Nissan1998–2009 Critical issues documented

Nissan Presage U30: common faults & what to check

The U30 is the Nissan Presage built 1998–2004. Of the 14 faults documented for the Presage, 6 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$400–$2,000

Typical repair

Systems covered

You're looking at the U30

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

1998–2004U30 Selected1998–2004U30Engine not documented for this generationEngine not documentedDocumented issues6 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: TTTNIS via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.

Choose a different generation

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.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

2.4L petrol (KA24-DE)· 2.4 litre petrol 2.5L petrol (QR25-DE)· 2.5 litre petrol 3.0L petrol (VQ30-DE)· 3.0 litre petrol 3.5L petrol (VQ35-DE)· 3.5 litre petrol

A 1998 Nissan Presage is the U30 generation (1998 to 2004).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

Start your free check on this Nissan Presage

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 Presage U30Engine not picked yet

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

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan Presage · 1998

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

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

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

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

Costly issue
Inspect the dust boots for cracking or tearing.
See why
Brake Caliper Guide Pin Corrosion and Seizure
The sliding-type disc brake calipers fitted to the Presage front and rear axles rely on two hardened steel guide pins to allow the caliper body to slide laterally so that equal clamping force is applied through both the piston-side and reaction-side brake pads. The guide pin rubber dust boots degrade with age and allow water and road salt to enter the steel-pin-to-aluminium-bracket interface, promoting galvanic corrosion. Once a guide pin seizes, the caliper can no longer retract after brake application, maintaining continuous drag pressure on the disc that overheats the pad and rotor on that corner and generates asymmetric braking bias.
What you would notice
- Vehicle pulling to one side under braking as the seized caliper applies higher clamping force on that corner
- Severely uneven brake pad wear on one caliper with the inner pad significantly more worn than the outer, or one side of the axle more worn than the other
- Brake drag, wheel overheating, and in advanced cases a burning smell from the affected corner after normal driving
Typically $150–$900 to put right.
Costly issue
Inspect each rear lateral link and trailing arm bush visually for cracking, splitting, or rubber extruding from the metal sleeve.
See why
Rear Multi-Link Suspension Bush Deterioration and Collapse
The rear suspension on both U30 and U31 Presage models uses a multi-link arrangement with rubber bushes pressed into the lateral links, toe-control arms, and trailing arm pivot mounts. The rubber compound hardens and cracks with age and exposure to UV radiation, ozone, and the heat cycles generated by the exhaust system running nearby. As the bushes collapse they allow uncontrolled lateral movement of the rear wheel carriers during cornering and braking loads, causing rear-wheel toe and camber to deviate from specification. The result is degraded high-speed stability, accelerated tyre wear, and a vague or wandering steering response at highway speeds.
What you would notice
- Rear-end wander or instability at motorway speeds, requiring constant minor steering corrections to maintain lane
- Rapid and uneven rear tyre wear, concentrated on the inner edge due to uncorrected camber or toe change
- Knocking or thumping from the rear suspension over road imperfections as collapsed bushes allow metal-on-metal contact
Typically $600–$1,600 to put right.
Costly issue
Inspect the rubber boot for splitting or grease loss.
See why
Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear
The front suspension lower control arms on both the U30 and U31 Presage use a conventional taper-pin ball joint that connects the lower arm to the steering knuckle. The polymer-lined ball socket wears progressively under the combined vertical, longitudinal, and lateral loads generated during normal driving, and the wear rate is accelerated by exposure to road grit and water ingress through a degraded rubber boot. Once the socket wear exceeds allowable limits the joint develops measurable play, altering front camber and caster geometry; in extreme cases the joint can separate suddenly without prior warning.
What you would notice
- Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing bumps, speed bumps, or potholes
- Uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer shoulder, indicating camber change from joint play
- Vehicle pulling or wandering during straight-line driving as joint play introduces caster variation
Typically $280–$650 to put right.
Common issue
Cycle both sliding doors multiple times through full open and close.
See why
Power Sliding Door Roller and Cable Failure (U30/U31 Presage)
Both U30 and U31 Presage generations use power sliding rear doors with roller and cable mechanisms that wear with age and use frequency. Worn lower rollers cause the door to sag and bind on its track, while frayed or broken cables prevent the power mechanism from completing its travel. Common on family-use examples with high door cycle counts. Parts are available but require significant door disassembly.
What you would notice
- Sliding door slow, jerky or failing to complete full open or close travel
- Door catches or drops at the bottom of the track
- Grinding or clicking during door operation
- Door requires manual guidance or force to latch
Typically $300–$1,100 to put right.

See all 6 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.

Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Rear Multi-Link Suspension Bush Deterioration and Collapse

Inspect each rear lateral link and trailing arm bush visually for cracking, splitting, or rubber extruding from the metal sleeve.1998–2009Suspension$600–$1,600

CommonSuspension $600–$1,600 to fix

The rear suspension on both U30 and U31 Presage models uses a multi-link arrangement with rubber bushes pressed into the lateral links, toe-control arms, and trailing arm pivot mounts. The rubber compound hardens and cracks with age and exposure to UV radiation, ozone, and the heat cycles generated by the exhaust system running nearby. As the bushes collapse they allow uncontrolled lateral movement of the rear wheel carriers during cornering and braking loads, causing rear-wheel toe and camber to deviate from specification. The result is degraded high-speed stability, accelerated tyre wear, and a vague or wandering steering response at highway speeds.

Symptoms to notice

Rear-end wander or instability at motorway speeds, requiring constant minor steering corrections to maintain lane
Rapid and uneven rear tyre wear, concentrated on the inner edge due to uncorrected camber or toe change
Knocking or thumping from the rear suspension over road imperfections as collapsed bushes allow metal-on-metal contact

What to check

Inspect each rear lateral link and trailing arm bush visually for cracking, splitting, or rubber extruding from the metal sleeve. Have rear wheel alignment measured — toe and camber values outside specification without accident history strongly indicate bush collapse. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, grip the rear wheel and lever laterally to check for play at the bush locations.

Where to look: Rear suspension subframe and individual multi-link arms on both sides, particularly the trailing arm front pivot and inner lateral link mounts

Ask the seller

“Has the rear suspension had any bush replacement or been inspected recently?”
“Does the car wander or feel vague at motorway speeds?”
“Is tyre wear even across the full width of the rear tyres?”

02Brake Caliper Guide Pin Corrosion and Seizure

Inspect the dust boots for cracking or tearing.1998–2009Brakes$150–$900

Very commonBrakes $150–$900 to fix

The sliding-type disc brake calipers fitted to the Presage front and rear axles rely on two hardened steel guide pins to allow the caliper body to slide laterally so that equal clamping force is applied through both the piston-side and reaction-side brake pads. The guide pin rubber dust boots degrade with age and allow water and road salt to enter the steel-pin-to-aluminium-bracket interface, promoting galvanic corrosion. Once a guide pin seizes, the caliper can no longer retract after brake application, maintaining continuous drag pressure on the disc that overheats the pad and rotor on that corner and generates asymmetric braking bias.

Symptoms to notice

Vehicle pulling to one side under braking as the seized caliper applies higher clamping force on that corner
Severely uneven brake pad wear on one caliper with the inner pad significantly more worn than the outer, or one side of the axle more worn than the other
Brake drag, wheel overheating, and in advanced cases a burning smell from the affected corner after normal driving

What to check

Inspect the dust boots for cracking or tearing. Compare inner and outer pad thickness on each caliper; a difference of more than 3 mm indicates the caliper is not sliding freely. After a test drive, check disc temperatures by cautiously approaching each wheel — an abnormally hot wheel compared to the opposite side indicates a dragging caliper. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove each caliper and attempt to slide the guide pins by hand — they should move freely with light finger pressure across their full travel.

Where to look: Front and rear brake calipers, guide pin bores in the caliper bracket on both sides of the vehicle

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads, Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

“Have the brake calipers been serviced, rebuilt, or replaced, and when?”
“Does the car pull to either side when braking?”
“Is brake pad wear even across all four corners, and when were the pads last replaced?”

03Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect the rubber boot for splitting or grease loss.1998–2009Suspension$280–$650

CommonSuspension $280–$650 to fix

The front suspension lower control arms on both the U30 and U31 Presage use a conventional taper-pin ball joint that connects the lower arm to the steering knuckle. The polymer-lined ball socket wears progressively under the combined vertical, longitudinal, and lateral loads generated during normal driving, and the wear rate is accelerated by exposure to road grit and water ingress through a degraded rubber boot. Once the socket wear exceeds allowable limits the joint develops measurable play, altering front camber and caster geometry; in extreme cases the joint can separate suddenly without prior warning.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking or knocking from the front suspension when traversing bumps, speed bumps, or potholes
Uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer shoulder, indicating camber change from joint play
Vehicle pulling or wandering during straight-line driving as joint play introduces caster variation

What to check

Inspect the rubber boot for splitting or grease loss. This item is a mandatory WOF inspection point under NZTA Rule 6 (steering and suspension) and is commonly failed on high-mileage imports. If a workshop inspection is possible: Raise the front of the vehicle on a hoist and grip the tyre at 9 and 3 o'clock, then 6 and 12 o'clock, checking for play. Lever the lower arm with a pry bar and observe the ball joint for movement.

Where to look: Front suspension, lower control arm ball joint on each side, above the sill line adjacent to the steering knuckle

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Have the front ball joints or lower control arms been replaced, and do you have documentation?”
“Does the car make any knocking or clunking from the front suspension over bumps?”
“When was the last WOF, and were any suspension items noted as close to limits?”

