Nissan Problems

Timing chain failures on the Pathfinder are relatively common, but that doesn't means it will happen to yours. Keeping up the service will help, and your mechanic should be able to keep an eye on it when it goes in for service.

It is an often reported problem with the Navara. It's too late to fix your car, but it's important that the sump plug gasket is replaced every time the oil is changed, and that the plug is not cross-threaded when installed, which could have happened at a previous service on your car causing it to jam in the thread, and that it is not over-tightened.

That's bloody ridiculous. Nissan has a responsibility to fix your car, and while they do appear to be trying, they have failed abysmally. You have given them enough time, it would seem that you have been very patient, so I would recommend that you step up the pressure on the dealer and Nissan itself. Demand a timetable for the repairs, ask them why they haven't called in specialist help, even from Japan, and consider demanding a replacement car. I am usually loath to recommend asking for a replacement car, but I think in this case you would be justified in demanding a new car. If, as I expect, they refuse, press for a temporary replacement car while they find out what's wrong with yours.

There's no need to have it serviced before you go, get it done when you get back.

The first thing is that it would seem that the so-called fix isn't a fix. Adjusting the idle would seem to be a stab in the dark in the hope it might alleviate the problem. Take it back to the dealer, and refuse to be stonewalled. Demand an answer, and an explanation of what they are going to do about it.

Early 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Patrols were trouble, but the engines of the later years are not giving any trouble to speak of. It's important to check for a service record, changing the oil regularly is critical to a long engine life. Also check the diff bushes. It's recommended that you have your chosen car checked by a mechanic with knowledge of Patrols.

That's a tricky one. Nissan's warranty doesn't cover the battery because it's regarded as a consumable, but the battery itself is covered by a warranty issued by its manufacturer. So, who's responsible when the battery is faulty? I would suggest it's Nissan in the first instance because they sold you the vehicle, the battery maker next as they produced it. Nissan should have replaced the battery and got their money back from the battery maker instead of putting the responsibility back on you as the customer.

Talk to the dealer and request that Nissan send a tech rep to inspect the car with you, and then work out a plan of action for Nissan to address your concerns. Nissan cannot walk away from the problem; you are perfectly entitled to demand they fix the car. If it can't be fixed, then I think you have good justification for asking for your money back.

Yes, they do. It generally seems to happen at 80,000-plus km, so you should be safe for a while. In the meantime make sure you keep the servicing up to it, as some Nissan mechanics blame a lack of servicing for the failures, although it appears to be caused by wear to the chain and the tensioner.