Nissan NV300 X82 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Nissan NV300 was the Nissan version of the Sandouville platform from November 2016 to September 2021 - largely identical under the skin to the Renault Trafic III and Opel Vivaro B, with its own front end and Nissan interior. As a passenger Combi with six or nine seats, it targeted families, clubs and shuttle services wanting the cheaper price position relative to the Trafic without any technical compromise.
The early NV300 ran the 1.6-litre dCi (R9M) in dCi 120, 125 and 145 power levels with a manual gearbox - identical to the corresponding Trafic and Vivaro versions. In late 2019 Nissan added a dCi 145 variant with the new 6-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox, technically the same as the Trafic facelift's EDC unit. With the short facelift from May to September 2021, the 2.0-litre engine (M9R) took over across the board, available from 81 to 125 kW, in some cases exclusively with DCT. Both engine families already have their own weakness listings in the database via the Renault and Nissan entries.
Because the NV300 sold in far smaller numbers in Germany than the Trafic and Vivaro, there are no dedicated TÜV Report statistics for it - but the mechanical base is identical, so the same attention to suspension, brakes and clutch on high-mileage examples applies as for the sibling models. What is concretely documented for the NV300 are several KBA recalls: an incorrectly fitted turbo oil line with leak risk, an incorrectly manufactured fuel tank, two separate parking brake recalls (a manufacturing defect leaving no holding function, and a breaking brake lever pivot bolt), a possibly under-torqued third-row seatbelt buckle anchorage, an oxidised passenger airbag gas generator housing, and - particularly relevant for later model years - a possible side airbag failure on 2021 to 2023 vehicles.
Before buying a used NV300, the first priority is therefore a careful check of the VIN against the KBA recall database, since several of the issues listed are safety-relevant and are fixed free of charge by the dealer. Mechanically the same applies as for the Trafic and Vivaro: well-maintained manual-gearbox examples with a complete service history are the less complicated choice, while DCT versions deserve a thorough test drive with a warm gearbox to catch hesitant or jerky shifting early.
Overall the NV300 offers the same proven technology as its French and German siblings, usually at a more attractive used price. Anyone willing to check the recall history themselves and insist on service records when buying gets a practical, well-equipped Combi without notable model-specific surprises beyond the known platform issues.
Engine Overview
The Nissan NV300 X82 is available with 6 engine variants — from 110 to 170 hp.
Turbocharged two-litre common-rail diesel with strong pull and plenty of torque low down. Composed in daily use, but not a worry-free unit. Early builds before 2011 suffer turbo failures, and automatic variants saw premature conrod bearing wear — oil change intervals are sacred. Injectors and the high-pressure pump wear with mileage, and the particulate filter clogs on short runs. The EGR cooler with its pressure valve and the turbo oil return line are known to leak. A complete service record and regular long-distance running are the best insurance.
- !! Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic from 40,000 km
Early M9R variants with automatic gearbox show connecting rod bearing failure at very low mileage (14,000–57,000 km). Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km and issued internal technical bulletins.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine, sudden engine failure, oil pressure warning light, engine will not turn over. - !! Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year from 100,000 km
Pre-revision M9R engines (before 2011) show frequent turbocharger failures occurring in conjunction with the connecting rod bearing damage. The revised version from 2011 is significantly more reliable.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, blue smoke, severe power loss, limp mode. - !! Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear from 200,000 km
At higher mileage the M9R timing chain stretches, sprockets and tensioner rails wear out. In the worst case the chain jumps. Replacement is labour-intensive and usually requires removing the engine (except the Espace).
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, juddering when cranking, tractor-like knocking from shifted valve timing, power loss.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6 common-rail turbodiesel from the alliance, revvy for a diesel and very frugal. Technically ambitious, which is exactly what makes it fragile. The timing chain stretches prematurely and needs watching, while the EGR valve and heat exchanger foul quickly. The piezo injectors are expensive and failure-prone, and the particulate filter clogs on short trips. Add oil leaks at the rocker cover and timing-chain end plus a thermostat that likes to fail. Skimping on maintenance here costs dearly later — a clean history and disciplined oil care are decisive.
- !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain stretches from as early as 140,000 km, well before its intended service life of 250,000 km. A jumped chain can bend valves through piston contact.
Symptoms: Rattling from timing chain area on cold start, engine warning light, rough running, misfires - !! Exhaust manifold cracks (twin-turbo 160 PS) from 120,000 km
On the twin-turbocharged R9M (160 PS) the very fragile exhaust manifold cracks at the EGR due to temperature swings. Renault ran a 2015–2017 recall/modification covering only the twin-turbo versions.
