Nissan1994–2014 Critical issues documented

Nissan Teana J31: common faults & what to check

The J31 is the Nissan Teana built 2003–2008. It was sold here with the 2.3 V6 petrol. Of the 20 faults documented for the Teana, 12 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Nissan Teana

Odometer history
Money owing
Reported stolen
Ownership history

Official NZ vehicle register data
NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$490–$1,680

Typical repair

Systems covered

You're looking at the J31 · 2.3 V6 petrol

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

Photo unavailableNo verified photograph of this generation yet2003–2008J31 Selected2003–2008J312.3 V6 petrolPetrolDocumented issues10 knownSee faults & what to check

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?

2.3 V6 petrol· 2.3 litre petrol

A 2005 Nissan Teana is the J31 generation (2003 to 2008).

Start your free check on this Nissan Teana

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 Teana J31

Can't confirm for this car

Nissan Teana · 2005

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 Teana before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

Costly issue
Check for cracked or split ball joint boots leaking grease.
See why
Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
Front lower control arm ball joints on J31 and J32 Teana models wear prematurely, particularly on JDM import examples that have accumulated 80,000–150,000 km before NZ or AU registration. The original ball joints are not independently serviceable on some variants, requiring full lower arm replacement. Failed ball joints produce clunking over bumps and compromise steering geometry, leading to tyre wear and handling instability. NZ road conditions and the age of these imports make this a near-universal WOF advisory finding.
What you would notice
- Clunking from front suspension over bumps or when turning on full lock
- Vague or wandering steering
- Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear
- Visible play when wheel is shaken at 9 and 3 o'clock positions
Typically $350–$900 to put right.
Costly issue
Check for pulling under braking.
See why
Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure
Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.
What you would notice
- Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
- One front disc hotter than the other after use
Typically $200–$600 to put right.
Costly issue
Scan for EPS fault codes.
See why
Electric Power Steering Failure
EPS system can develop a fault causing loss of power assistance.
What you would notice
- Sudden or gradual loss of power steering assistance with EPS warning light
- Heavy steering requiring significant effort at low speeds
Typically $700–$2,200 to put right.
Common issue
Test AC during test drive.
See why
Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Bearing Failure
AC compressor clutch bearing wears causing squealing when AC is engaged.
What you would notice
- Squealing or grinding noise from engine front when AC is switched on
- Noise stops when AC is switched off
Typically $400–$1,500 to put right.
Common issue
Drive over a rough patch and listen for knocks; check the front tyres for uneven wear and rock the front corners for play.
See why
Front suspension bush and top-mount wear (J31)
The J31 Teana was sold as a soft, comfortable executive sedan, and its front lower-arm bushes and strut top mounts wear out on our roads, producing knocks over bumps, vague steering and uneven front tyre wear. On a high-km import the front end can feel loose and float. It is a WoF item and, once several bushes and mounts need doing together, a noticeable bill.
What you would notice
- Knock or clunk over bumps from the front
- Vague / wandering steering
- Uneven front tyre wear
- Floaty ride
Typically $400–$1,400 to put right.
Common issue
Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.
See why
Rear Suspension Multi-Link Bush Collapse
Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking and handling imprecision.
What you would notice
- Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
- Imprecise rear handling feel
Typically $400–$1,200 to put right.

See all 12 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 1 rated critical.

Electrical2

01Electric Power Steering Failure

Scan for EPS fault codes.2003–2014Electrical$700–$2,200

OccasionalElectrical $700–$2,200 to fix

EPS system can develop a fault causing loss of power assistance.

Symptoms to notice

Sudden or gradual loss of power steering assistance with EPS warning light
Heavy steering requiring significant effort at low speeds

What to check

Scan for EPS fault codes.
Test steering — any heavy or inconsistent feel indicates a fault.

Where to look: EPS rack and column assembly

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has the electric power steering failure been inspected or repaired?”

02Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Bearing Failure

Test AC during test drive.2003–2014Electrical$400–$1,500

CommonElectrical $400–$1,500 to fix

AC compressor clutch bearing wears causing squealing when AC is engaged.

Symptoms to notice

Squealing or grinding noise from engine front when AC is switched on
Noise stops when AC is switched off

What to check

Test AC during test drive.
Listen for squealing from engine front when AC engaged.

Where to look: AC compressor on front of engine

Parts involved: Clutch.