04Power Sliding Door Roller and Cable Failure (U30/U31 Presage)

Cycle both sliding doors multiple times through full open and close.petrol1998–2009Interior$300–$1,100

Very commonInterior $300–$1,100 to fix

Both U30 and U31 Presage generations use power sliding rear doors with roller and cable mechanisms that wear with age and use frequency. Worn lower rollers cause the door to sag and bind on its track, while frayed or broken cables prevent the power mechanism from completing its travel. Common on family-use examples with high door cycle counts. Parts are available but require significant door disassembly.

Symptoms to notice

Sliding door slow, jerky or failing to complete full open or close travel
Door catches or drops at the bottom of the track
Grinding or clicking during door operation
Door requires manual guidance or force to latch

What to check

Cycle both sliding doors multiple times through full open and close.
Listen for grinding or clicking.
Check door alignment when fully closed — misalignment or drop at the lower corner indicates roller wear.
Inspect the lower track for deformation or debris.

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 need to manually guide or assist the sliding doors during operation?”

Depends on the exact engine — 2 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling2

01KA24DE 2.4L Head Gasket Failure (U30 Presage)

Check the oil filler cap for creamy or milky residue indicating coolant mixing with oil.petrol1998–2003EngineCan't confirm for this car$1,200–$2,800

OccasionalEngine $1,200–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The KA24DE engine in the U30 Presage is susceptible to head gasket failure on high-mileage examples with a history of overheating or infrequent coolant changes. Failure modes include external coolant seepage between block and head, combustion gases entering the coolant circuit, or coolant entering the combustion chamber. Often triggered by a failed thermostat or water pump leading to an overheating event.

Symptoms to notice

White steam from exhaust particularly when cold or after startup
Coolant loss without visible external leak
Milky or creamy residue on the oil filler cap
Engine temperature gauge running toward the hot end
Bubbles in the coolant reservoir when engine is running

What to check

Check the oil filler cap for creamy or milky residue indicating coolant mixing with oil.
Perform a combustion leak test using a block tester on the coolant reservoir — positive result confirms head gasket failure.
Check coolant condition and ask about any overheating history.

Where to look: Head gasket between cylinder head and engine block, top of engine

Parts involved: Head gasket.

Ask the seller

“Has the vehicle ever overheated?”
“Has the head gasket been replaced?”
“What is the coolant change history, and is the coolant currently clean?”

02KA24DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Rail Wear

Cold-start the engine and listen for a metallic slapping rattle from the timing cover that settles after oil pressure builds.petrol1998–2003EngineCan't confirm for this car$900–$2,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Other Nissan Presage engines and years8 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling5

01QR25DE Jatco CVT Belt Slip from Fluid Degradation

Test drive from both cold and operating temperature.petrol2003–2009TransmissionDoes not apply$200–$6,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02VQ35DE oil consumption at higher km

Check oil level and colour, look for smoke on startup and revving, and inspect the PCV system and exhaust for oil residue.petrol2003–2009EngineDoes not apply$300–$4,000

OccasionalEngine $300–$4,000 to fix

Does not apply

The Presage's optional VQ35DE 3.5 V6 can consume oil at higher mileage through ring and PCV wear, requiring regular top-ups. Neglected oil levels risk bearing and VVT damage.

Symptoms to notice

Oil low between services
Blue smoke on acceleration
Oil warning light
Fouled plugs

What to check

Check oil level and colour, look for smoke on startup and revving, and inspect the PCV system and exhaust for oil residue.

Where to look: Engine bay, VQ35 V6

Parts involved: PCV / oil separator.

Ask the seller

“Does the engine use oil between services?”
“How regularly is oil topped up?”

03CVT solenoid / valve body fault

Test drive assessing for shudder, slip and hesitation, check CVT fluid condition and scan for transmission fault codes.petrol2003–2009TransmissionDoes not apply$600–$4,000

OccasionalTransmission $600–$4,000 to fix

Does not apply

The Presage's CVT can develop solenoid and valve body faults causing shudder, slip and error codes, especially with old fluid. CVT repairs are costly relative to the vehicle's value.

Symptoms to notice

Juddering or slipping
Transmission warning light
Hesitation on acceleration
Whining noise

What to check

Test drive assessing for shudder, slip and hesitation, check CVT fluid condition and scan for transmission fault codes.

Where to look: CVT transaxle valve body

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

“Has the CVT fluid been changed?”
“Any shudder, slip or warning lights from the transmission?”

