2006 Nissan Navara: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Nissan Navaras, from 1,534 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Nissan Navaras than on all cars registered in 2006.
- Chassis rust or damage6.4× usualNissan Navara20.5% All 2006 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 0.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Ball joint2.2× usualNissan Navara14.1% All 2006 cars6.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Wheel bearings3.1× usualNissan Navara9.8% All 2006 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Track rod ends2.2× usualNissan Navara12.3% All 2006 cars5.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints1.8× usualNissan Navara13.4% All 2006 cars7.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 3.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
Coil springs: 2.8% here, against 11.2% of all 2006 cars. Tyre condition: 7.1% here, against 15.4% of all 2006 cars.
By area
The share of 2006 Nissan Navara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics45% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension43% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes36% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Rust and bodywork24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Tyres21% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks16% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Chassis corrosionAll engines
The D40 has been plagued by chassis rust. Nissan accepted the problem and some owners got pay-outs. Repairs mean patching or a new chassis, about £3,000.
At the viewing: Have the chassis inspected properly underneath.
Source: Farmers Weekly: tips for buying a second-hand Nissan Navara
- Timing chain (2.5 dCi)2.5 dCi diesel
The single timing chain is a serious weak point. A snapped chain usually means a new engine. A duplex chain upgrade is available.
At the viewing: Listen for rattling from the engine.
Source: Farmers Weekly: tips for buying a second-hand Nissan Navara
- Head gasket failureAll engines
A heater that stops working can be a sign of head gasket failure, about £1,000 to fix.
At the viewing: Make sure the heater blows hot and the coolant level is steady.
Source: Farmers Weekly: tips for buying a second-hand Nissan Navara
- Worn driveshafts and blocked EGRAll engines
Driveshafts wear out, and the EGR valve blocks and brings on the engine light.
At the viewing: Listen for clicks on full lock, and check the engine light.
Source: Farmers Weekly: tips for buying a second-hand Nissan Navara
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 127 | Brakes 17% |
| 2021 | 6,886 | Brakes 17% |
| 2020 | 4,167 | Brakes 19% |
| 2019 | 7,185 | Brakes 22% |
| 2018 | 7,665 | Suspension 27% |
| 2017 | 8,694 | Suspension 34% |
| 2016 | 7,598 | Suspension 32% |
| 2015 | 3,812 | Suspension 35% |
| 2014 | 3,375 | Suspension 38% |
| 2013 | 3,284 | Suspension 40% |
| 2012 | 3,106 | Lights and electrics 42% |
| 2011 | 3,541 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 1,698 | Suspension 42% |
| 2009 | 1,531 | Lights and electrics 46% |
| 2008 | 1,444 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 1,778 | Suspension 44% |
| 2005 | 982 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2004 | 619 | Brakes 49% |
| 2003 | 246 | Brakes 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Nissan Navaras registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score