Nissan Navara D40 (2005-2014)
Verified213 reviews
Hi, I am about to sell my 2014 D40 Navara that I purchased new. However, I want to let people know the experience I had with this being my 3rd Navara. Serviced regularly. Purchased new in 2014 added the following accs. Bull bar Spotties UHF Winch Tray Toolbox 2in Lift Kit Muddies. Slotted and drilled rotors, medium hard pads Excellent run until… Read more · 1
2019 at 190k where the plastic tank on the radiator let go. Thankfully caught before overheating. No engine damage. Replaced radiator...off we go. 2022 215k Turbo started to sound a little rattly, replaced with upgraded stage 2 turbo....whoa, that made a difference. 2022 220k Plastic end blew off intercooler. Reassemble and modified. All good. 2025 250k Radiator did it again. New radiator fitted. Noticed plastic intercooler ends cracking, fitted aftermarket intercooler and piping. So, the old girl has done well. Been a bloody good car. I hope its replacement does just as good.
Never deal with the Nissan company again – Do not purchase a Nissan 4x4 Customer services would not even listen long enough to help. I would not consider this company ever again. Had a problem with the Nissan 2.5 diesel going on to limp mode. Then the 4x4 specialist mechanics tell me that these vehicles have timing chains break before 200000km on a regular basis. Phone the Nissan agent… Read more
and it was confirmed that the timing belts stretch and break or loosen as a regular problem. Looks at the reviews and realise with so many people having real cost issues it is best not to risk ever purchasing a Nissan again.
Dog of a car – Absolute waste of my time and money. If I could go back in time I would take the 11k i spent on this vehicle and throw it in the bin. That would have saved me the following 15k I have spent on basically everything under the hood only for it to blow the head off. Nissan, you suck. Can’t wait to get my new huyundai. Show details
Reviews with attachments
Nissan Navara D40 – Well here I am once again..but I’ll keep it short and sweet! Nissan you have convinced me that your brand is reliable I use my D40 for nearly everything and it has not let me down..Sydney to Perth via a few off road tracks (with a nice set of maxxis razr at) and 2” Dobson lift this thing is a weapon of a car, I’ve never really wanted a dual cab… Read more
Ute before but now I’m obsessed and seeking the Nissan website daily for my next one..damn you Nissan you have proven your worth!
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Great truck, just take care of it – I've read some of these comments with amusement. If you drive a Navara within its parameters, you won't have a single issue. They are not designed to tow "Horse Floats" up the Toowomba mountain range, you need a 4.2l Landcruiser or Patrol for that. The dik that said it cost $7500 to replace the clutch is a complete liar. Anyway, here's the… Read more
truth. Nissan installed a Dual Mass Flywheel, (DMF) at factory which simply wasn't up for the job it was intended. When it comes time to replace the clutch, (any brand of 4x4 clutch will eventually wear, and need replacing) buy a clutch kit that includes a Single Mass Flywheel (SMF) conversion ($500 on eBay), and have them install it, which is approximately $800 to $1200
The other issue is the timing chain, at factory Nissan installed a single row timing chain which had a tendency to stretch. The upgraded timing chain is a double roller (Dual Row or Duplex as it is also known), is $300 on eBay, and $800 to install. Do those two upgrades and you Navara will be bulletproof.
The cracked firewall issue also happens to Tritons and Hilux's by drivers who flog their vehicles and take them on seriously rough terrain. (The iconic pic we all see of having one front tyre on a huge boulder, and the other on the ground), you're just stressing the entire chassis.
Remember, every 4x4 has weaknesses of some kind, there's no "perfect" vehicle. I am not a "Nissan man", I've owned two Hilux's, and the holy grail of 4x4's the Landcruiser 80 series 4.2l turbo diesel. Each of those had weak points as well.
I am very impressed by the Navara, it handles beautifully, tows my 16ft caravan with ease and is great on fuel, I get about 640kms out of a tank.
The only people who tend to write reviews are the people who have had issues, and are boiling with rage, as are most of these reviews you have just read. You won't hear from the 1000's of happy owners like me
Final tip, avoid ANY 4x4 previously owned by P Platers (teenagers). If you see a P Plate in the pictures of the listing, avoid it.
