Thinking about buying a used Nissan Sylphy (1990–2017) in New Zealand? We've documented 19 known faults for this model spanning electrical, transmission, engine, 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.
19
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$1,400
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Nissan Sylphy faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Electric Power Steering Motor or Control Unit Failure
CriticalOccasionalElectrical $600–$2,800 to fix
The G11 Sylphy replaced hydraulic power steering with a column-mounted Electric Power Steering (EPS) system; the assist motor and its Electronic Control Unit (ECU) are mounted on the steering column below the dashboard. The EPS control unit is susceptible to failure caused by heat cycling and internal connector corrosion, causing the system to drop to a reduced-assist or no-assist fail-safe mode. Nissan issued service campaign SC-10-006 in certain markets covering EPS ECU replacement at no charge, and the fault is captured in the ECU as a B-code steering system DTC which will also illuminate the EPS warning light on the instrument cluster.
Symptoms to notice
Illuminated EPS warning light on the instrument cluster, often appearing intermittently before becoming permanent
Sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low speeds and during parking manoeuvres, indicating loss of electrical assist
What to check
Watch for: Illuminated EPS warning light on the instrument cluster, often appearing intermittently before becoming permanent. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check the instrument cluster for an illuminated EPS or power steering warning light; turn the ignition on and attempt to turn the steering wheel — it should be noticeably lighter than a manual rack; scan the EPS ECU with a Nissan-compatible diagnostic tool for B2195, B2291, or related EPS system codes; inspect the wiring harness connector at the EPS motor and ECU for corrosion or fretting.
Where to look: Steering column, beneath the instrument panel on the driver's side; the EPS motor is clamped to the lower steering column
Ask the seller
“Has the EPS warning light ever appeared on the dashboard?”
“Does the steering feel heavier than expected, particularly at low speeds or when parking?”
“Has any steering-related work or ECU replacement been carried out?”
02Throttle Body Carbon Fouling — MR20DE and HR16DE
MinorCommonEngine $90–$350 to fix
Both the MR20DE and HR16DE engines fitted to the G11 Sylphy use a drive-by-wire electronic throttle body without a mechanical cable; the throttle plate and bore accumulate carbon deposits over time from crankcase ventilation gases passing through the intake. Carbon buildup reduces the effective bore diameter and disrupts the precise throttle-plate-to-bore seal required for idle control, causing the ECU to lose authority over idle speed. The condition manifests as an unstable or high idle after a cold start, hesitation on tip-in from idle, and occasionally a stalling tendency; Nissan specifies periodic throttle body cleaning and idle relearn procedures (using Consult-III) after cleaning.
Symptoms to notice
Unstable, hunting, or high idle speed (above 1,000 rpm held for more than 30 seconds) particularly after a cold start
Hesitation, stumble, or brief stall when releasing the brake and applying light throttle from a standstill
What to check
Watch for: Unstable, hunting, or high idle speed (above 1,000 rpm held for more than 30 seconds) particularly after a cold start. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the air intake duct and visually inspect the throttle bore and plate for a thick dark-brown or black carbon deposit ring around the plate edge and bore wall; a light grey coating is normal, but heavy deposits that close the gap between the plate and bore by more than 1–2 mm indicate cleaning is overdue; start the engine and observe idle stability — hunting or surging idle confirms the fault.
Where to look: Intake manifold, mounted at the front of the engine where the air intake duct connects; accessible from the top of the engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has the throttle body ever been cleaned, and at what mileage?”
“Does the engine idle roughly or hunt at startup, or stumble when pulling away gently?”
“Has the car had any hesitation or stalling issues at idle?”
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMinor
Fluid LeaksMinor
17 more documented faults on the Nissan Sylphy
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 19 documented faults for the Nissan Sylphy, the recurring problem areas are electrical, transmission, and engine. A Nissan Sylphy 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 Sylphy?
+
We've catalogued 19 known faults for the Nissan Sylphy, covering electrical, transmission, and engine. 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 Sylphy?
+
Most single repairs on the Nissan Sylphy fall between $350–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 19 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 Sylphy?
+
Yes. A Nissan Sylphy 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.