Ask the seller

“Has the air conditioning compressor clutch bearing been inspected or repaired?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior5

03Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure

Check for cracked or split ball joint boots leaking grease.petrol2003–2013Suspension$350–$900

Very commonSuspension $350–$900 to fix

Front lower control arm ball joints on J31 and J32 Teana models wear prematurely, particularly on JDM import examples that have accumulated 80,000–150,000 km before NZ or AU registration. The original ball joints are not independently serviceable on some variants, requiring full lower arm replacement. Failed ball joints produce clunking over bumps and compromise steering geometry, leading to tyre wear and handling instability. NZ road conditions and the age of these imports make this a near-universal WOF advisory finding.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front suspension over bumps or when turning on full lock
Vague or wandering steering
Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear
Visible play when wheel is shaken at 9 and 3 o'clock positions

What to check

Check for cracked or split ball joint boots leaking grease.
Inspect lower arm for corrosion at the ball joint mount.
Ask for recent WOF advisory history.
If a workshop inspection is possible: With the car on a hoist, attempt to move the front wheels by hand and watch for play in the lower ball joint.

Where to look: Front lower control arm, outboard ball joint end, both sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“When were the front lower control arms or ball joints last replaced?”
“Does the car have any current or recent WOF advisories for front suspension?”
“Has there been any clunking from the front end?”

04Brake Caliper Guide Pin Seizure

Check for pulling under braking.2003–2014Brakes$200–$600

CommonBrakes $200–$600 to fix

Front brake caliper guide pins seize from corrosion causing uneven pad wear.

Symptoms to notice

Vehicle pulling to one side under braking
One front disc hotter than the other after use

What to check

Check for pulling under braking.
Feel for uneven wheel heat.
Inspect guide pins for movement.

Where to look: Front brake calipers

Parts involved: Brake disc and pads.

Ask the seller

“Has the brake caliper guide pin seizure been inspected or repaired?”

05Front suspension bush and top-mount wear (J31)

Drive over a rough patch and listen for knocks; check the front tyres for uneven wear and rock the front corners for play.petrol2003–2008Suspension$400–$1,400

CommonSuspension $400–$1,400 to fix

The J31 Teana was sold as a soft, comfortable executive sedan, and its front lower-arm bushes and strut top mounts wear out on our roads, producing knocks over bumps, vague steering and uneven front tyre wear. On a high-km import the front end can feel loose and float. It is a WoF item and, once several bushes and mounts need doing together, a noticeable bill.

Symptoms to notice

Knock or clunk over bumps from the front
Vague / wandering steering
Uneven front tyre wear
Floaty ride

What to check

Drive over a rough patch and listen for knocks; check the front tyres for uneven wear and rock the front corners for play. A pre-purchase WoF will list worn suspension parts.

Where to look: Front lower-arm bushes and strut top mounts

Parts involved: Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

“Have the front bushes/strut mounts been replaced?”
“Does the front knock over bumps?”

06Rear Suspension Multi-Link Bush Collapse

Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.2003–2014Suspension$400–$1,200

CommonSuspension $400–$1,200 to fix

Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes harden and collapse causing rear knocking and handling imprecision.

Symptoms to notice

Knocking from rear suspension over rough surfaces
Imprecise rear handling feel

What to check

Inspect rear suspension arm bushes for cracking.
Push arms — any movement indicates collapsed bushes.

Where to look: Rear multi-link suspension arm bushes

Ask the seller

“Has the rear suspension multi-link bush collapse been inspected or repaired?”

07Sun-damaged dashboard cracking and sagging headlining (JDM imports)

Look across the top of the dash in daylight for cracks and lift-checking.petrol2003–2014Interior$200–$1,200

CommonInterior $200–$1,200 to fix

Teanas sold as JDM imports lived in Japan's hot, humid summers, and their soft-touch dashboards and glued headlinings suffer for it: dash tops crack or go sticky, and the roof lining sags away from the shell, especially near the rear and the sunroof. It is cosmetic rather than mechanical, but a cracked dash and drooping headliner are expensive to put right properly and drag the car's presentation down. Very common on these comfort-oriented imports.

Symptoms to notice

Cracks or bubbling on the dash top
Sticky/soft dashboard surface
Headlining sagging away from the roof
Sun-faded trim near the windows

What to check

Look across the top of the dash in daylight for cracks and lift-checking; press the headlining, especially at the back and around any sunroof, to see if it is coming away. Factor a retrim into your offer if it is bad.

Where to look: Dashboard top surface and roof headlining

Ask the seller

“Is the dash cracked or the headliner sagging?”
“Has any interior trim been redone?”

Depends on the exact engine — 5 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.

Engine, transmission & cooling5

01VQ35DE Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

Cold-start the engine immediately and listen for chain rattle from the cam cover area.petrol2003–2008EngineCan't confirm for this car$900–$2,800Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02VQ timing-chain / VTC rattle (J31)

Cold-start with the bonnet up and listen for a chain/VTC rattle in the first seconds.petrol2003–2008EngineCan't confirm for this car$2,000–$4,500

CommonEngine $2,000–$4,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The J31 Teana's VQ23DE/VQ25DE (and VQ35 in some) V6 shares the VQ family's timing-chain and VTC-actuator wear, giving a rattle - typically a brief rattle on cold start that worsens with age and skipped oil changes. Left too long a stretched chain skips and throws timing codes. It is a maintenance-sensitive item, so a J31 with a clean oil history and no cold-start rattle is the one to have.

Symptoms to notice

Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start
Rough idle
Rattle under light load
Check-engine light with cam/crank timing codes

What to check

Cold-start with the bonnet up and listen for a chain/VTC rattle in the first seconds.
Ask for oil-change receipts and whether the chains have been done.
Scan for timing codes.

Where to look: Timing chains and VTC actuators at the front of the VQ V6

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“Does it rattle on cold start?”
“Have the timing chains/VTC actuators been replaced?”
“How regularly was the oil changed?”

03VQ23DE Valve Stem Seal Oil Consumption

Check oil level frequently.petrol2003–2008EngineCan't confirm for this car$600–$2,000

CommonEngine $600–$2,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

VQ23DE 2.3 V6 valve stem seals harden and shrink causing oil consumption and blue smoke on startup and engine braking.

Symptoms to notice

Blue smoke from exhaust on startup and engine braking
Oil level requiring top-up between regular service intervals

What to check

Check oil level frequently.
Consumption above 1 litre per 5000km is abnormal.
Look for blue smoke from exhaust on startup after overnight park.

Where to look: Valve stem seals in both cylinder heads

Ask the seller

“Has the vq23de valve stem seal oil been inspected or repaired?”

04VQ Engine Coolant Bypass Hose Failure

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrolEngineCan't confirm for this car$490–$980

CommonEngine $490–$980 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

A short rubber bypass hose routed behind the intake plenum on both VQ20DE and VQ30DE engines is inaccessible without partial disassembly. The hose hardens, cracks, and fails without visible warning, causing rapid coolant loss and overheating within minutes. By the time the temperature gauge rises sharply, head gasket damage has often already occurred. Proactive replacement at timing belt service is strongly recommended.

Symptoms to notice

Engine overheating under load
Coolant loss or steam from engine bay
Timing chain or belt related noise at startup

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Timing belt, Head gasket.

05CVT RE0F09A Belt Judder

Test drive and feel for vibration at 20-60 km/h under light throttle.petrol2003–2014TransmissionCan't confirm for this car$600–$3,500

Very commonTransmission $600–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Teana CVT develops shudder from belt and pulley wear. Very common on examples used for urban short trips. Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid is critical — incorrect fluid accelerates belt damage.

Symptoms to notice

Rhythmic shudder or buzz from drivetrain during light acceleration
CVT fluid that is dark rather than the correct clear pink with a burnt smell

What to check

Test drive and feel for vibration at 20-60 km/h under light throttle. CVT fluid darker than clear pink indicates degraded fluid.

Where to look: CVT gearbox in engine bay

Ask the seller

“Has the cvt re0f09a belt judder been inspected or repaired?”

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

Engine, transmission & cooling6

01QR25DE CVT Failure and Shudder

Drive at light throttle between 40–80 km/h and feel for shudder or vibration through the drivetrain.petrol2007–2013TransmissionDoes not apply$2,800–$6,500Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02XTRONIC CVT judder / failure (J32)

Drive from cold and hot; feel for shudder at 30-50 km/h and any slip where revs rise faster than speed.petrol2008–2014TransmissionDoes not apply$3,500–$6,500

CommonTransmission $3,500–$6,500 to fix

Does not apply

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The J32 Teana switched to Nissan's XTRONIC CVT (JF011E family) on the MR20DE and QR25DE, and it is the generation's main worry. Owners report shudder, whine, hesitation and, on neglected examples, failure - the classic 'judder' fault (DTC P17F0) can lock the transmission control module and force a rebuild or replacement. Fluid that was actually changed every ~60,000 km is the key survival factor. A replacement is a large slice of the car's value.

Symptoms to notice

Shudder when accelerating gently from low speed
Whine or drone rising with speed
Hesitation or delay moving off
Jerk between drive and reverse
Loss of drive / limp mode

What to check

Drive from cold and hot; feel for shudder at 30-50 km/h and any slip where revs rise faster than speed.
Listen for a whine.
Ask for CVT fluid-change receipts.
Have it scanned for CVT judder codes - a stored P17F0 can't be cleared without replacing the unit.

Where to look: XTRONIC CVT transaxle (front)

Ask the seller

“When was the CVT fluid last changed?”
“Has the CVT ever juddered or been replaced?”
“Any stored transmission fault codes?”

