Nissan Elgrand common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Nissan Elgrand is known for (2002–2006), 5 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.
Known problems on the Nissan Elgrand
Brake fluid leak and sinking pedal
Safety risk
2014–2017 · petrol · Brakes
What to look for: Check the brake fluid is between the marks, and feel for the pedal sinking when pressed firmly and held.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 4087 (24 July 2017) covers 11,191 Elgrand (DBA-TE52), 2,672 (DBA-TNE52), 712 (DBA-PE52) and 363 (DBA-PNE52) built 1 Oct 2014 to 15 Feb 2017. The notification states the seal shape at the master cylinder piston is inappropriate, the seal rolls over when the pedal is pressed, brake fluid leaks from the seal, the warning lamp lights and in the worst case braking force drops and stopping distance increases.
What to look for: Check the fuel gauge matches how much fuel it takes to fill up, and ask if it has ever run out.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2049 (1 February 2008) covers 53,208 Elgrand (UA-E51) and 33,425 (UA-NE51) built 10 April 2002 to 27 July 2004. The notification states the fuel gauge circuit design is inappropriate, heat from the instrument lighting makes the board expand and contract repeatedly, the circuit breaks, the gauge then reads higher than the real level, the driver does not realise the fuel has run out and in the worst case…
What to look for: Listen near the front catalytic converter for a loose rattle when the throttle is blipped, and feel for low power.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3225 (13 September 2013) covers 74,583 Elgrand (UA-E51, CBA-E51) and 47,497 (UA-NE51, CBA-NE51) built 10 April 2002 to 2 Nov 2006 - 122,080 vehicles. The notification states the engine control program is inappropriate, so lifting off the accelerator from high revs leaves intake airflow short, unburnt fuel is passed out and burns in the front catalyst, the catalyst interior overheats and breaks up, the…
What to look for: Look along each handbrake cable underneath for a worn or split cover, and check the handbrake holds on a slope.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2429 (4 December 2009) covers 106,676 Elgrand E50 (KD-AVE50, KD-AVWE50, KH-ATE50, KH-ATWE50, GH-APE50, GH-APWE50) built 9 April 1997 to 5 April 2002. The notification states there is a gap between the cable bracket guide pipe and the cable protector, sand and gravel enter the guide pipe and abrade the cable outer coat.
What to look for: Drive it warm and listen for a rising whine, and feel for slip, flare or hesitation on acceleration.
Why it matters: On the 3.5 V6 a Japanese 3.5 4WD owner heard a whine from about 95,000 km that came and went, then got worse with a shock, and needed a new CVT costing about 770,000 yen at a dealer. 2.5 owners report CVT fault codes while the car still drives (one quoted over 500,000 yen), and a 140,000 km car that started making noise 100 km after the warning light and soon stopped driving;
What to look for: Look at both headlights in daylight for yellowing, haze or fine crack lines across the lens.
Why it matters: Badly yellowed or crazed lenses cut beam output at night and fail a WoF if light transmission is too poor, and replacement xenon units cost far more than restoring a lightly yellowed lens.
Got a question about a Nissan Elgrand? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
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.