Nissan1988–2004 Critical issues documented

Nissan Cefiro A32: common faults & what to check

The A32 is the Nissan Cefiro built 1994–1999. Of the 12 faults documented for the Cefiro, 9 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Nissan Cefiro

Odometer history
Money owing
Reported stolen
Ownership history

Official NZ vehicle register data
NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$450–$980

Typical repair

Systems covered

You're looking at the A32

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

1994–1999A32 Selected1994–1999A32Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues9 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: OSX via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Choose a different generation

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.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

2.0L petrol (RB20-E)· 2.0 litre petrol 2.0L petrol (VQ20-DE)· 2.0 litre petrol 3.0L petrol (VQ30-DE)· 3.0 litre petrol

A 1996 Nissan Cefiro is the A32 generation (1994 to 1999).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

Start your free check on this Nissan Cefiro

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.

Nissan Cefiro A32Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Cefiro came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan Cefiro · 1996

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

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

Costly issue
Inspect ball joint boot condition visually for cracking or grease loss.
See why
Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
Front lower control arm ball joints on A32 and A33 Maxima models wear to the point of failure at this age, especially on examples that have been lowered or used hard. The ball joint boot cracks, allowing water and grit ingress that rapidly accelerates wear. Many NZ A32/A33 Maximas present with significant ball joint play that fails WOF inspection. Replacement lower arms are available aftermarket but quality varies widely.
What you would notice
- Clunking from front suspension, especially over speed bumps or rough roads
- Steering wander or vague feel
- WOF failure or advisory for ball joint play
- Accelerated or uneven front tyre wear
Typically $300–$750 to put right.
Costly issue
Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
See why
A32 / A33 Rear Suspension Crossmember Rust
The rear multi-link suspension crossmember on A32 and A33 Maximas traps moisture and corrodes from the inside out in NZ and southern Australian conditions. External surfaces may look acceptable while internal sections are structurally compromised. Severe corrosion can allow suspension geometry to shift under load or mounting points to fracture. WOF inspectors in NZ increasingly flag this. Sandblasting and encapsulation or crossmember replacement is required.
What you would notice
- Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
- Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation
Typically $840–$1,680 to put right.
Costly issue
With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour.
See why
Power Steering Rack End Seal Leak
Hydraulic power steering rack end seals on A32 and A33 Maxima models deteriorate with age and heat cycling, resulting in progressive power steering fluid leaks. Fluid loss leads to heavy steering, whining from the power steering pump under load, and eventual pump damage if the reservoir runs dry. At the age of these vehicles in NZ and AU (23–32 years old), seal replacement or rack replacement is a near-universal maintenance item. JDM import examples are particularly prone as they accumulate high kilometres in stop-start urban conditions.
What you would notice
- Power steering fluid puddle beneath the front of the car after parking
- Whining or groaning from power steering pump when turning at low speed
- Heavy or inconsistent steering effort
- Low or dropping power steering fluid reservoir level
Typically $450–$1,100 to put right.
Costly issue
Check all bushes and ball joints for play.
See why
Rear Multilink Compliance Bushing Collapse
The rear toe-control arm and rear lower arm hydraulic compliance bushings on the A32/A33 multi-link rear suspension degrade and collapse, causing the rear wheels to adopt significant toe-out under braking loads. The hydraulic-filled units crack internally, losing their damping. This results in progressive rear-end instability at speed and abnormal tyre wear. Replacement requires four-wheel alignment after fitting.
What you would notice
- Abnormal tyre wear pattern
- Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned
Typically $420–$840 to put right.

See all 9 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.

Engine, transmission & cooling1

01A32 / A33 Rear Suspension Crossmember Rust

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol1994–2004Engine$840–$1,680

CommonEngine $840–$1,680 to fix

The rear multi-link suspension crossmember on A32 and A33 Maximas traps moisture and corrodes from the inside out in NZ and southern Australian conditions. External surfaces may look acceptable while internal sections are structurally compromised. Severe corrosion can allow suspension geometry to shift under load or mounting points to fracture. WOF inspectors in NZ increasingly flag this. Sandblasting and encapsulation or crossmember replacement is required.

Symptoms to notice

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

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

02Rear Multilink Compliance Bushing Collapse

Check all bushes and ball joints for play.dieselSuspension$420–$840

CommonSuspension $420–$840 to fix

The rear toe-control arm and rear lower arm hydraulic compliance bushings on the A32/A33 multi-link rear suspension degrade and collapse, causing the rear wheels to adopt significant toe-out under braking loads. The hydraulic-filled units crack internally, losing their damping. This results in progressive rear-end instability at speed and abnormal tyre wear. Replacement requires four-wheel alignment after fitting.

Symptoms to notice

Abnormal tyre wear pattern
Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

What to check

Check all bushes and ball joints for play.
Look for oil leaks on shock absorbers.
Measure tyre wear pattern across the tread.

