Thinking about buying a used Nissan March (1992–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 13 known faults for this model spanning engine, interior, transmission, and electrical. 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.
13
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,800
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Nissan March faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01CG10DE/CG13DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
CriticalCommonEngine $800–$2,200 to fix
The 1.0-litre CG10DE and 1.3-litre CG13DE engines in K11 Micras use a simplex timing chain with a plastic-ramp tensioner guide. With age and infrequent oil changes, the guide wears through to metal, chain stretch causes timing retard, and eventually the chain jumps a tooth causing valve damage. Particularly prevalent in high-mileage K11 imports from Japan. The repair is straightforward but seldom done proactively, so many K11s arrive in NZ with worn chains.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling on cold start from top of engine, clears after warm-up
Rough idle and misfires at cold start
Difficulty starting or cranking longer than normal
Timing-related check engine codes (P0340, P0335)
Hunting idle that improves once engine reaches temperature
What to check
Listen carefully during cold start for metallic chain rattle from the cam cover area. Check oil change history and look for sludge under the oil cap. Verify chain tensioner was replaced if chain service is claimed. If a workshop inspection is possible: Compression test all cylinders to rule out prior valve damage from jumped chain.
Where to look: Top front of CG10/CG13 engine, beneath cam cover, timing chain on intake side
Ask the seller
“Has the timing chain and tensioner guide been replaced?”
“What is the oil change interval history?”
“Has the engine ever rattled on startup?”
02Rear Torsion Beam Axle Bush Collapse
MinorCommonSuspension $200–$500 to fix
Rear beam axle rubber bushes harden and collapse causing rear suspension knocking and imprecision. Very common at 10+ years on NZ examples.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces and speed humps
Imprecise rear handling and the rear feeling slightly unsettled on uneven roads
What to check
Inspect rear beam mounting bushes for cracking and deformation. Push beam laterally with vehicle raised — any clunking indicates collapsed bushes.
Where to look: Rear beam axle mounting points to body
Ask the seller
“Has the rear torsion beam axle bush been inspected or repaired?”
InteriorCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMinor
11 more documented faults on the Nissan March
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 13 documented faults for the Nissan March, the recurring problem areas are engine, interior, and transmission. A Nissan March 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 March?
+
We've catalogued 13 known faults for the Nissan March, covering engine, interior, and transmission. 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 March?
+
Most single repairs on the Nissan March fall between $400–$1,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 13 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 March?
+
Yes. A Nissan March 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.