Thinking about buying a used Nissan Patrol (1987–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 48 known faults for this model spanning engine, body & rust, cooling, and suspension. 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.
48
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$3,500
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Nissan Patrol faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01ZD30 3.0 diesel 'grenade' — melted pistons from overboost and overfuelling
CriticalCommonEngine $6,000–$15,000 to fix
The direct-injection ZD30 in GU Patrols earned the nickname 'the grenade' for sudden catastrophic failures: a fouled MAF sensor causes overfuelling and dangerous exhaust temperatures, factory boost control allows spikes to 20-25 psi, and Nissan originally published the oil capacity as 6 litres when the engine actually needs 8.3 — a combination that melts and cracks pistons without warning. The known protection package (MAF cleaning every 10,000 km, Dawes/needle valve boost control, boost and EGT gauges, catch can, free-flowing exhaust) largely tames it, and the 2007-on common-rail ZD30CRD is much improved. An unmodified early ZD30 with no gauges is a gamble.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden loss of power with white/grey smoke (piston failure)
Excessive black smoke under load beforehand
Boost spiking past 18 psi on a gauge
High oil consumption or oil surge on inclines
What to check
Look for the protection mods: a boost gauge and EGT gauge on the pillar, a Dawes valve in the boost line, an oil catch can, and an aftermarket exhaust — their presence signals an owner who understood the engine. Ask what oil capacity the owner uses (the right answer is around 8 litres, not 6). A compression test before purchase is strongly advised on any unmodified example.
Where to look: Engine internals; check the A-pillar/dash for gauges and the intake plumbing for a Dawes valve and catch can
Ask the seller
“Has it got boost and EGT gauges and a Dawes valve fitted?”
“How often is the MAF sensor cleaned?”
“Has the engine ever been rebuilt, and is there an invoice?”
02VK56 5.6 V8 extreme fuel consumption and limited touring range (Y62)
MinorVery commonEngine $0–$3,500 to fix
Not a defect but the defining ownership cost: the 5.6-litre petrol V8 routinely returns 14-18 L/100km around town and well over 20 L/100km towing, and forum threads are full of owners shocked by real-world figures versus the official claim. With the 140-litre tank that still limits remote touring range, which is why long-range tanks and careful trip planning are common. Budget realistically — at NZ petrol prices a towing Y62 can cost more in fuel than its finance payment. The engine itself is robust when serviced, making this a wallet problem rather than a reliability one.
Symptoms to notice
Real-world fuel economy of 14-18 L/100km unladen
20+ L/100km when towing
Trip computer range dropping alarmingly fast with a trailer on
What to check
Reset the trip computer at the start of the test drive and note the consumption over a mixed loop. Check whether an auxiliary long-range fuel tank has been fitted (the cost shown covers fitting one). Do your own fuel budget for your actual usage before falling in love with the drive — the V8 is very convincing on a 20-minute test.
Where to look: Whole-of-ownership issue; check under the rear for an auxiliary fuel tank
Ask the seller
“What real-world fuel economy do you get around town and towing?”
“Has a long-range tank been fitted?”
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46 more documented faults on the Nissan Patrol
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 48 documented faults for the Nissan Patrol, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and cooling. A Nissan Patrol 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 Patrol?
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We've catalogued 48 known faults for the Nissan Patrol, covering engine, body & rust, and cooling. 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 Patrol?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Patrol fall between $800–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 48 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 Patrol?
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Yes. A Nissan Patrol 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.