Parts involved: Ball joint.

03Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect ball joint boot condition visually for cracking or grease loss.petrol1994–2003Suspension$300–$750

Very commonSuspension $300–$750 to fix

Front lower control arm ball joints on A32 and A33 Maxima models wear to the point of failure at this age, especially on examples that have been lowered or used hard. The ball joint boot cracks, allowing water and grit ingress that rapidly accelerates wear. Many NZ A32/A33 Maximas present with significant ball joint play that fails WOF inspection. Replacement lower arms are available aftermarket but quality varies widely.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front suspension, especially over speed bumps or rough roads
Steering wander or vague feel
WOF failure or advisory for ball joint play
Accelerated or uneven front tyre wear

What to check

Inspect ball joint boot condition visually for cracking or grease loss.
Check lower arm inner bush condition at the same time.
Request WOF history for any suspension advisories.
If a workshop inspection is possible: With car on a hoist, grasp wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock and rock — any movement indicates ball joint wear.

Where to look: Front lower control arm ball joint, outboard end, left and right

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“When were the front lower arms or ball joints last replaced?”
“Has the car had any WOF advisories or failures for front suspension?”
“Is there any clunking or noise from the front end?”

Fluid leaks1

04Power Steering Rack End Seal Leak

With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour.petrol1994–2003Fluid Leaks$450–$1,100

CommonFluid Leaks $450–$1,100 to fix

Hydraulic power steering rack end seals on A32 and A33 Maxima models deteriorate with age and heat cycling, resulting in progressive power steering fluid leaks. Fluid loss leads to heavy steering, whining from the power steering pump under load, and eventual pump damage if the reservoir runs dry. At the age of these vehicles in NZ and AU (23–32 years old), seal replacement or rack replacement is a near-universal maintenance item. JDM import examples are particularly prone as they accumulate high kilometres in stop-start urban conditions.

Symptoms to notice

Power steering fluid puddle beneath the front of the car after parking
Whining or groaning from power steering pump when turning at low speed
Heavy or inconsistent steering effort
Low or dropping power steering fluid reservoir level

What to check

With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour.
Inspect the steering rack boots for oil contamination or wetness at the ends.
Check hoses from the pump to the rack for seeping fluid at fittings.
Look under the car with a torch for drips at the rack end seals.

Where to look: Steering rack behind front subframe; power steering pump on driver-side engine

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has the power steering rack ever been replaced or resealed?”
“Is the steering fluid level currently correct?”
“Has there been any whining from the steering or any fluid drips under the car?”

Depends on the exact engine — 5 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling5

01VQ30DE Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

Cold-start the engine immediately and listen for chain rattle.petrol1994–2003EngineCan't confirm for this car$850–$2,600

CommonEngine $850–$2,600 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The VQ30DE 3.0-litre V6 in A32 and A33 Maxima models is subject to the same secondary timing chain tensioner failure mode as other Nissan VQ-series engines. The hydraulic tensioner on the secondary chain (driver-side bank) weakens with age and oil degradation, allowing chain slack and cold-start rattle. At the age of these vehicles in NZ/AU (23–32 years old in 2026), most examples have already experienced this fault. Chain skip can occur if ignored, bending valves and causing severe engine damage. Only engines with documented tensioner replacement and clean oil history should be considered low risk.

Symptoms to notice

Cold-start metallic rattling from upper engine, clears after 30–60 seconds warm-up
Louder rattle after overdue oil changes
Possible check engine light if timing has slipped
Rough idle in severe cases where chain has jumped a tooth

What to check

Cold-start the engine immediately and listen for chain rattle.
Inspect oil condition on dipstick for sludge or contamination.
Remove oil filler cap and look for varnish or sludge inside the cam cover.
Request complete oil service history with dates and odometer readings.

Where to look: Driver-side cam chain cover, upper engine

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“Has the secondary timing chain or tensioner been replaced?”
“Can you provide the full oil change history?”
“Has there ever been any rattling noise on cold start?”

02A32 RE4F04A Automatic Transmission Slipping

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).petrol1994–2000TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$2,450–$4,900

CommonTransmission $2,450–$4,900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RE4F04A four-speed automatic fitted to A32 Maximas with VQ20DE is prone to clutch pack wear and solenoid failure, producing delayed or slipping gear engagement, particularly from 2nd to 3rd. Fluid oxidation from missed services accelerates wear. Rebuilds are possible but a quality remanufactured unit is the more reliable long-term repair. Transmission fluid colour and shift quality should be checked at pre-purchase.

Symptoms to notice

Transmission slipping between gears
Harsh or delayed gear changes
Transmission fluid leak

What to check

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).
Test shift quality through all gears.
Look for slipping, delay or harsh engagement.

Parts involved: Clutch.

03VQ20DE Timing Chain Tensioner Wear

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol1994–2004EngineCan't confirm for this car$840–$1,680

CommonEngine $840–$1,680 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The hydraulic timing chain tensioner on the VQ20DE loses clamping force as internal seals degrade with age and oil degradation. This allows chain slack, producing a cold-start rattle that persists for several seconds. Continued operation causes the guide rail to wear through, and in advanced cases the chain can jump a tooth or contact the timing cover. The VQ20DE uses a smaller tensioner than its VQ30 sibling and is more susceptible to failure at high mileage.

Symptoms to notice

Metallic rattle or knock from engine
Timing chain or belt related noise at startup
Difficult cold start or unstable idle

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Timing chain.

04VQ Engine Coolant Bypass Hose Failure

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrolEngineCan't confirm for this car$490–$980

CommonEngine $490–$980 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

A short rubber bypass hose routed behind the intake plenum on both VQ20DE and VQ30DE engines is inaccessible without partial disassembly. The hose hardens, cracks, and fails without visible warning, causing rapid coolant loss and overheating within minutes. By the time the temperature gauge rises sharply, head gasket damage has often already occurred. Proactive replacement at timing belt service is strongly recommended.

Symptoms to notice

Engine overheating under load
Coolant loss or steam from engine bay
Timing chain or belt related noise at startup

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Timing belt, Head gasket.

05VQ20DE Valve Cover Gasket Oil Seep

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol1994–2004EngineCan't confirm for this car$315–$630

CommonEngine $315–$630 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Both valve cover gaskets on the VQ20DE leak at the semi-circular rear cut-outs and along the longitudinal sealing surface. Oil tracks down the back of the engine and saturates the spark plug well seals, causing misfires on cylinders 3 and 6. The failure mode is compounded by the V6 packaging making the rear bank gasket difficult to access without removing the intake plenum.

Symptoms to notice

Oil leaks visible beneath engine
Engine misfire or rough idle

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover.

Other Nissan Cefiro engines and years3 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling2

01RB20E Coolant Hose and Radiator Deterioration

Inspect coolant colour and level.petrol1988–1995CoolingDoes not apply$595–$1,190

CommonCooling $595–$1,190 to fix

Does not apply

The upper and lower radiator hoses on A31 RB20E engines become brittle and develop internal delamination after 20+ years. Internal flaking blocks the thermostat housing and heater matrix. The pressed-steel radiator end tanks corrode, causing pinhole leaks. Overheating events from undetected coolant loss frequently result in warped cylinder heads on these aluminium-head engines.

Symptoms to notice

Engine overheating under load
Coolant loss or steam from engine bay

What to check

Inspect coolant colour and level.
Check for white exhaust smoke or sweet smell indicating coolant in combustion.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Pressure test the system.

Parts involved: Radiator.

02RB20E Rocker Cover Gasket Oil Leak

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol1988–1995EngineDoes not apply$196–$392

CommonEngine $196–$392 to fix

Does not apply

The rubber rocker cover gaskets on the RB20E harden and crack with age, causing oil seepage onto the exhaust manifold. The gasket compound used by Nissan in this era is particularly prone to heat cycling degradation. Oil loss is gradual but accelerates as the gasket shrinks, and in severe cases pooling oil contacts hot exhaust components creating a fire risk.

Symptoms to notice

Oil leaks visible beneath engine
Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover.

Fluid leaks1

01A31 Fuel Injector O-Ring Fuel Leak

Inspect under the vehicle with a torch for signs of active or dried fluid leaks.petrol1988–1995Fluid LeaksDoes not apply$224–$448

CommonFluid Leaks $224–$448 to fix

Does not apply

The upper and lower O-rings on the multi-point fuel injectors of the RB20E harden with age and crack, causing fuel to leak at the fuel rail seat and at the inlet manifold seal. Fuel vapour accumulates in the engine bay and in the inlet manifold. The failure is progressive and the leak point can be difficult to locate visually due to rapid fuel evaporation. The proximity of the leak to the hot exhaust manifold on the RB20E layout presents a fire risk.

Symptoms to notice

Evidence of fluid leaks wear or deterioration
Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

What to check

Inspect under the vehicle with a torch for signs of active or dried fluid leaks. Identify fluid type by colour and location.

Parts involved: Fuel injector.

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Cefiro’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

Nissan Patrol48 documented faults Nissan Navara45 documented faults Nissan X-Trail45 documented faults Nissan Fuga12 documented faults Nissan GT-R12 documented faults Nissan Maxima12 documented faults

Nissan Cefiro buyer questions

Is the Nissan Cefiro reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 12 documented faults for the Nissan Cefiro, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and cooling. A Nissan Cefiro with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Cefiro?

We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Nissan Cefiro, covering engine, transmission, and cooling. All 12 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Cefiro?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Cefiro fall between $450–$980 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 12 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Cefiro?

Yes. A Nissan Cefiro inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.