03VQ30DE Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle

Cold-start the engine immediately and listen for chain rattle.petrol1994–2003EngineDoes not apply$850–$2,600Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

04A32 RE4F04A Automatic Transmission Slipping

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).petrol1994–2000TransmissionDoes not apply$2,450–$4,900

CommonTransmission $2,450–$4,900 to fix

Does not apply

The RE4F04A four-speed automatic fitted to A32 Maximas with VQ20DE is prone to clutch pack wear and solenoid failure, producing delayed or slipping gear engagement, particularly from 2nd to 3rd. Fluid oxidation from missed services accelerates wear. Rebuilds are possible but a quality remanufactured unit is the more reliable long-term repair. Transmission fluid colour and shift quality should be checked at pre-purchase.

Symptoms to notice

Transmission slipping between gears
Harsh or delayed gear changes
Transmission fluid leak

What to check

Check fluid level and condition (colour, smell).
Test shift quality through all gears.
Look for slipping, delay or harsh engagement.

Parts involved: Clutch.

05A32 / A33 Rear Suspension Crossmember Rust

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol1994–2004EngineDoes not apply$840–$1,680

CommonEngine $840–$1,680 to fix

Does not apply

The rear multi-link suspension crossmember on A32 and A33 Maximas traps moisture and corrodes from the inside out in NZ and southern Australian conditions. External surfaces may look acceptable while internal sections are structurally compromised. Severe corrosion can allow suspension geometry to shift under load or mounting points to fracture. WOF inspectors in NZ increasingly flag this. Sandblasting and encapsulation or crossmember replacement is required.

Symptoms to notice

Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

What to check

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

06MR20DE / QR25DE oil consumption (J32)

Check the dipstick level and colour; ask how much oil it uses per 1,000 km.petrol2008–2014EngineDoes not apply$300–$2,000

CommonEngine $300–$2,000 to fix

Does not apply

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The J32 Teana's four-cylinder MR20DE and QR25DE engines are prone to rising oil consumption with age from worn rings, needing top-ups between services. In a quiet, refined car it is easy for an owner not to notice the level dropping until it is low, which then accelerates chain and bearing wear and can foul the cat. It is a slow-burn issue, but combined with the CVT it makes a documented service history essential.

Symptoms to notice

Oil level down between services
Blue haze on start-up or hard acceleration
Regular top-ups needed
Catalyst-efficiency light on high-km cars

What to check

Check the dipstick level and colour; ask how much oil it uses per 1,000 km.
Watch for blue smoke on a cold start and a throttle blip.
Confirm there is no persistent engine light.

Where to look: Engine - rings and valve seals (MR20DE / QR25DE)

Ask the seller

“How much oil does it use between services?”
“Has it ever been run low on oil?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear

Inspect ball joint boot condition visually for cracking or grease loss.petrol1994–2003SuspensionDoes not apply$300–$750

Very commonSuspension $300–$750 to fix

Does not apply

Front lower control arm ball joints on A32 and A33 Maxima models wear to the point of failure at this age, especially on examples that have been lowered or used hard. The ball joint boot cracks, allowing water and grit ingress that rapidly accelerates wear. Many NZ A32/A33 Maximas present with significant ball joint play that fails WOF inspection. Replacement lower arms are available aftermarket but quality varies widely.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking from front suspension, especially over speed bumps or rough roads
Steering wander or vague feel
WOF failure or advisory for ball joint play
Accelerated or uneven front tyre wear

What to check

Inspect ball joint boot condition visually for cracking or grease loss.
Check lower arm inner bush condition at the same time.
Request WOF history for any suspension advisories.
If a workshop inspection is possible: With car on a hoist, grasp wheel at 6 and 12 o'clock and rock — any movement indicates ball joint wear.

Where to look: Front lower control arm ball joint, outboard end, left and right

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“When were the front lower arms or ball joints last replaced?”
“Has the car had any WOF advisories or failures for front suspension?”
“Is there any clunking or noise from the front end?”

Fluid leaks1

01Power Steering Rack End Seal Leak

With bonnet open, check the power steering fluid reservoir level and fluid colour.petrol1994–2003Fluid LeaksDoes not apply$450–$1,100Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Nissan Teana faults in detail

Narrowed to the Nissan Teana · 2005. 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.

VQ35DE Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner RattleCritical · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Nissan Teana’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 Tiida20 documented faults Nissan Sylphy18 documented faults Nissan Cube17 documented faults

Nissan Teana buyer questions

Is the Nissan Teana reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 20 documented faults for the Nissan Teana, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and electrical. A Nissan Teana 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 Teana?

We've catalogued 20 known faults for the Nissan Teana, covering transmission, engine, and electrical. All 20 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 Teana?

Most single repairs on the Nissan Teana fall between $490–$1,680 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 20 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 Teana?

Yes. A Nissan Teana 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.