Skip to content
KickTyres
Nissan1997–2010 Critical issues documented

Nissan Elgrand: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Nissan Elgrand (1997–2010) in New Zealand? We've documented 17 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and body & rust. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Nissan Elgrand

  • 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 →

17

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$420–$2,000

Typical repair

8

Systems covered

Which Nissan Elgrand are you looking at?

5 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

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 Elgrand

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 ElgrandEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Elgrand came with 4, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan Elgrand

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

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

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

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

  • Serious issue

    Demand full service history with proof of timing belt replacement.

    See why

    VG33E Timing Belt Failure on Interference Engine

    The E50 Elgrand's VG33E V6 is a timing-belt interference engine — belt failure causes immediate valve-to-piston contact and severe internal engine damage. Factory service interval is 90,000–100,000 km, but many NZ-imported E50 Elgrands have never had the belt replaced. Catastrophic failure can write off an otherwise sound vehicle. The water pump is also driven by the same belt and should be replaced simultaneously. This is completely preventable with documented service history.

    What you would notice

    • Engine stops suddenly with no warning when belt snaps
    • No-start after engine stalls unexpectedly
    • Ticking from front of engine if tensioner is failing pre-snap
    • Belt visible as cracked or shredded through inspection cover

    Typically $500–$5,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Any play felt at the ball joint indicates failure.

    See why

    Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Deterioration

    The front lower control arm ball joints on the E51 Elgrand are a sealed, non-serviceable design that deteriorates with age and mileage. The rubber boot protecting the grease-packed joint cracks with UV exposure and thermal cycling, allowing moisture and dirt ingress that accelerates joint wear. On a heavy vehicle like the Elgrand, worn ball joints cause vague and wandering steering, uneven tyre wear, and clunking over bumps. In an advanced failure state the joint can pull apart causing sudden loss of steering control, making this a safety-critical fault. Many E51 Elgrands imported to NZ and AU from Japan arrive with the original never-replaced ball joints at ages of 15 to 20 years.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension over bumps or during cornering
    • Vague, wandering, or imprecise steering feel particularly at motorway speeds
    • Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
    • Uneven or accelerated tyre wear on the front axle
    • Visible cracked or split dust boot on the ball joint when inspected from underneath

    Typically $600–$1,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check CVT fluid condition via dipstick or fill-plug (fluid should be pink and clean, not dark or burnt-smelling).

    See why

    RE0F10D CVT Belt Wear and Torque Shudder

    The RE0F10D CVT fitted to E52 Elgrands with both VQ35DE and VQ25DE engines is prone to push-belt wear and internal clutch pack degradation when CVT fluid is not changed at the recommended 40,000 km intervals. The most common presentation is a low-speed torque shudder felt through the drivetrain during light acceleration from rest, caused by slipping start clutch discs. In advanced cases the variator pulley surfaces wear, causing belt slip under load and a characteristic whine. Fluid contamination or overheating from towing accelerates deterioration significantly. Replacement or rebuild is expensive.

    What you would notice

    • Juddering or shuddering sensation through the vehicle during gentle acceleration from a standstill
    • High-pitched whining from the transmission tunnel under load, particularly on hills
    • Delayed or hesitant engagement when selecting Drive from Park, especially when cold
    • Slipping feeling or unexpected engine revving without corresponding acceleration
    • CVT warning light on dashboard or DTC P0740 or P17F0 stored in TCM

    Typically $2,800–$7,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Use a strong magnet to detect body filler concealing rust at rear arches.

    See why

    Rear Wheel Arch and Inner Sill Rust Perforation (E50)

    E50 Elgrands imported to NZ now exceed 25 years of age and frequently show rust perforation at the rear wheel arch lips, inner sill sections and around rear door apertures. NZ coastal environments accelerate the process. Poorly executed pre-export repairs on Japanese vehicles can conceal deeper rust behind body filler, making magnetic inspection important.

    What you would notice

    • Bubbling or flaking paint at rear wheel arch lips
    • Rust staining on interior carpet near rear sill
    • Visible perforation at sill or arch seams when inspected closely
    • Soft or flexible bodywork at arch lip when pressed

    Typically $800–$4,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Cold-start and listen at the front of the engine for a chain rattle in the first seconds.

