Nissan Navara D40-FL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Navara D40 facelift (2010–2015) is the revised version of the well-known body-on-frame pickup. Gently updated in looks and tech, the basic concept stayed the same: double cab, live rear axle, selectable low-range four-wheel drive, honest payload and strong towing capacity. Alongside the continued 2.5-litre YD25DDTi diesel (now up to 190 hp), the V9X 3.0 V6 diesel (231 hp) joined the range for the first time — a much torquier unit that makes the Navara noticeably more relaxed and smoother. It is a pleasant engine that pulls the pickup almost effortlessly and cruises calmly on the motorway.
But the facelift inherits the line's main worry: the frame-rust issue. The rear ladder frame can rot through in its box sections, especially in salted winters and with neglected cavity protection. In severe cases the chassis cracks around the rear suspension mounts — a safety defect, not a cosmetic flaw. Later production was sometimes better protected from the factory, but that is no guarantee. If you buy a facelift, inspect the frame just as carefully as on the pre-facelift; ex-commercial examples exposed to road salt are particularly at risk.
On the engine side: the YD25 carries the known weaknesses — timing-chain stretch with cold-start rattle and above all the cracking EGR cooler, through which coolant can reach the combustion chamber. Disappearing coolant with no visible leak is the warning sign. The V9X V6 runs more refined but is no fit-and-forget unit: it is sensitive to clean maintenance, can suffer injector and EGR problems, and is markedly more expensive to repair than the four-cylinder. A complete service history is mandatory on the V6, as is a check of the particulate-filter condition.
Buying advice: Onto the lift first. Check the rear frame, spring hangers, crossmembers and underbody for rot, probing if in doubt. Verify the coolant level and EGR history, and listen for chain rattle on cold start. On the V9X, watch for an even idle, smoke behaviour and stored fault codes, and verify the oil-change intervals. Try the four-wheel drive, low range and differential. A service book with regular oil changes is decisive on both engines.
Verdict: The facelift is the better D40 — especially with the smooth V6, which turns the work tool into a tolerable long-distance cruiser. But the frame remains the line's Achilles' heel. A dry, well-kept example with a healthy chassis and clean engine history is a solid companion; with frame rust the rule still applies — walk away, however shiny the bodywork.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Navara D40-FL is available with 2 engine variants — from 171 to 231 hp.
Strong 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with around 174 to 190 hp — built for rugged commercial duty, with hefty torque and a long stride. Fundamentally a workhorse, but not without pitfalls. The simplex timing chain stretches or can snap and needs regular checking; a skipped chain ends expensively. The turbo bearing wears with mileage and announces itself through whistling and oil use, while the EGR cooler tends to leak and causes creeping coolant loss. Keep an eye on the timing chain, turbo and cooling system and change the oil consistently, and this diesel goes the distance.
- !! Simplex timing chain breaks/stretches from 140,000 km
The lower timing chain was reduced from duplex to simplex while engine output increased by 50%, leading to premature stretch and in the worst case chain breakage. Upgrade to duplex chain is possible (Billcarengineering).
Symptoms: Rattling and metallic ticking near the high-pressure pump/crankshaft area, engine warning light, poor cold start - !! Turbocharger bearing wear from 160,000 km
The YD25DDTi turbocharger tends to develop bearing wear at high mileage or with neglected oil changes. Severe turbo damage can cause secondary engine damage.
Symptoms: Whistling noise from turbo, blue smoke, power loss, oil in intercooler - !! EGR cooler leaking / coolant loss from 120,000 km
The YD25DDTi EGR cooler can develop leaks and allow coolant into the intake tract. Coolant loss without visible external leak is a typical symptom. If left untreated, overheating and engine damage follow.
Symptoms: Slow coolant loss, white smoke under acceleration, sweet smell in engine bay
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Cultivated 3.0-litre V6 common-rail turbodiesel with around 231 hp — effortless pull, silky running and ample torque for relaxed cruising. A pleasant drivetrain, but not a cheap one to run. The particulate filter clogs in short-trip use and needs regular long runs to burn off, while the turbo bearing wears with mileage and signals itself through whistling and oil consumption. The fuel pump is among the costlier failure candidates. Drive this V6 the way it likes, use quality oil and keep to the service intervals, and it rewards with upmarket refinement — skimping on care bites back sharply here.
- !! Turbocharger bearing wear from 150,000 km
The turbocharger of the V9X 3.0 V6 dCi wears at higher mileages. Typical signs from 120,000–180,000 km. Turbo repair on this V6 diesel is particularly expensive.
Symptoms: Whistling turbo noise, power loss at high load, blue smoke, oil in intercooler - !! Fuel pump failure from 120,000 km
The electric fuel pump of the V9X fails between 100,000 and 150,000 km. The engine fails to start or runs erratically. Risk of breakdown.
Symptoms: Engine fails to start, irregular running, sudden power loss, breakdown - !! DPF blockage from short-trip use from 80,000 km
The V9X DPF blocks particularly quickly under short-trip use. Problems are documented from 60,000 km. The heavy SUV (Pathfinder) is often used in urban traffic, making regeneration difficult.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp mode
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 7 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Navara D40-FL (2010–2015). One problem engine: YD25DDTi (2.5L).
Navara (YD25DDTi, 2010–2015) — Stay Away!: Simplex timing chain breaks/stretches, Turbocharger bearing wear, EGR cooler leaking / coolant loss. Power: 190 PS.
Navara (V9X, 2010–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearing wear, Fuel pump failure, DPF blockage from short-trip use. Power: 231 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan Navara? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Navara D40-FL have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee