Thinking about buying a used Nissan Safari (1987–2013) in New Zealand? We've documented 41 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.
41
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$2,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Nissan Safari faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01ZD30DDTi catastrophic engine failure — piston and connecting rod destruction
CriticalVery commonEngine $5,000–$14,000 to fix
The 3.0L ZD30DDTi common-rail diesel fitted to GU Patrols is one of the most extensively documented catastrophic failure engines in the NZ/AU 4WD market. At higher revs under load (typically highway towing or steep hill climbing), the engine suffers from oil starvation to the number 3 or 4 big end bearing, leading to piston crown disintegration, connecting rod failure, and total engine destruction. Contributing factors include a marginal oil capacity, cracked pistons under detonation from stretched timing belt advancing injection timing, and an oil pressure system that cannot maintain adequate supply at high revs. Engines can fail without warning and throw rods through the block. Replacement engines are expensive and the issue recurs if root causes are not addressed.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden catastrophic engine knock followed by complete failure
Loss of power on long uphill highway stretches before failure
Oil pressure warning light immediately before engine death
Rod knock on cold start — deep metallic knock from lower engine
Blue or white smoke under load indicating detonation damage
What to check
Check service history for regular oil changes at or before 5,000 km intervals. Inspect for any signs of previous repair or engine replacement. Check timing belt replacement history — belt must be changed every 60,000 km maximum. Request a cold-start to listen for any rod knock. Check for aftermarket oil pressure gauge or catch-can fitment (indicates previous owner awareness). Look for oil cooler blockage. If a workshop inspection is possible: Have an independent diesel specialist run a compression test.
Where to look: Engine internals — connecting rods, pistons, and crankshaft big-end bearings in the 3.0L ZD30 diesel block
Ask the seller
“What is the oil change interval history — every how many kilometres?”
“Has the timing belt been replaced, and when was it last done?”
“Has the engine ever been rebuilt or replaced? If so, what was the cause?”
“Has an aftermarket oil pressure gauge or additional oil cooler been fitted?”
“Has the vehicle been used for towing, and at what loads?”
02VK56VD MAP Sensor Failure & Rough Idle
MinorOccasionalEngine $250–$700 to fix
The intake manifold absolute pressure sensor on the VK56VD 5.6L V8 is susceptible to contamination from oil vapour and carbon deposits drawn through the PCV system. Sensor drift or complete failure causes the ECU to receive incorrect manifold pressure data, leading to an incorrect fuel calculation, rough idle, erratic fuel trims, hesitation on light throttle, and an illuminated check engine light. The sensor itself is a relatively inexpensive component, but access on the VK56VD may require partial intake disassembly, adding to labour cost.
Symptoms to notice
Rough or unstable idle, particularly when cold or immediately after reaching operating temperature
Check engine light with P0105, P0106, P0107, or P0108 MAP sensor fault codes
Hesitation or stumble on light throttle acceleration from low speeds
Poor fuel economy and erratic short-term or long-term fuel trim readings on live data
What to check
Scan the ECU for MAP sensor fault codes P0105 through P0108. Connect a live data scanner and monitor short-term and long-term fuel trim values for deviations greater than 10% in either direction. Inspect the MAP sensor and any associated vacuum hose for oil contamination, cracking, or loose connections. Observe idle quality both cold and at full operating temperature.
Where to look: Intake manifold upper plenum on the VK56VD engine, connected via vacuum line or direct port mount
Ask the seller
“Has the vehicle ever had a rough idle or check engine light related to MAP sensor or fuel trim issues?”
“Has the MAP sensor been cleaned or replaced?”
“Is the idle smooth and steady both when cold and when fully warmed up?”
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39 more documented faults on the Nissan Safari
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 41 documented faults for the Nissan Safari, the recurring problem areas are engine, body & rust, and cooling. A Nissan Safari 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 Safari?
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We've catalogued 41 known faults for the Nissan Safari, 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 Safari?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Safari fall between $800–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 41 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 Safari?
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Yes. A Nissan Safari 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.