    See why

    VQ timing chain guide / tensioner rattle (E51)

    The E51 Elgrand's VQ25DE and VQ35DE V6 use timing chains with plastic guides and a hydraulic tensioner that wear with age and skipped oil changes, giving a rattle - especially a brief rattle on cold start as oil pressure builds. The good news is the Elgrand's main tensioner is a different, more forgiving design than the 350Z/Maxima's, so it is less prone to catastrophic guide failure, but a chain that has stretched still needs attention before it skips. Genuine chains are recommended as cheap aftermarket ones stretch quickly.

    What you would notice

    • Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start
    • Rattle under light load that fades as revs rise
    • Loss of power or economy on high-km cars
    • Check-engine light with cam/crank timing codes

    Typically $2,000–$4,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Check transmission fluid level, colour and smell on the dipstick — fluid should be pink or red and clean with no burnt odour.

    See why

    RE4F04A 4-Speed Automatic Fluid Degradation and Harsh Shifting (E50)

    The RE4F04A 4-speed automatic used in the E50 Elgrand is reliable when maintained but develops harsh shifting, gear hunting and eventual solenoid failure when fluid changes have been neglected. NZ JDM imports with unknown service history frequently present with burnt fluid and worn clutch packs. A fluid change and filter service can address early symptoms but cannot reverse advanced wear.

    What you would notice

    • Harsh or delayed engagement when selecting drive or reverse
    • Slipping under load, particularly on uphill grades
    • Dark, burnt-smelling transmission fluid on dipstick
    • Hunting between gears at steady highway speed

    Typically $250–$3,800 to put right.

See all 17 documented issuesEverything researched for the Nissan Elgrand, including 3 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Nissan Elgrand has — 17Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling6

01VG33E Timing Belt Failure on Interference Engine

Demand full service history with proof of timing belt replacement.petrol1997–2002EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02RE0F10D CVT Belt Wear and Torque Shudder

Check CVT fluid condition via dipstick or fill-plug (fluid should be pink and clean, not dark or burnt-smelling).petrol2010 onwardTransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03VQ timing chain guide / tensioner rattle (E51)

Cold-start and listen at the front of the engine for a chain rattle in the first seconds.petrol2002–2010EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04RE4F04A 4-Speed Automatic Fluid Degradation and Harsh Shifting (E50)

Check transmission fluid level, colour and smell on the dipstick — fluid should be pink or red and clean with no burnt odour.petrol1997–2002Transmission
CommonTransmission $250–$3,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The RE4F04A 4-speed automatic used in the E50 Elgrand is reliable when maintained but develops harsh shifting, gear hunting and eventual solenoid failure when fluid changes have been neglected. NZ JDM imports with unknown service history frequently present with burnt fluid and worn clutch packs. A fluid change and filter service can address early symptoms but cannot reverse advanced wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Harsh or delayed engagement when selecting drive or reverse
  • Slipping under load, particularly on uphill grades
  • Dark, burnt-smelling transmission fluid on dipstick
  • Hunting between gears at steady highway speed

What to check

  1. Check transmission fluid level, colour and smell on the dipstick — fluid should be pink or red and clean with no burnt odour.
  2. Test drive through all gear ranges including full-throttle upshifts.
  3. Check for leaks at the transmission pan.
  4. Inspect filter condition if fluid is very dark.

Where to look: Transmission, underside centre of vehicle

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transmission fluid ever been changed, and when?”
  • “Any slipping, harsh shifts, or delayed engagement noticed?”
  • “Has the transmission been repaired or reconditioned?”

05AWD Transfer Case Chain Stretch and Wear

Engage 4WD mode and drive a figure-eight or tight circle to load the driveline.petrol1997–2010Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $800–$3,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

AWD variants of both the E50 and E51 Elgrand use a chain-driven transfer case to distribute torque to the front axle. The transfer case chain stretches with age and high mileage, causing vibration during 4WD engagement, clunking during mode transitions, and eventual noisy operation in all drive modes. Transfer case oil is frequently never changed on imported examples, accelerating chain and sprocket wear. Rebuilds or used unit replacement are the typical remedies.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Vibration or shudder when 4WD mode is selected
  • Clunking during transitions between 2WD and 4WD
  • Rumbling noise from driveline at speed in 4WD
  • 4WD engagement fault or warning light

What to check

  1. Engage 4WD mode and drive a figure-eight or tight circle to load the driveline.
  2. Listen for clunking or binding.
  3. Check transfer case oil condition — milky or metal-contaminated fluid indicates chain wear.
  4. Verify 4WD indicator illuminates correctly when mode is selected.

