Credov's researched list of the 8 faults the Nissan Caravan is known for (2007–2012), 8 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Check the airbag light goes out after start, and look for a sun visor label saying the passenger airbag is disabled.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3988 (3 February 2017) covers X-Trail (TA-NT30, TA-T30, GH-PNT30), Cube (TA-AZ10, TA-ANZ10), Cefiro, Liberty and Bluebird Sylphy; MLIT recall 4236 covers a further tranche including X-Trail (GH-PNT30) built 2001-2007, Cube (TA-AZ10) and Caravan.
What to look for: Listen for a hum or growl from the front wheels that rises with speed, and rock each front wheel for play.
Why it matters: A failing front wheel bearing can break and let the wheel tilt, which affects steering and braking and can stop the van on the road.
Typical repair: NZ$400–NZ$1,000 in New Zealand · A$410–A$1,030 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen for a rumble or growl from the rear that rises with speed, and look for rust staining at the rear hubs.
Why it matters: A failed rear bearing can let the axle shaft come out, losing a wheel's braking and drive and stopping the van.
Typical repair: NZ$600–NZ$1,500 in New Zealand · A$620–A$1,550 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look behind each rear wheel for oil on the brake backing plate and tyre, and test the handbrake on a slope.
Why it matters: Oil-soaked rear brake shoes cut braking and can let a parked van roll away; the shoes must be replaced, not cleaned.
Typical repair: NZ$400–NZ$1,200 in New Zealand · A$410–A$1,240 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen at the open bonnet for grinding or rattling from the alternator and belt, and feel for heavy steering.
Why it matters: If the power steering pump stops working, the van suddenly needs much more effort to steer, which is a risk in traffic and when parking.
Typical repair: NZ$800–NZ$2,000 in New Zealand · A$820–A$2,060 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look and smell around the injection pump and its fuel lines for wet diesel, and under the engine for drips.
Why it matters: A diesel leak on a hot engine is a fire risk, wastes fuel, and if the pump seal is cracked the pump itself may need replacing.
Typical repair: NZ$200–NZ$3,000 in New Zealand · A$210–A$3,090 in Australia
What to look for: Look for fresh oil around the engine's vacuum pump and hoses, check the dipstick, and watch the oil light stays out.
Why it matters: Losing oil from this hose can damage the engine and make it stop while driving.
Typical repair: NZ$150–NZ$600 in New Zealand · A$150–A$620 in Australia
Sources: 1
What to look for: Check the gearbox warning light stays out, and feel for shudder, flaring revs or slipping at steady speed.
Why it matters: Left alone this can destroy the gearbox and leave the van unable to drive.
Typical repair: NZ$3,000–NZ$7,000 in New Zealand · A$3,090–A$7,210 in Australia
Sources: 1
Got a question about a Nissan Caravan? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.