Nissan Serena C27 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Nissan Serena C27 is known for (2016–2022), 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 C27
Car stopping with fuel in tank
Safety risk
2018–2022 · hybrid · Hybrid and EV
What to look for: Ask if the car has ever shut down with fuel in the tank, and ask for the software update record.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 5129 (15 April 2022) states the e-POWER vehicle control module program is inappropriate, so on particular roads and driving conditions the car can decide it is out of fuel when it is not while starting the generator engine, activate a fail-safe that cuts output, and become undriveable. On an imported Serena this software is unlikely to have been updated locally.
What to look for: Look for a resin cap on the engine computer's bolt tip, and for wear on the wiring sleeve next to it.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 5351 (14 July 2023) states the engine bay harness routing is deficient, the engine control unit mounting bolt tip can enter the slit in the harness protector and contact the wiring directly, the insulation is then damaged, the bolt reaches the conductor and short circuits, and in the worst case the motor stops while driving and the car cannot be driven.
What to look for: Listen for a rattle underneath over bumps, and look behind each wheel for a cracked or loose brake hose bracket.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 5171 (1 July 2022) covers 502 Serena (5AA-GFNC27) and 303 (5AA-GNC27), four-wheel-drive only, built 8 Dec 2021 to 16 Feb 2022. The notification states the bracket weld to the body was partly inadequate, the bracket comes off, driving vibration lets the brake pipe strike the body and make a noise, the pipe is then damaged, fluid leaks and in the worst case one brake circuit fails and stopping distance…
What to look for: Check the ABS and stability warning lights go out at start, and ask for the ABS recall record.
Why it matters: MLIT recall 3977 (27 January 2017) covers 7,789 plus 1,321 plus 2,414 plus 815 plus 463 Serena C27 (DAA-GFC27, DAA-GFNC27, DAA-GC27, DAA-GNC27, DBA-C27) built 1 Oct to 10 Nov 2016. The notification states an assembly setting error damaged the internal seal of the pump inside the ABS actuator, discharge pressure during ABS operation may be insufficient and in the worst case ABS does not work and stability under…
What to look for: Check for an engine warning light or a 'system failure' message, and ask for EGR cleaning history.
Why it matters: It starts with warning lights, then poor starting, rough idle and idle-stop faults, and can end with stalling and a tow. Dealers have quoted 150,000-250,000 yen when the cause was unclear, while an EGR valve replacement is typically about 50,000-70,000 yen.
Got a question about a Nissan Serena C27? 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.