Nissan Elgrand E51 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 3 faults the Nissan Elgrand E51 is known for (2002–2006), 2 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 E51
Fuel gauge reading too high
Costly if missed
2002–2004 · petrol · Electrical
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 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 E51? 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.