Nissan Problems

It could be a number of things, sensor, speedo head etc. I would have it looked at by an auto electrician, who should be able to sort it out for you.

We have a few reports of this vibration from readers, so we've asked Nissan for an update on what they're doing to fix it.

What you should take away from this experience is that not all dealers are the same. You should have gone looking for another dealer to do your work a long time ago, one that is closer to your home than the one in Warrnambool. In terms of the servicing of your vehicle, you can get it done at any competent mechanic, providing it is done according to Nissan's schedule. Repairs, however, would need to be done by a Nissan dealership if you wanted them covered by Nissan. If you want to pursue Nissan for lost earnings, then take legal action.

Yes, your issue does sound like it was caused by the torque converter locking up too early. The converter is locked to eliminate the slippage that you normally get when the convertor is not locked, which uses up fuel. Locking the convertor is done to reduce fuel consumption, but doing it too early, as it appears Nissan has done, makes the engine labour and vibrate.

You have to be careful not to exceed the overall GCM, that's the maximum weight allowed of the combination of vehicle and trailer, which is probably what you have done. Before you hit the road next time weigh the total weight.

Nissan specialist Jerry Newman advises that you first get it scanned, then check the connections to the electric motor on the transfer case for corrosion or anything else might affect then operation of the motor, and finally check the motor itself. If the vehicle has been used offroad it's possible that water has contaminated the connections or has entered the motor itself.

We haven't had any other reports of paint peeling off on Navaras, but we note there are lots of reports of the problem overseas. I would certainly put it on Nissan to repair your car. If you want backup you could talk to a paint specialist like Graeme Cuthbert on 0422 444 335.

We have been told the same thing, that it's the way it is set-up and that's it really. I don't believe it would be too big an ask for Nissan to have a service fix available for those people who, like you, find it annoying.

The problem relates to the lock-up torque converter. We have had a number of similar complaints, probably more with the Navara than the Pathfinder, but the same nonetheless. We contacted Nissan about it and were told, "the automatic transmission lock-up setting has been set to optimise fuel economy. Once the vehicle hits 60 km/h the driver needs to depress the accelerator further in order to activate a step-down in gear. This setting does not cause the vehicle to stall. In short, activating a step-down in gear on an incline above a speed of 60 km/h simply comes down to certain driving styles."