Where to look: Transfer case, centre of vehicle between gearbox and front propshaft

Parts involved: Timing chain, Transfer case.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transfer case oil ever been changed?”
  • “Does 4WD engage and disengage smoothly without clunks?”
  • “Any vibration or noise specific to 4WD operation?”

06VQ35DE AC Compressor Clutch Bearing Failure

With the engine running and AC off, listen for a high-pitched whine or grinding noise from the front of the engine on the passenger side.petrol2010 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $900–$2,400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The air conditioning compressor on the VQ35DE is a belt-driven unit with an electromagnetic clutch that engages and disengages the compressor from the accessory belt drive. The clutch bearing (the front bearing that supports the pulley when the clutch is disengaged) is a sealed unit that operates continuously regardless of whether the AC is selected. Heat cycling, belt tension loading, and the bearing running without adequate lubrication replenishment over time cause the bearing races and balls to deteriorate. The resulting roughness causes a high-pitched squeal or grinding noise that worsens when the AC is switched on. A seized bearing will lock the compressor pulley, shredding the accessory belt and disabling alternator and power steering pump drive simultaneously.

Symptoms to notice

  • High-pitched squealing or grinding noise from the front of the engine, audible at idle, that may change character when the AC is switched on or off
  • Complete loss of air conditioning cooling if the bearing seizes and the clutch stops engaging, or loss of all auxiliary belt-driven functions if the belt shreds

What to check

With the engine running and AC off, listen for a high-pitched whine or grinding noise from the front of the engine on the passenger side. Switch the AC on — if the noise changes pitch or disappears momentarily as the clutch engages, the clutch bearing is the source. Inspect the accessory belt for glazing or fraying caused by a rough pulley. Check for AC refrigerant in the system as a secondary confirmation (non-functional AC alongside a bearing noise confirms the compressor is failing).

Where to look: Front of the VQ35DE engine, passenger side, on the accessory drive belt — the AC compressor is mounted low on the engine block

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the air conditioning blow cold, and has it ever needed a regas or compressor work?”
  • “Is there any squealing or grinding noise from the engine, particularly on the passenger side?”
  • “Has the accessory drive belt been inspected recently?”
Electrical2

01E51 Power Sliding Door Actuator and Motor Failure

Test both rear sliding doors through full open and close cycles multiple times.petrol2002–2010ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Fuel Pump Float Corrosion Causing Gauge Fault

Fill the tank completely and observe whether the gauge reads correctly at full.petrol2010 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $420–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The E52 Elgrand fuel pump module incorporates a resistive float sender unit inside the fuel tank. The float arm pivot and the rheostat wiper contacts are susceptible to corrosion from ethanol-blended fuels common in NZ and AU. Corrosion causes the sender resistance to become erratic, resulting in a fuel gauge that reads incorrectly, sticks at a fixed reading, fluctuates unpredictably, or shows a false empty warning. This is not a safety failure in itself but has led to run-out incidents when the gauge under-reads and the owner trusts it. Replacement requires dropping the fuel tank or accessing the pump module via the interior floor panel.

Symptoms to notice

  • Fuel gauge needle stuck at a fixed reading regardless of actual fuel level
  • Gauge reading fluctuating between different levels while driving on a level road
  • Low fuel warning light illuminating with a full or near-full tank
  • Gauge reading that does not move after refuelling
  • Engine stalling unexpectedly at a gauge reading that appears to show remaining fuel

What to check

Fill the tank completely and observe whether the gauge reads correctly at full. Note the gauge behaviour over a period of driving. Query the ECU for fuel system codes such as P0460 (fuel level sensor circuit malfunction). If purchasing, cross-reference the displayed fuel level with a known recent refuel receipt the seller can provide. If a workshop inspection is possible: Access to OBD-II live data for the fuel level sensor voltage helps confirm sender fault versus gauge fault.

