Nissan Patrol Problems

It's obviously having a problem when working hard under load. Start by checking the radiator for rubbish blocking the core, look for leaks around the radiator, hoses and fittings. Have the dealer pressurize the cooling system to see if there are any leaks under pressure. Make sure they used the correct coolant.

Loss of fifth gear was a problem that did occur with some Patrols, and Nissan was covering at least part of the cost to repair some of them when they were newer. Yours is now coming up for 13 years old and I doubt you would have any chance of getting the company to cover the cost of repairing it, even though you have done relatively few kilometers. If you feel you want to pursue it you might be able to get part compensation for the cost of repairs.

You could try going further up the Nissan food chain in the hope of finding someone who might have more compassion for your situation. You could also consult your state government consumer affairs people for their advice. The problem you have is that your vehicle is now going on eight years old and well out of warranty.

Start with your dealer and ask for a factory representative to inspect the car. If that approach isn't successful go straight to Nissan headquarters in Melbourne and talk directly to the customer assistance people. It would also help if you had a report from a paint specialist that backs your contention about the white topcoat not adhering to the undercoat.

The only way you'll get it fixed is to organize yourselves into a group and take action as a group. That way you might get someone to listen.

It gets harder to mount a case for a car that is as old as your is, but if you take a reasonable approach and are willing to compromise, as you seem to be by accepting the labour costs, I think you should pursue it. It is clearly a problem and the company has the responsibility for its products no matter their age.

Thanks for the information. I am sure it will be helpful for other Patrol owners who have the same problem. I also agree that Nissan should do the right thing and advise owners of the issue and fix their cars.

What you have been offered is a standard deal most carmakers offer customers with older cars like yours. While you are clearly incensed at Nissan's failure to replace the dashboard free of charge, and I can fully understand that, you're best to accept the offer and get on with life.

Yours is not an unusual problem, and it's not restricted to Patrols. The Navara does it, and so too does the Toyota Hilux. Toyota reprogrammed the Hilux to fix it, and while that works, we know of one where it came back soon after. Nissan doesn't appear to have a fix for it, and independent Nissan specialists usually replace the injectors in the hope of fixing it. One suggested that you should take your truck to a diesel engine expert and have them check it for you.

Part payment for the failure of a turbocharger on a car that is just five years old, has been serviced by the factory dealer and has only done 50,000 km, is not too much at all. We were able to help get a new engine for the owner of a car from another carmaker when his engine had destroyed itself after more than 200,000 km, so a measly turbocharger on a car that is almost new shouldn't be an issue.