Thinking about buying a used Nissan Elgrand (1997–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 25 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, suspension, and body & rust. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
25
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,400
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Nissan Elgrand faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01XTRONIC CVT judder on 2.5 (E52)
CriticalOccasionalTransmission $4,000–$7,000 to fix
The E52 Elgrand's 2.5 QR25DE drives through Nissan's XTRONIC CVT, which in a heavy people-mover works hard and can develop the familiar JATCO shudder, whine and, eventually, failure - particularly where the fluid was never changed. Towing or carrying a full load accelerates the wear. The 3.5 V6 uses a conventional automatic and is less exposed, so identifying which drivetrain a car has matters.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder when accelerating gently from low speed
Whine or drone rising with road speed
Hesitation moving off with a load
Jerk between drive and reverse
What to check
Confirm whether it is the 2.5 CVT or 3.5 auto. On a CVT car, drive it loaded if possible and feel for shudder at low speed and any slip. Ask for CVT fluid-change receipts (every ~60,000 km).
Where to look: CVT transaxle (front) on the 2.5 QR25DE
Ask the seller
“Is this the 2.5 CVT or the 3.5 V6 automatic?”
“When was the CVT fluid last serviced?”
“Does it shudder under load?”
02Power Sliding Door Roller and Cable Wear (E50/E51)
MinorVery commonInterior $350–$1,200 to fix
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
Operate both sliding doors through full open and close cycles at least three times each. Listen for grinding or clicking. Check door alignment when closed — a dropped or misaligned door indicates roller wear. 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?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMajor
Fluid LeaksMinor
ElectricalMinor
SuspensionMinor
23 more documented faults on the Nissan Elgrand
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 25 documented faults for the Nissan Elgrand, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and suspension. 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?
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We've catalogued 25 known faults for the Nissan Elgrand, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Elgrand?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Elgrand fall between $600–$2,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 25 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?
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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 $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.