Where to look: Fuel pump module sender unit inside the main fuel tank, accessed via the floor panel beneath the second-row seating or by dropping the tank

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Does the fuel gauge read accurately and consistently after filling the tank?”
  • “Has the fuel gauge ever been erratic or shown a low-fuel warning with fuel remaining?”
  • “Has the fuel pump module or sender unit ever been replaced?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever run out of fuel unexpectedly despite the gauge appearing to show a safe level?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior8

01Front Lower Arm Ball Joint Deterioration

Any play felt at the ball joint indicates failure.petrol2002–2010SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

2010 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $350–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The E52 Elgrand's front suspension uses a lower control arm with an integral or press-in ball joint that connects the arm to the front upright/knuckle. The ball joint operates under continuous vertical and lateral loading and is exposed to road contamination. As the polyurethane or rubber boot deteriorates — often accelerated by NZ and Japanese road grit — grease is lost and metal-to-metal wear begins. Excessive ball joint play allows the upright to pivot under braking and cornering loads, causing steering wander and potential for catastrophic separation at the joint, which results in immediate loss of steering control. New Zealand WOF inspection specifically targets ball joint play, and worn joints are a common failure cause.

The front wheel of a car splayed outward with the lower control arm hanging down after a ball joint separation.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A separated lower ball joint: the control arm has dropped and the wheel has splayed out under the guard.

Elfix · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension when traversing bumps, speed humps, or during slow-speed parking manoeuvres
  • Vague or wandering steering feel, particularly when braking or cornering, as the worn joint allows the upright to shift under load

What to check

  1. Lift each front wheel off the ground and attempt to rock the wheel in the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions — any detectable play (more than 1 mm) in the ball joint is a WOF failure.
  2. Inspect the ball joint dust boot for cracking or tearing.
  3. Check for a clunking noise from the front suspension when the vehicle traverses a speed bump.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: A dial indicator check at the upright with the wheel supported is definitive.

Where to look: Front suspension, lower control arm ball joint at the wheel upright/knuckle, both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

  • “When did the vehicle last pass a WOF and were any suspension items noted?”
  • “Has there been any clunking from the front suspension, especially over bumps?”
  • “Have the lower control arm ball joints ever been replaced or inspected?”

03Rear Wheel Arch and Inner Sill Rust Perforation (E50)

Use a strong magnet to detect body filler concealing rust at rear arches.petrol1997–2002Body & Rust
CommonBody & Rust $800–$4,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

E50 Elgrands imported to NZ now exceed 25 years of age and frequently show rust perforation at the rear wheel arch lips, inner sill sections and around rear door apertures. NZ coastal environments accelerate the process. Poorly executed pre-export repairs on Japanese vehicles can conceal deeper rust behind body filler, making magnetic inspection important.

Symptoms to notice

  • Bubbling or flaking paint at rear wheel arch lips
  • Rust staining on interior carpet near rear sill
  • Visible perforation at sill or arch seams when inspected closely
  • Soft or flexible bodywork at arch lip when pressed

What to check

  1. Use a strong magnet to detect body filler concealing rust at rear arches.
  2. Inspect inner sill sections and rear arch lips in detail.
  3. Lift rear carpet if permitted to check inner sill for rust or water staining.
  4. Inspect the spare wheel well for rust and water ingress.

Where to look: Rear wheel arch lips, inner sills, rear door apertures

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Has any rust repair or panel work been done on the rear arches or sills?”
  • “Has the vehicle had underbody rust treatment applied?”
  • “Has the vehicle spent time in a coastal or high-humidity environment?”

04Rust and water leaks from sunroof drains and tailgate (E51)

Feel the headlining around the sunroofs and the carpets for damp; check the spare-wheel well for standing water.petrol2002–2010Body & Rust
OccasionalBody & Rust $300–$3,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

E51 Elgrands are big imports that often have twin sunroofs; the sunroof drain tubes block with debris and overflow into the headlining and A/B-pillars, and the tailgate lower edge and rear arches corrode. A blocked drain can drip onto interior trim and wiring and rot the floor, while arch and sill rust is a WoF concern. Water damage inside a loaded family van is easy to miss on a quick look.

Symptoms to notice

  • Damp headlining or water stains near the sunroof
  • Wet carpets or a musty smell
  • Bubbling paint on tailgate lower edge / rear arches
  • Water in the spare-wheel well

What to check

  1. Feel the headlining around the sunroofs and the carpets for damp; check the spare-wheel well for standing water.
  2. Pour a little water into the sunroof channel and watch it drain freely.
  3. Press the tailgate lip and rear arches for soft rust.

Where to look: Sunroof drain tubes (A/B-pillars), headlining, tailgate lower edge, rear wheel arches, spare-wheel well

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Have the sunroof drains ever been cleared or leaked?”
  • “Any history of damp carpets or interior water?”

05Rear Multi-Link Suspension Bush Collapse

Attempt to move each arm by hand — collapsed bushes allow noticeable movement at the pivot.2010 onwardSuspension
CommonSuspension $700–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The E52 Elgrand uses a rear multi-link independent suspension with multiple rubber-bonded bushes in the trailing arms, lateral links, and toe-control rods. These bushes absorb road shock and maintain precise wheel alignment. As the rubber cores age and crack — a process accelerated by UV exposure and oil contamination — the bonded-in steel sleeves begin to move within the rubber, causing the bush to effectively collapse. Collapsed rear bushes allow the rear axle geometry to shift dynamically under load, producing tramlining, rear-end instability under braking, and rapid and uneven tyre wear. Full rear bush replacement requires pressing equipment and is a significant workshop labour operation.

Symptoms to notice

  • Tramlining — the rear of the vehicle follows road grooves and requires constant steering correction on motorways
  • Accelerated or uneven rear tyre wear, particularly feathering or inner-edge wear caused by toe angle deviation from collapsed bushes

What to check

Attempt to move each arm by hand — collapsed bushes allow noticeable movement at the pivot. Check rear tyre wear pattern for feathering or inner/outer edge wear caused by toe and camber deviation. Road test on a straight highway and check for rear-end wandering or sensitivity to road crown. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, inspect all rear arm bushes visually for cracking, splitting, or voids in the rubber.

Where to look: Rear suspension multi-link arms — trailing arms, lateral/toe-control links, and subframe-to-body mounting bushes

Ask the seller

  • “Have the rear suspension bushes been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Does the vehicle tramline or wander on the motorway?”
  • “What is the condition of the rear tyres — are they wearing evenly across the full tread width?”

06Front and Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Attempt to slide the caliper by hand with the brake line clamped — a seized guide pin will not move.2010 onwardBrakes
CommonBrakes $220–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The sliding brake calipers on the E52 Elgrand rely on hardened steel guide pins — coated in high-temperature grease and sealed by rubber boots — to allow the caliper to float laterally as the brake pads wear. In the New Zealand and Japanese operating environment, moisture ingress through cracked or aged boots causes the guide pins to corrode and seize within their bores. A seized guide pin prevents the caliper from sliding, which means only the piston-side brake pad applies full force while the outer pad barely contacts the rotor. This produces rapid single-pad wear, rotor scoring, brake pull, and brake drag that causes the piston-side pad to overheat and glaze. In severe cases the dragging caliper can overheat the wheel hub bearing and warp the rotor.

Symptoms to notice

  • Uneven brake pad wear at a single corner — inner pad worn to metal while the outer pad retains significant material, or vice versa
  • Vehicle pulls to one side under braking, or the affected wheel runs noticeably hotter than its counterpart after a drive

What to check

Attempt to slide the caliper by hand with the brake line clamped — a seized guide pin will not move. Inspect guide pin rubber boots for cracking or missing boots that allow moisture entry. Check rotors for scoring on one face only (inner or outer) as a secondary indicator. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove wheels and inspect both brake pads at each corner — uneven wear between the inner and outer pad at the same corner is the definitive sign of a seized guide pin.

Where to look: All four brake calipers — guide pins are located at the top and bottom of each caliper bracket, front and rear axles

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the brake pads last replaced, and were they changed as a complete axle set?”
  • “Does the vehicle pull to one side under braking?”
  • “Have the brake caliper guide pins been cleaned and regreased as part of any recent brake service?”

07Power Sliding Door Roller and Cable Wear (E50/E51)

Operate both sliding doors through full open and close cycles at least three times each.petrol1997–2010Interior
Very commonInterior $350–$1,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The power sliding doors on both E50 and E51 Elgrands use roller and cable mechanisms that wear progressively with age and use. Failed rollers cause the door to drop or bind on its track; broken cables render the power mechanism inoperative. A near-universal fault on high-mileage examples used heavily as family vehicles.