Positive reviews
Good predictable vehicle when cared for – Brought used 2010 D40 with YD25 for a cheap daily run about to save short running the cruiser, we are toyota landcruiser to the core but this vehicle is bang for buck , nice to drive , plenty of room for the kids and saves knocking a good Toyota around. We run a diesel mechanical workshop looking after 4WDs and heavy vehicles all makes and models,… Read more
many are high mileage with some D40s over the 400,000km mark, being heavily laden service vehicles and off roaders , the only problems we see with the D40 when they are used appropriately and serviced correctly is , the well known weakness with the single row timing chain , EGR valve related issues as per every make of late turbo diesel we see and the plastic heater pipe junction that goes brittle and breaks anywhere from 150,000 onwards. If you cough up the funds early in the vehicles life , fit the YD25 australia double row timing chain kit ( best quality ), replace the plastic heater pipe junction with the brass upgrade , maintain the EGR system ( read between the lines), and don’t drive it like you stole it , the D40 are a very reliable and predictable vehicle that doesn’t deserve a bad rap! With every model of vehicle there is the occasional lemon, but I tend to find that vehicles are like dogs, no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner! Travis.
Good Ute not Great – Had this car for 3 months now. Fuel economy was 13.7l when I picked it up and now is 11.1l. When doing 100kmh its doing 1600 revs in 7th gear. Radio reception is poor as is the bluetooth connection. Headlights are only adequate and I am looking at getting either a nudge bar or a bullbar to mount driving lights. The 3l v6 turbo diesel has similar… Read more
power and torque figures as the Amarok and X Class yet it came it 8 years go but was phased out due not meeting the Euro 6 emission requirements.
Too good – Had since new, faultless, really cant complain about anything, good price servicing, tows really well, good offroad, has great engine noise for a turbo diesel, i've done 136 in it and nothings gone wrong, still almost looks new. Locking lid is a good thing too, plenty of room inside and in tub Show details
Negative reviews
Just a list of things I’ve replace from buying at 160000 now to 215000 – - Turbo - Alternator - Oil pump - Clutch - Radiator - Suspension - Clutch Fan - Water pump - Thermostat - Re conditioned Engine - Drive Shaft Prop And lots more issues Wowsers just cringe thinking about it all Thinking new gen ranger or Toyota now Show details
It’s a bloody lemon. A class action against Nissan needs to happen – March 2015 bought a brand new Nissan Navara D40. Have had no end of misery since. From the outset it had a turbo lag. The dealership denied it. It also started blowing black smoke. They told me all diesels do that. In 2017 the windscreen spontaneously cracked without any reason. In March 2020 I was driving it and it stopped completely and had to… Read more
be towed to a mechanic. They replaced the EGR assembly at a cost of $1220- In Jan 2021 car started overheating so took it straight to the dealership. They charged me to remove, service and refit the cooling system. Charged me twice for the thermostat, charged me to service the vehicle and then called me at work to say the car had a cracked head that would cost $6000-, needed a new clutch at $3000-. I had not had any problems with the clutch. He then said “ and face it, the car is only worth $20,000- so you might as well trade up to a new car.” The service report said “suspect blown head gasket” I am still paying off the car but have not been able to drive it since. It took them a week to reassemble the vehicle. When I picked up the car they were rude and indifferent. The car was in a shambolic state. The radiator cap had been left off under the bonnet and was sitting on the battery, the glove box was open, off it’s hinges and now doesn’t stay on it’s hinges, there were car parts sitting on the front passenger floor and there was a bolt from an unknown location under the accelerator pedal. Care factor:zero. I wrote to Nissan seeking that they rectify the problems. They told me they were happy to do so, at my expense. I rue the day I ever bought a Nissan. I will never buy another one. I have consulted a lawyer that specialises in class actions against car manufacturers and have to call him back next week. I encourage anyone who has bought a “lemon” to find an automobile class action lawyer and get advice/take action. Nissan is unconscionable and need to be held to account. The more people that speak out the more likely it is that something can be done about it. No car should be undriveable after under 6 years. I have a 14year old Holden, a 30 year old Ford and a 44 year old Chrysler that are all still being driven.
