Thinking about buying a used Nissan Frontier (1997–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 33 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, suspension, and transmission. 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.
33
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$4,000
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Nissan Frontier faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The YD25DDTi 2.5-litre diesel has a rear-mounted secondary timing chain tensioner that is entirely oil-pressure dependent. If oil pressure drops – through low oil level, degraded oil, or a faulty pump – the tensioner collapses, the chain slackens, and the engine suffers catastrophic internal damage including bent valves and broken pistons. This failure mode was the subject of an Australian ACCC recall action in 2012. It remains the most expensive and common serious failure on the D40 Navara diesel.
Symptoms to notice
Loud rattle from the rear of the engine on cold start
Check engine light with camshaft timing fault codes (P0016, P0340)
Sudden engine knock followed by loss of power
Engine will not restart after stalling
Metal debris visible in oil on drain or in oil filter element
What to check
Check oil level and condition before anything else – this failure is strongly correlated with low or degraded oil. Ask for a documented oil service history; any gap beyond 10,000 km is a serious risk indicator. Cold-start the engine and listen for rattle from the rear of the engine bay. Request pre-purchase inspection by a Nissan-familiar diesel mechanic to check tensioner oil feed passages.
Where to look: Rear of the YD25DDTi engine block – secondary timing chain and hydraulic tensioner behind the flywheel housing
Ask the seller
“Has the rear timing chain tensioner been inspected or replaced?”
“What is the documented oil change interval and oil specification used?”
“Has the oil pressure warning light ever illuminated?”
“Is there evidence of Australian recall compliance for the YD25 tensioner campaign?”
02YD25DDTi Intercooler Hose Boost Leak
MajorCommonEngine $150–$600 to fix
The intercooler system on the YD25DDTi uses rubber hoses secured by spring-type clamps that are prone to cracking and splitting, particularly the hose at the turbo compressor outlet and the hose connecting the intercooler to the intake manifold throttle body. Cracked or loose hoses cause unmetered air to bypass the MAF sensor, and boost pressure to escape before reaching the engine. The result is a significant loss of turbo power, increased fuel consumption as the ECU compensates, and in some cases black smoke from overfuelling. The failure is accelerated by the hose aging in the engine bay heat and by the hose being disturbed during any air filter service if clamps are not retorqued.
Symptoms to notice
Noticeable loss of power and turbo lag under acceleration
Hissing or fluttering sound from engine bay under load
Black smoke from exhaust during acceleration
Increased fuel consumption without mechanical cause
What to check
With the engine at idle, carefully run a hand along each intercooler hose to feel for air escaping. Inspect each hose for cracks, splits, or perishing, particularly at the hose ends near clamps. Check that all spring clamps are fully seated in their grooves and have not backed off. A smoke machine introduced to the intake at idle is the definitive test for boost leaks. Also check the crankcase breather hose connected to the intake.
Where to look: Intercooler hoses — turbo outlet pipe and intercooler-to-throttle pipe in engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has there been any power loss or turbo boost issue that was investigated?”
“Have the intercooler hoses been replaced or inspected recently?”
“Has a boost leak test been performed?”
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31 more documented faults on the Nissan Frontier
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 33 documented faults for the Nissan Frontier, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and suspension. A Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier?
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We've catalogued 33 known faults for the Nissan Frontier, covering engine, body & rust, 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 Frontier?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Frontier fall between $800–$4,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 33 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 Frontier?
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Yes. A Nissan Frontier 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.