Symptoms to notice

  • Sliding door jerky or slow through its travel
  • Door drops or catches at the bottom of the track
  • Grinding or clicking during open or close operation
  • Door fails to latch fully without manual assistance

What to check

  1. Operate both sliding doors through full open and close cycles at least three times each.
  2. Listen for grinding or clicking.
  3. Check door alignment when closed — a dropped or misaligned door indicates roller wear.
  4. Inspect the lower door track for debris and deformed rollers.

Where to look: Rear sliding doors, upper and lower track rollers and cable mechanism

Ask the seller

  • “Do both sliding doors open and close fully and latch correctly?”
  • “Have the door rollers or cables been replaced?”
  • “Any history of door repairs, adjustments, or manual override use?”

08Front Strut Top Mount Bearing Collapse (E51)

Bounce each front corner and listen and feel for clunking from the top of the strut.petrol2002–2010Suspension
Very commonSuspension $400–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The front strut top mounts on the E51 Elgrand suffer bearing collapse and rubber bushing deterioration, particularly on NZ examples exposed to rough road surfaces. Failed top mounts produce a clunk over bumps and a click when steering, and alter front suspension geometry causing tyre feathering. The fault is very common by 150,000 km and is a frequent WOF advisory or rejection item.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk from front suspension when hitting bumps or on full steering lock
  • Knocking when manoeuvring at low speed in car parks
  • Steering wheel vibration transmitted over rough surfaces
  • Front tyre feathering or uneven inner or outer wear

What to check

Bounce each front corner and listen and feel for clunking from the top of the strut. Have a helper turn the steering wheel while you observe the top mount for movement or bearing roughness with the bonnet open. Inspect the rubber surround for cracking or separation from the mount plate.

Where to look: Top of front struts, accessible under bonnet at inner guards

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Any clunking from the front suspension over bumps?”
  • “Have the strut top mounts been replaced?”
  • “When were the front struts last serviced or replaced?”
Fluid leaks1

01VQ35DE Power Steering Pump Seal Weep

The power steering pump on the VQ35DE Elgrand E51 uses rubber shaft seals and O-ring fittings that harden and crack with age and heat cycling.petrol2002–2010Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $350–$950 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The power steering pump on the VQ35DE Elgrand E51 uses rubber shaft seals and O-ring fittings that harden and crack with age and heat cycling. At mileages above 120,000 km it is common for the pump body seal or the high-pressure hose banjo fitting to weep hydraulic fluid. Left unaddressed the fluid level drops, causing pump noise and ultimately pump failure. The leak is typically slow but progressive and is a standard finding on pre-purchase inspections of higher-mileage examples imported to NZ and AU.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oily residue or staining on the underside of the power steering pump body
  • Low power steering fluid reservoir requiring periodic top-up
  • Whining or groaning noise from the steering pump under full lock
  • Slight burning smell from fluid contacting the exhaust manifold heat shield

What to check

With the engine cold, inspect the power steering pump body, inlet and outlet hose connections, and the high-pressure hose banjo bolt for signs of oily weeping or dried fluid staining. Check the fluid reservoir level and note its colour. Steer to full lock in both directions and listen for pump whine.

Where to look: Driver's side of the engine bay, power steering pump mounted on the VQ35DE accessory drive bracket

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the power steering fluid last changed and is the level currently correct?”
  • “Has any oil or fluid seepage been noticed under the bonnet near the steering pump?”
  • “Has the power steering ever made any whining noise at low speed or full lock?”

Nissan Elgrand faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

E51 Power Sliding Door Actuator and Motor FailureMajor · ElectricalFront Lower Arm Ball Joint DeteriorationCritical · SuspensionRE0F10D CVT Belt Wear and Torque ShudderMajor · TransmissionVG33E Timing Belt Failure on Interference EngineCritical · EngineVQ timing chain guide / tensioner rattle (E51)Major · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

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

Other Nissan models

Nissan Patrol48 documented faultsNissan Navara45 documented faultsNissan X-Trail45 documented faultsNissan Fairlady Z16 documented faultsNissan 370Z15 documented faultsNissan Presage14 documented faults

Nissan Elgrand buyer questions

Is the Nissan Elgrand reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 17 documented faults for the Nissan Elgrand, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Nissan Elgrand 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 Elgrand?

We've catalogued 17 known faults for the Nissan Elgrand, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. All 17 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 Elgrand?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Elgrand fall between $420–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 17 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 Elgrand?

Yes. A Nissan Elgrand 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.