Nissan Navara D40 2008 junk – Never ending money pit , purchased for 11k , cracked head 12months later , 5k to repair, oil cooler blew a few months later, main fuse on battery 140amp, 3 years after getting head done , engine failure, sold it for 2k to salvage, will never buy Nissan of Holden crap again , Now I have a Hyundai & Kia , Nissan is bad news
Recent reviews
Nissan Navara Firewall Fracture - do not buy – We have a 2012 D40 and the firewall has cracked on the master cynclinder mount. Mechanics have not seen anything like this in a standard car. Serviced at Nissan regularly. Work car, not off road. Will never by another Nissan Show details
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DO NOT BUY NISSAN NAVARA D40 – Nissan Navara D40 purchased new in 2012. Found cracks in firewall and now car is useless unless $6k-$10k to repair. Never again. Nissan reject my claim now fighting through courts Show details
Worst car in 4x4 range – I had two Navara D40 last 6 years, both bought as used vehicle. I was in love with this car. I love the look of it compared to other Dual cabs. I spent so much on extras. I was a fan of Nissan and most of my cars were Nissan. There is a reason Navara was the cheapest in 4x4. The engine YD25 was the worst used in this vehicle. My first car was OK,… Read more
but was breaking down different component all time. Second car had engine failure just at 210,000km. Head gasket blown even though I was very sincere about servicing every 5000km. Always took care of it. But after engine issue found that there are not many mechanic in Sydney really can do the job or interested into this repairs. I had to get rid of the car.
That was the end of love story. No more Navara, or even Nissan if possible. This review is just to help others if they decide to buy this vehicle. The head and engine issue is common as a mechanic mentioned me. So be aware of that and it will be a very expensive fix.
If possible try to avoid dealers as well if buying one as they are good at not telling the truth and exaggerating. Better checking with a personal mechanic.
Smoky and sooty Navara – These are rolling piles of junk, timing chain issues cause the engine to smoke worse than an 80s rust bucket all the way up the road. What an embarrassment for Nissan, a company that started with the cheap but reliable Datsun 120Y then onto the sporty 240Z then branded as Nissan made the Skyline, Silvia, GT-R and now these piles of junk D40 Navara… Read more
(equally crap NP300) and crappy CVT Pathfinder, awful Altima.... What a slide into mediocrity for Nissan. I urge you never to buy a Nissan. Ever.
Third nissan dc ute – Purchased 2016 with 40 000k traded in at 80000k. Why? It developed the whistle in throwout bearing as predicted by local mechanic. Dealer strangly didnt notice whistle. Not waiting for clutch plate to go or the other problems RX routinely have. It had issues with 4Wlo not returning easily to 2wd. Had to reboot it a couple of times by turning ute off and restarting. Lost $11k in 40000 km over 3y. Happier in new Forester! Show details
Not Built tough 4wd dont buy a Nissan – Nissan Navara D40 2011 - wish I read these reviews. Fire wall cracked around master cylinder = Nissan said my problem. Will never buy another Nissan and started a page issues with Nissan. Just a crap four wheel drive. Show details
130,000 km firewall cracked ,clutch broken weld – 2012 d40 brought it new ,only used for private use,highway use 90% of time 130,00km clutch felt strange and gear change became notchie. Taken to local nissan dealer how inspected it and said it was a manufacturer fault . nissan head office claimed it was through fair wear and tear even still having original clutch in it .It is unable to be… Read more
driven and nissan claim it will cost $20,000 to fit. The ute has been serviced as per log book ,and the last service was only 3 weeks earlier. It has only second set of tyres on it. And only second set of disc pads. so no help from nissan . thanks for nothing, never again
Repairs – Hi guys is it a big/ costly job to fix a 4wd pin that won't engage in a 2006 I'm looking at buying one that needs work What do you think? It only for a tow tug won't use it much thanks for your thought can pick up fairly cheap and only need 2wd anyway Show details
First 4WD – I purchased my diesel 2010 dual cab Navara second hand. It is easy to drive, comfortable, functionally advanced, great for long drives, and incredibly fuel efficient. The only negative feedback I have is that the turning circle is terrible. U-turns are almost always 5 point turns. Additionally, they are quite low so you need a lift kit for serious off road driving. Show details
Drives great and a super multi purpose vehicle – 2014 6 speed manual Diesel. I am using it for private use and Uber driving in regional and suburban area . My Uber passengers love it very spacious and modern with satnav and reverse camera . Good economy for big 4x4 ute. 7.8l/100klm or 750klm plus per tank . Spanish built with climate control and its a fun car to drive with plenty of power . I… Read more
have done a bit off road and its quite capable for what I want . It has 57000ks on it . I have done 5000ks with not one problem .
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So amazing ! – This car gets me where I need to go at a quick pace and also I love the style of the car! I’ve gotten so many compliments on how stunning it looks! I’m so in love with it and the car is so amazing ! The interior is gorgeous and my other friend is purchasing this too because of me! Show details
Not a bad car for the price – Quite reliable with good power for a 4x4 which is not an expensive hilux or ranger. Handled some real turf 4x4 driving and a great car for domestic use with lock of room to through anything you want and at the price of any family car. Fuel is not the best but again I am driving a big car Show details
Worst vehile I've ever owned – Never again will I buy a Nissan. Our D40 has Constant diesel flow problems, causing it to go into limp mode. I've replace the scv 3 times.EGR valve also clogs and requires cleaning every 12 months. $7500 to fix the timing chain after useless mechanic revved the motor after we had it trucked to him. "Testing" he said. No making the repair go from… Read more
$1000 timing chain replacement to new cylinder head and camshaft( s) etc. Axle tramps sideways on uphill dirt roads. Our Jag even handles the same road better. This was ment to be the 4wd to see us out for towing etc., now I don't know if it will last. $55000 wasted in 2007.
Beautiful to drive and tough – Cheap to run, handles like a dream on and off-road. Kids have so much room in the back and the ability to store things under the back seat is design genius! You need the on car storage because this models one fault is the hard back. When off road lets all the dust and water in making our first camping trip in her a learning experience. Lots of fun 4WDing, great on the beach and the ranges. Show details
Good car, with a few faults – Good all around Ute. Not the best out of the bunch, but for me it was a no brainer the Hilux/Ranger etc weren't worth the extra $10,000+. Good fuel economy on the 4 cyl diesel. I get around 7.8 to 8 litres per 100km mixed between M5 and city traffic. Good ride height and rather decent handling, though a bit washy and prone to understeer if you… Read more
turn too fast, and oversteer if you get on the gas too early in the wet.
CD Unit screen fades in and out during hot weather and can't read it at all in summer. Also the orange bar is too bright and reflects on the rear window which is annoying.
Very happy with my purchase and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
TERRIBLE – I wish I had never bought it. It cannot tow to save its life. I was conned into buying this ute because it was economical and would tow my horse and float. It struggles with a tiny horse float. EMPTY. Yes it is very economical however whats the point when I have to hire a car to tow my float. Show details
Fantastic and Functional – No complaints. Gets the job done whether you move house many times, help your friends move out, or just go to the tip many times. The only downside is that if you are with Suncorp insurance you will be charged a 46% increase compared to one for a Toyota Hilux. If you want to stay with suncorp insurance get a different car. If you like… Read more
your Navaras change insurers to something like NRMA which only has a difference of 1% between a Navara & a Hilux.
Hope the new model is better than some of the older models – My 2012 D40 doesn't ride to badly on the road, once you get used to it's handling Plenty of leg room in the front & back seats, interior is okay, more like a work vehicle, suits me okay, seats are fairly comfortable, being the base model, the driver's seat has no lumber support adjustment & no adjustable seat base either ( for up & down… Read more
adjustment )
Problems from near new at just around 6,000kms, with the oil pressure switch playing up , which I replaced at my own cost & also oil leak in the tappet cover from the seal on no 4 injector, which started leaking at 25,000kms, unfortunately because of the age of the vehicle it was out of warranty & Nissan didn't want to know about it.
My mechanic had to replace the whole tappet cover as the seals around the injectors are part of the tappet cover as well, my mechanic told me that the seal that was leaking was never installed in the tappet cover from new
I told Nissan about it as well as the faulty oil pressure switch & they told me haha that no other NavaraD40 's has this problem they knew of it has only done 50,000kms now, so hopefully will not have anymore problems,
Drives Very Well – Recently my partner and myself purchased a 2010 Nissan Navara together. It's so easy to drive. Very smooth! Spacious inside. Very nice good looking car all around. Great purchase. Great on Diesel. Very cheap to run. Petrol lasts. Very quiet engine.and within our budget. Great car for the price. Show details
Love it! – Great Ute, best I have had. For the money. Being a woman. I feel safe and secure. drives great and have had zero issues with mine. I looked at the Hilux but it was beyond my budget. Very happy and would recommend to anyone for their first 4x4. Was great on diesel and tyre wear- I have just hit 70000 k's and have had a tyre check and they will be good for another 20! Show details
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