04VQ35DE Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Bleed-Down Rattle

The VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 fitted to U31 Presage models uses two secondary timing chains — one per cylinder bank — driven off the primary chain.petrol2003–2009EngineDoes not apply$1,400–$3,500Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05QR25DE timing chain stretch / rattle

Listen carefully for chain rattle at cold startup, scan for timing correlation codes, and check service history for chain replacement.petrol2003–2009EngineDoes not apply$1,200–$3,500

CommonEngine $1,200–$3,500 to fix

Does not apply

The U31 Presage's QR25DE 2.5 engine is prone to timing chain stretch and guide wear, producing a rattle on cold start and eventual VVT and running issues. A known weakness of this engine family.

Symptoms to notice

Rattle on cold start
Check engine light with cam/crank codes
Rough idle
Reduced power

What to check

Listen carefully for chain rattle at cold startup, scan for timing correlation codes, and check service history for chain replacement.

Where to look: Front of QR25 engine, timing cover

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“Any rattle on cold start?”
“Has the timing chain been replaced?”

Electrical1

01Power sliding door actuator failure

Cycle the power sliding door(s) fully several times, checking for smooth operation, jams, unusual noise and correct latching.petrol2003–2009ElectricalDoes not apply$300–$2,000

CommonElectrical $300–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

The Presage's power sliding doors commonly fail through worn cables, actuators or sensors, leaving doors that stick, jam or won't power open/close. A frequent and awkward fault on these people-movers.

Symptoms to notice

Sliding door won't power open or close
Door jams or reverses
Grinding from door mechanism
Door warning chime

What to check

Cycle the power sliding door(s) fully several times, checking for smooth operation, jams, unusual noise and correct latching.

Where to look: Power sliding side door mechanism

Ask the seller

“Do the power sliding doors work reliably?”
“Have the door motors or cables been repaired?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Rear Trailing Arm Bush Deterioration — Independent Rear Suspension (U31 Presage)

Grab the trailing arm and check for perceptible movement at each bush.petrol2003–2009SuspensionDoes not apply$400–$950

CommonSuspension $400–$950 to fix

Does not apply

The U31 Presage uses an independent rear suspension with trailing arms mounted on rubber bushes that deteriorate with age. Worn trailing arm bushes cause rear axle wander, a thud over sharp bumps and rear tyre feathering from altered geometry. This is a frequent WOF advisory or failure item on U31 examples in NZ. Parts are inexpensive but a four-wheel alignment is required after replacement.

Symptoms to notice

Rear end wandering or tracking inconsistently on straight roads
Thud from the rear over sharp bumps or road seams
Rear tyre feathering or uneven tread wear
Vague rear-end feel at highway speeds

What to check

Grab the trailing arm and check for perceptible movement at each bush. Inspect rear tyre tread for feathering or diagonal wear indicating geometry drift. If a workshop inspection is possible: Inspect rear trailing arm bushes on a hoist — look for cracked, torn or collapsed rubber.

Where to look: Rear trailing arm pivot bushes, both sides

Ask the seller

“Any wandering or instability noticed from the rear of the vehicle?”
“Have the rear suspension bushes been inspected or replaced?”
“When was the last four-wheel alignment completed?”

Fluid leaks1

01Power Steering Rack Inner Seal Leak

Look along the rack housing for fluid staining or residue.petrol2003–2009Fluid LeaksDoes not apply$400–$1,400

CommonFluid Leaks $400–$1,400 to fix

Does not apply

The U31 Presage hydraulic power steering rack develops inner rack seal leaks with age, causing power steering fluid to weep along the rack body and collect in the rack boots. The condition is common on vehicles beyond 120,000 km and is accelerated by deferred fluid changes. As the leak progresses, fluid loss increases steering effort and causes eventual pump damage from running low. The rack boot retains fluid initially, masking the leak from casual inspection.

Symptoms to notice

Power steering fluid level drops without visible external leak
Fluid accumulation inside the steering rack boot
Wet staining along the steering rack housing
Whining from power steering pump when turning at low speed

What to check

Look along the rack housing for fluid staining or residue.
Check the power steering reservoir level and look for any history of repeated top-ups.
If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, squeeze the steering rack boots — fluid pooling inside indicates inner seal failure.

Where to look: Steering rack, centre of front subframe

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has the power steering fluid level been stable with no top-ups?”
“Any increased steering effort or whining when turning?”
“Has the steering rack been resealed or replaced?”
“When was power steering fluid last changed?”

Nissan Presage faults in detail

Narrowed to the Nissan Presage · 1998. 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.

KA24DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Rail WearMajor · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Presage’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 faults Nissan Navara45 documented faults Nissan X-Trail45 documented faults Nissan Wingroad14 documented faults Nissan Bluebird Sylphy13 documented faults Nissan March13 documented faults

Nissan Presage buyer questions

Is the Nissan Presage reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 14 documented faults for the Nissan Presage, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Nissan Presage 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 Presage?

We've catalogued 14 known faults for the Nissan Presage, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. All 14 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 Presage?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Presage fall between $400–$2,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 14 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 Presage?

Yes. A Nissan Presage 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.