Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Nissan Nissan Navara is known for (2005–2015), 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.
What to look for: Lying beside the car, check each rear axle seal and the inside of the rear brake drums or discs for oil.
Why it matters: Diff oil runs out onto the rear drum brakes, soaking the shoes; braking weakens and can pull to one side. The fix is new seals, often bearings, and new brake shoes.
What to look for: Sight along each chassis rail from the axle to the rear, looking for a kink, fresh welds or cracked paint.
Why it matters: D40s are widely used for towing boats, trailers and caravans in NZ, and owners also report bent or cracked chassis after heavy loads and off-road use. A cracked or bent rail is a structural repair (chassis section, sometimes a new frame) and will fail a WoF/CoF.
What to look for: Check the clutch bite point is consistent, and listen for a rattle or judder taking up drive from idle.
Why it matters: Because the flywheel was part of the upgrade, a proper repair often includes the flywheel as well as the clutch kit. CarsGuide also lists clutch failures among the main Navara complaints.
What to look for: Open the coolant cap cold and check for a pink or milky film, and check auto fluid is clear red.
Why it matters: The fix is a new radiator plus a rebuilt or replacement gearbox; prevention is a new radiator before it fails and an external cooler that bypasses the radiator. Affects the 5-speed automatic (RE5R05A) fitted to the 2.5 diesel and 4.0 V6 petrol; manuals are not affected, and the 3.0 V6 diesel used a different 7-speed automatic (RE7R01B).
What to look for: Lying beside the car, look at the join between the engine and gearbox for fresh oil weeping.
Why it matters: Oil drips from the join between engine and gearbox and can soak the clutch on manuals. The fix needs the gearbox out.
Got a question about a Nissan Nissan Navara? 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.