Potential faults on the Nissan Navara 3.0
Be aware of any Nissan Navara 3.0 issues
The Nissan Navara derived its name from the Navarre region of northern Spain, where the 3.0 version was mainly produced between 1997 and 2014. The 3.0 Navara usually refers to the D22 and the D40 generations, and the following bakkies was built as part of these generations.
Nissan Navara 3.0 Generations
D22 (1997 – 2004)
3.0 liter ZD30DDT i4 [turbo diesel]
D40 (2004–2014)
3.0 liter dCi V9X V6 [turbo diesel]
At our SAC Service Centres nationwide, we have a philosophy that works: prevent problems beforehand by fixing small things before they turn into bigger things. In order to do this and act preventatively, you as a vehicle owner need to be aware of any possible issues that your vehicle may present to you. Knowledge is a weapon to the same extent that ignorance may be an enemy, which is why we at SAC share knowledge with you, especially when it comes to issues that you can look out for, and prevent, before they escalate into serious issues.
Possible Nissan Navara 3.0 Potential Faults
Through extensive research, we identified the most commonly complained about issues with the Navara 3.0. Before we share these issues with you, we want to state clearly that the issues presented here are not our opinions but rather real issues as experienced by Navara 3.0 owners. We also want to add that this article in no way imply that you WILL experience these issues, but that there is a possibility that you MAY experience them. What we do know, is that owner behaviour (vehicle maintenance or the lack thereof, driving style and roads driven), may have an entirely differently impact on two of the exact same vehicle makes and models. You may care for your vehicle by having it serviced regularly and driving it responsibly, and then testify of a 300 000 km problem-free driving experience. Another owner, with the same vehicle, may have an entirely different experience. We do not imply that if you look after your vehicle, you will have a problem-free experience; you may do so and still experience setbacks. Vehicles consist of many moving parts, the latter cause friction, and it in turn cause wear and tear. Components are therefore prone to failure. You may even care for your vehicle to a high degree, but unknowingly use a dirty grade of diesel, which may cause injector problems. The point is, both good and bad care may cause issues.
At the website Productreview, you may find many reviews on the Nissan Navara 3.0, especially in the D22 generation, mostly riddled with positive heading such as “Can’t fault the d22”, “This car’s been my rock”, and “7 years, still going at 467,000 ks on clock”. With so many positive reviews, it seems as if the Navara 3.0 is not as problematic a vehicle as its 2.5 sibling is. Apparently, the earlier D22 Navara 3.0 engines were problematic, but those bugs were fixed. The few issues we did identify, is what is of importance here, so let us have a look at them.
Turbo lag
Owners tend to raise the issue of turbo lag, especially when the engine is still cold. It seems that this is an overall problem with the Navara, keeping in mind that this is also an issue in the Navara 2.5. One reason for this may be due to inefficient vacuum present in the cold pipes to operate the variable valve; the lag may also be caused by a faulty control box operating the variable valve timing. One owner said that among his friends, including him, they have six D22 Navara bakkies, and they got rid of a lot of lag by installing full exhausts on their vehicles. Read more about the exhaust system here to see how these systems may alter performance.
Another solution to turbo lag is to opt for a chip. You may consider installing a Unichip and become part of the group of bakkie owners who testify to the fact that it will greatly reduce or even eliminate turbo lag. Many owners mention that turbo lag was greatly reduced and in some cases even eliminated, after the installed a chip.
If you experience turbo lag then bring your vehicle to an SAC Service Centre; we specialise in vehicle maintenance, repairs and upgrades. Feel free to read more about the turbo and its maintenance here.
Blocked CAT
If you experience a considerable drop in average fuel efficiency, then it may be that your catalytic converter (CAT) is blocked. A blocked CAT may also impede your vehicle’s acceleration and ability to start. If these symptoms present themselves, or when the check engine light goes on, then be sure to have the CAT inspected.
Exhaust Gas Reticulation (EGR) Valve
It seems as if the exhaust gas reticulation (EGR) valve can give problems at times. A faulty EGR valve (especially when clogged) may result in black smoke from your vehicle’s tailpipe. A faulty EGR valve may also present itself in a form of rough idling, bad fuel consumption, a lack of power during acceleration and with a “check engine light” that will come on. If you experience any of these symptoms, have your bakkie checked at one of our countrywide SAC Service Centres.
The issues highlighted here, seems to be the most common ones experienced by 3.0 Navara owners. There are mentioning of smaller issues, issues that can be prevented by regularly servicing your vehicle. Read more about servicing hints here. In the event of any issue raising its head in your Navara, be assured that we at our SAC Service Centres are competent – in both experience and equipment – to address any issue.
Sources consulted during the writing of this article:
- 2018. Nissan Navara D22 (1998-2014). Online available at: https://www.productreview.com.au/p/nissan-navara/m/d22-1998-2014/2.html Accessed 23 Aug 2018.
Within the above article, potential problems, causes and fixes have been identified as founded on the experience of vehicle owners and repairers, online sources such as discussion blogs, technical service bulletins and SAC experience. This information is provided solely for reference purposes. SAC strictly instruct readers that only properly qualified individuals should carry out repairs and/or modifications on your vehicles. It should also be made clear that the number of times an item is identified within this discussion should by no way be seen as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur. Two of the exact same vehicles, owned by tow entirely different owners, driven in entirely different ways and on different terrains, and looked after in their own unique ways, will each behave differently. As mentioned, this information is provided solely for reference purposes but we hope – in the process of doing so – to empower you with relevant information which may enable you to make informative decisions whenever you experience any of the mentioned setbacks.