regarding the Navara’s reliability, however, the vehicle was recalled multiple times in 2016 and 2017 for problems with its airbags and brakes.
While there are certainly some appealing aspects of the 2016 Nissan Navara, prospective purchasers may be wary due to the vehicle’s history of serious mechanical problems.
It is important to thoroughly evaluate the vehicle’s lower-than-average reliability rating, recalls, and existence of faulty components before making a purchase.
Best Nissan Navara Years
Based on data and actual instances, we will examine in more detail the Nissan Navara years that have shown to be the most dependable in this area. If you want to buy a Nissan Navara years, it is better to buy its latest model years.
Second Generation: D40 Navara (2005- 2007)
The Nissan Navara, which was produced between 2005 and 2007, is widely recognized as a sturdy and dependable pickup truck. Critics and buyers alike were impressed by its long lifespan, adaptability, and off-road prowess.
One of Nissan Navara’s greatest features during this time was its sturdy construction, which came standard on several models. There have been few reports of problems with the engine or transmission, which contributes to its stellar reputation for reliability.
Also, it’s great for off-roading because the suspension is sturdy and can endure a lot of abuse. While very infrequent, a small number of owners have complained about small problems with electrical components like the air conditioner or power windows.
The pickup truck’s inside is roomy and well-designed, making it a pleasure to drive. It is a suitable solution for individuals who need a vehicle for business and enjoyment because of its cargo room and towing capacity.
Second Generation: D40 Navara (2009- 2010)
Among the Nissan Navara pickup trucks, the 2009–2010 model years are among the most dependable and highly appreciated. The Navara is an excellent pick for families and individuals who value safety features in their automobiles.
Many satisfied customers have remarked on the Navara’s strong engine, roomy cabin, and off-road prowess. Rust and corrosion, though, have been recorded by some owners; this is something to think about if you drive in a region with severe weather.
The 2009–2010 Nissan Navara is well-known for its safety features, which encompass anti-lock brakes, stability control, front and side airbags, and more.
The 2009–2010 Nissan Navara is an excellent pick-up truck that has been well-received by professionals and customers alike, so it’s a solid decision for anyone in need of a dependable vehicle, whether for work or leisure.
3rd Generation: Navara D23 (2014 – Present)
One of the more affordable pick-up trucks available in the UK is the Nissan Navara. Arriving in 2014, the current model received an upgrade in 2019. Because it is a one-ton pick-up, it is eligible for a favorable tax rate and may carry a payload that exceeds this limit.
All Navara models use a 2.3 dCi diesel engine. The Visia and Acenta trucks have a 163 PS (161 bhp) single-turbo version, and the N-Connecta, Tekna, and N-Guard versions (together with the special edition models) have a 190 PS (187 bhp) twin-turbo diesel engine.
Navara’s sturdy box frame chassis and 4×4 technology are carried over from the previous generation of vehicles. The 2.3-liter diesel engine found under the hood of the Navara is installed in over 300,000 Nissan and Renault trucks, so it should be resilient to heavy usage.
The Nissan Navara comes with two body styles: a King Cab and a Double Cab. Regarding safety, Nissan’s FEB Forward Emergency Braking technology, stability control, and seven airbags are standard on even the lowest Visia models.
Compared to certain pick-up truck competitors, Nissan has a more sophisticated 5-link rear suspension than their conventional leaf spring setup. All things considered, any model from the latest generation will serve you best.
Common Nissan Navara Problems
Although the Nissan Navara has been a dependable and well-liked pickup truck, owners should be aware that, like any other car, it has a fair number of typical issues.
The most common problems that Navara owners have experienced are listed here to help with maintenance and to help you better understand any problems that might emerge.
- Broken chassis
- Problem with the transmission cooler
- Problems with the clutch
- Crankshaft and chain issues
It’s important to remember that not every Navara model will have these issues, and many owners have had trouble-free ownership. But whether you’re looking to buy a used Navara or keep your present one, it’s crucial to be aware of these possible risks.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, every generation and model has more or less problems, but some years are considered bad because of their bad reviews and number of complaints. The first and second generations of Nissan Navara were mostly not reliable however, the current generation has the model years that will give you a better riding experience.
