2009 Nissan Navara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Nissan Navara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Nissan Navara than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Chassis rust or damage10.4× usual
  Nissan Navara

  13.5% All 2009 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings6× usual
  Nissan Navara

  12.6% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.1× usual
  Nissan Navara

  15.2% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Exhaust system2.3× usual
  Nissan Navara

  18% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Track rod ends2.9× usual
  Nissan Navara

  14.1% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2009 Nissan Navara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Nissan Navara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  42% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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 on the 2009 Nissan Navara

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 corrosion

  All 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 failure

  All 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 EGR

  All 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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Nissan Navara

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the chassis been repaired or replaced?
2. Has the timing chain been replaced or upgraded?
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 10.4× as often on the 2009 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2009 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2009 Nissan Navara as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?