Nissan Serena C25 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Nissan Serena C25 is known for (2005–2008), 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 Serena C25
Accelerator pedal fault and stalling
Safety risk
2005–2013 · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Feel for hesitation or a stumble to idle when pressing the accelerator with a slight sideways push on the drive.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3227 (27 September 2013) covers 159,945 plus 20,667 Serena C25 (DBA-CC25, DBA-CNC25), 125,951 plus 9,272 plus 9,842 X-Trail T31 (DBA-NT31, DBA-T31, CBA-TNT31) and 3,196 Fuga. The notification states the accelerator sensor's internal contact force is insufficient when the pedal is pushed sideways, the signal drops out, fail-safe limits throttle opening and acceleration is lost - and that the fail-safe air…
What to look for: Look for the earth straps pulling tight as a helper revs the engine, and feel along each for broken strands.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2226 (5 December 2008) covers 56,543 plus 9,469 Serena C25 (DBA-CC25, DBA-CNC25) built 24 May 2006 to 18 April 2008. The notification states the main and sub earth leads are the wrong length, engine rocking breaks both leads, the engine stalls and will not restart.
What to look for: Ask about hard starting or stalls, start the car several times, and ask for the engine relay recall record.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2635 (29 October 2010) covers nine models totalling 291,000-plus vehicles including Note (DBA-E11, DBA-NE11), Tiida (DBA-C11, DBA-NC11), Tiida Latio, Cube (DBA-YZ11 and variants), March (DBA-YK12), Serena (DBA-CC25) and Wingroad (DBA-Y12); recall 2686 (25 December 2010) adds further March K12 and Cube BZ11 vehicles that were missed.
What to look for: Check the coolant level cold, look for staining around the radiator, and watch the gauge on a long drive.
Why it matters: A slow leak often goes unnoticed until the engine overheats, which can then damage the head gasket. A radiator costs about 30,000-50,000 yen in Japan.
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: Japanese owners report failures from about 60,000 km and replacements around 400,000 yen; CarComplaints Sentra and Rogue owners with the related CVT report failures between about 70,000 and 300,000 km. A used or rebuilt unit is the usual fix and can cost more than an older Serena is worth.
What to look for: Listen for a metallic knock from under the rear floor when pulling away briskly and braking with about half a tank.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 2753 (27 May 2011) covers 61,536 plus 10,703 Serena C25 (DBA-CC25, DBA-CNC25) built 24 May 2006 onward. The notification states the weld between the fuel tank and the internal anti-slosh baffle plate lacks durability, repeated fuel movement cracks it, the weld then breaks and the plate moves on take-off or stopping.
Got a question about a Nissan Serena C25? 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.