Capable pickup with a notorious chassis history
A UK pickup staple since 2005, going off sale in 2021 with no direct replacement from Nissan. The D23/NP300 generation (2014-2021) introduced coil-spring rear suspension — a first in the class — improving ride comfort significantly. Used D23 prices from £10,000 for early high-mileage examples, up to £25,000 for low-mileage Tekna models. The D40 generation (2005-2015) remains widely available from £3,000 but carries the infamous chassis corrosion risk.
We track 5 known issues across the Nissan Navara range, including 3 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Nissan Navara? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
D22 (1997–2015) — Engine options included the 2.5 YD25DDTi, 2.5 TD. Our database flags 4 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Timing chain tensioner failure (£800–£1,200 to address).
D40 (2005–2015) — Engine options included the 2.5 YD25DDTi, 3.0 V9X. Our database flags 3 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Timing chain tensioner failure (£800–£1,200 to address).
NP300 (2014–2021) — Engine options included the 2.3 Twin Turbo, 2.3 Single Turbo. Our database flags 1 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Coil spring fracture (£200–£350 to address).
The YD25DDTi engine uses hydraulic timing chain tensioners that fail due to oil contamination or wear, allowing the timing chain to stretch and jump teeth. This is the most serious documented failure mode on the 2.5-litre diesel Navara, with potential for complete engine destruction if the chain breaks or jumps multiple teeth. The tensioner relies on oil pressure to maintain chain tension - irregular oil changes accelerate failure. Later NP300 generation uses a different engine design that is not subject to this specific failure mode.
Complete tensioner failure allows the timing chain to jump teeth, potentially causing pistons to hit valves and destroying the engine. A complete engine rebuild typically costs £4,000-£8,000. If rattling is heard, the vehicle should be inspected immediately by a specialist and not driven until repaired.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
The rear coil springs on D40 and NP300 Navara models fracture at exceptionally high rates, particularly when used for heavy towing or load carrying. MOT data shows this model fails spring inspections at over 50 times the fleet average. The springs snap without warning, usually at the bottom coil where corrosion and stress concentrate. This is a widespread design issue affecting both generations with multi-link rear suspension.
A broken rear spring can cause loss of vehicle control, particularly under braking or cornering. The wheel can move outside its intended geometry, potentially damaging brake lines or causing tyre blowout. Replacement of both rear springs is typically required for safety and handling balance.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The D22 Navara chassis suffers from structural corrosion at mounting points, particularly around rear suspension pickup points and towbar attachments. MOT data shows failures for structural integrity at nearly 35 times the fleet average. The box-section chassis traps moisture and salt, leading to corrosion that compromises the vehicle's structural integrity. This is exacerbated by the common use of these vehicles in agricultural or marine environments.
Structural chassis corrosion can lead to complete failure of mounting points, potentially causing suspension components to detach or the towbar to fail under load. Extensive welding repairs are often required and may not be economically viable on older vehicles. The vehicle becomes dangerous to drive and will fail MOT inspection.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The multi-link rear suspension uses numerous rubber bushes that deteriorate rapidly under the high loads typical in commercial use. MOT data shows suspension bush failures at over 30 times the fleet average. The bushes perish and split, allowing excessive movement in the suspension geometry and affecting handling and tyre wear. This is particularly problematic on vehicles used for towing or carrying heavy loads.
Worn bushes cause poor handling, increased tyre wear, and eventual MOT failure. In extreme cases, complete bush failure can allow suspension components to move beyond safe limits. Multiple bushes typically need replacement simultaneously, with labour costs significant due to access difficulties.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The fuel tank mounting system on D22 Navara models fails at exceptionally high rates due to corrosion of the mounting straps and brackets. MOT data shows this defect occurs at over 76 times the fleet average. The steel mounting straps corrode through, particularly where they wrap under the tank, causing the fuel tank to become insecure. This is accelerated by road salt and moisture trapped between the tank and mounting system.
Failed fuel tank mountings can allow the tank to drop or move, potentially damaging fuel lines and causing fuel leaks. In extreme cases, the tank can become completely detached. This creates a serious fire risk and the vehicle will fail MOT inspection until repaired.
Check for fuel smells around the engine bay and underneath the car. Look for staining or wetness around fuel lines and connections. Injector issues may cause rough running or misfires that are most noticeable at idle.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Nissan Navara common problems page.
Based on 416k real DVSA MOT tests, the Nissan Navara fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is transmission joint, belt or chain so worn it is at 320x the fleet average, followed by transmission joint, belt or chain worn (240x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Nissan Navara MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing chain tensioner inspection (£200–£400).
See the full Nissan Navara service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Nissan Navara has some well-documented weak points, including 3 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2016-2021 D23 NP300 with the 2.3 dCi twin-turbo and manual gearbox is the best choice. Post-September 2016 models meet Euro 6, essential for UK low emission zones. The 2019 facelift improved interior quality and infotainment. Tekna or N-Connecta trims offer the best value for specification. Absolutely avoid 2005-2008 Spanish-built D40 models due to the chassis corrosion issue — if buying any D40, get an independent chassis inspection first. Budget buyers can find solid 2016-2017 Visia or Acenta models from £10,000.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Nissan Navara, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Nissan Navara issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.