Nissan Cedric Y34: common faults & what to check

You're looking at the Y34

3 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

1999–2004Y34 Selected1999–2004Y342.5 petrolPetrolDocumented issues7 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: No machine-readable author provided. Ilya p assumed (based on copyright claims). via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

1999–2004Y34 Selected1999–2004Y342.5 turbo petrolPetrolDocumented issues7 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: No machine-readable author provided. Ilya p assumed (based on copyright claims). via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

1999–2004Y34 Selected1999–2004Y343.0 petrolPetrolDocumented issues7 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: No machine-readable author provided. Ilya p assumed (based on copyright claims). via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Nissan Cedric

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Nissan Cedric before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Do a compression and leakdown test across all six cylinders and check for blue smoke on a cold start and on a hard throttle snap.

  See why

  Pre-catalytic converter breaks up and is drawn back into the engine

  The VQ V6 fits close-coupled pre-catalytic converters in the exhaust manifolds. On neglected or oil-burning examples the ceramic substrate crumbles, and because these engines use variable valve timing to pull exhaust gas back into the cylinders, the abrasive fragments are reverse-aspirated into the combustion chambers where they score the bores like fine sand. The result is rising oil consumption, low compression and, if ignored, a wrecked short block. It is the single failure mode that ends a Cedric quickly, so any smoke or ceramic debris in the intake is a walk-away sign.

  What you would notice

  • Blue smoke from the exhaust, especially on start-up and under load
  • Rising oil consumption between services
  • Rough running or misfire from a scored cylinder
  • Rattle from the exhaust manifold cats when tapped

  Typically $1,200–$11,000 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Check all bushes and ball joints for play.

  See why

  Rear Air Suspension Strut Bladder Failure

  Y33 Cedric/Gloria models optioned with rear air suspension develop bladder cracks in the air spring element, causing the rear to sag progressively. The height control solenoids seize due to corrosion, and the air dryer cartridge saturates, contaminating the compressor. Once the compressor fails from moisture ingestion, the entire system is typically non-functional. Conversion to conventional coil-over struts is the practical repair path at this vehicle age.

  What you would notice

  • Evidence of suspension wear or deterioration
  • Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

  Typically $1,540–$3,080 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).

  See why

  RE4R03A Automatic Transmission Solenoid Failure

  The 4-speed RE4R03A automatic transmission used in Y33/Y34 develops shift solenoid failures that produce harsh 1-2 upshifts, delayed engagement, and occasional limp-home lock in 3rd gear. The solenoids use a fine wire coil that fatigues from heat cycling. The secondary cause is the non-lockup torque converter shudder at light throttle from degraded friction modifier in aged fluid. Solenoid replacement requires valve body removal.

  What you would notice

  • Harsh or delayed gear changes
  • Limp home mode activation
  • Transmission fluid leak

  Typically $980–$1,960 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Confirm whether the car has factory air suspension, then watch it self-level from cold and check it sits even at all four corners.

  See why

  Factory air suspension leaks and sags on VIP-trim cars

  Higher Brougham and VIP-trim Cedric/Gloria models were fitted with self-levelling air suspension. On 20-plus-year-old imports the air bags and struts perish, the lines crack, the compressor tires and the ride-height sensors corrode, so the car sits low or unevenly, pumps constantly or throws a suspension warning light. Parts are scarce, which is why a large aftermarket coilover-conversion market exists for these cars and many owners simply convert to coil springs rather than chase the air components.

  What you would notice

  • Car sitting low or leaning to one corner when parked
  • Compressor running constantly or failing to lift the car
  • Suspension or ride-height warning light on the dash
  • Hissing air leaks from bags or lines

  Typically $800–$3,500 to put right.

• Common issue

  With the engine warm, inspect the front timing cover, both cam covers, the crank pulley seal and the bellhousing area for wet oil versus old staining.

  See why

  VQ V6 oil leaks from cam/crank seals, valve covers and rear main

  The VQ V6 seals the front timing cover with silicone rather than a gasket and uses thin cam-cover and spark-plug tube seals, all of which harden with age and heat. On these 1995-2004 imports it is common to find weeping front crank and camshaft seals, oil dampness at the cam covers, and eventually rear main seal seepage. Oil pooling in the spark-plug wells can also foul plugs and trigger misfires. Individually the leaks are minor, but the front cover and rear main jobs are labour heavy because they sit behind the timing chain or gearbox.

  What you would notice

  • Oil film or drips at the front of the engine and timing cover
  • Oily residue around the cam covers and spark-plug wells
  • Burning-oil smell after a run
  • Oil spots on the ground under the bellhousing from the rear main

  Typically $700–$2,800 to put right.

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Cedric’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

• Timing Chain Replacement Cost

Other Nissan models