Symptoms: Hissing/ticking exhaust noise from the engine bay, power loss and limp mode, exhaust smell, sometimes boost-pressure fault codes stored. - !! EGR cooler leak — exhaust smell & coolant loss from 120,000 km
The separate EGR heat exchanger behind the firewall leaks: exhaust enters the cabin and coolant is lost. Because the engine must be lowered to replace it (~10 hrs), costs run €2,300–3,000. Documented in the Scenic IV forum at 118,000 km (failed TÜV).
Symptoms: Exhaust smell in the cabin especially at idle/standstill, gradual coolant loss, fogged windows, occasional loss of heater output.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6 common-rail turbodiesel from the alliance, revvy for a diesel and very frugal. Technically ambitious, which is exactly what makes it fragile. The timing chain stretches prematurely and needs watching, while the EGR valve and heat exchanger foul quickly. The piezo injectors are expensive and failure-prone, and the particulate filter clogs on short trips. Add oil leaks at the rocker cover and timing-chain end plus a thermostat that likes to fail. Skimping on maintenance here costs dearly later — a clean history and disciplined oil care are decisive.
- !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain stretches from as early as 140,000 km, well before its intended service life of 250,000 km. A jumped chain can bend valves through piston contact.
Symptoms: Rattling from timing chain area on cold start, engine warning light, rough running, misfires - !! Exhaust manifold cracks (twin-turbo 160 PS) from 120,000 km
On the twin-turbocharged R9M (160 PS) the very fragile exhaust manifold cracks at the EGR due to temperature swings. Renault ran a 2015–2017 recall/modification covering only the twin-turbo versions.
Symptoms: Hissing/ticking exhaust noise from the engine bay, power loss and limp mode, exhaust smell, sometimes boost-pressure fault codes stored. - !! EGR cooler leak — exhaust smell & coolant loss from 120,000 km
The separate EGR heat exchanger behind the firewall leaks: exhaust enters the cabin and coolant is lost. Because the engine must be lowered to replace it (~10 hrs), costs run €2,300–3,000. Documented in the Scenic IV forum at 118,000 km (failed TÜV).
Symptoms: Exhaust smell in the cabin especially at idle/standstill, gradual coolant loss, fogged windows, occasional loss of heater output.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modern 1.6 common-rail turbodiesel from the alliance, revvy for a diesel and very frugal. Technically ambitious, which is exactly what makes it fragile. The timing chain stretches prematurely and needs watching, while the EGR valve and heat exchanger foul quickly. The piezo injectors are expensive and failure-prone, and the particulate filter clogs on short trips. Add oil leaks at the rocker cover and timing-chain end plus a thermostat that likes to fail. Skimping on maintenance here costs dearly later — a clean history and disciplined oil care are decisive.
- !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 145,000 km
The R9M timing chain stretches from as early as 140,000 km, well before its intended service life of 250,000 km. A jumped chain can bend valves through piston contact.
Symptoms: Rattling from timing chain area on cold start, engine warning light, rough running, misfires - !! Exhaust manifold cracks (twin-turbo 160 PS) from 120,000 km
On the twin-turbocharged R9M (160 PS) the very fragile exhaust manifold cracks at the EGR due to temperature swings. Renault ran a 2015–2017 recall/modification covering only the twin-turbo versions.
Symptoms: Hissing/ticking exhaust noise from the engine bay, power loss and limp mode, exhaust smell, sometimes boost-pressure fault codes stored. - !! EGR cooler leak — exhaust smell & coolant loss from 120,000 km
The separate EGR heat exchanger behind the firewall leaks: exhaust enters the cabin and coolant is lost. Because the engine must be lowered to replace it (~10 hrs), costs run €2,300–3,000. Documented in the Scenic IV forum at 118,000 km (failed TÜV).
Symptoms: Exhaust smell in the cabin especially at idle/standstill, gradual coolant loss, fogged windows, occasional loss of heater output.
+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged two-litre common-rail diesel with strong pull and plenty of torque low down. Composed in daily use, but not a worry-free unit. Early builds before 2011 suffer turbo failures, and automatic variants saw premature conrod bearing wear — oil change intervals are sacred. Injectors and the high-pressure pump wear with mileage, and the particulate filter clogs on short runs. The EGR cooler with its pressure valve and the turbo oil return line are known to leak. A complete service record and regular long-distance running are the best insurance.
- !! Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic from 40,000 km
Early M9R variants with automatic gearbox show connecting rod bearing failure at very low mileage (14,000–57,000 km). Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km and issued internal technical bulletins.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine, sudden engine failure, oil pressure warning light, engine will not turn over. - !! Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year from 100,000 km
Pre-revision M9R engines (before 2011) show frequent turbocharger failures occurring in conjunction with the connecting rod bearing damage. The revised version from 2011 is significantly more reliable.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, blue smoke, severe power loss, limp mode. - !! Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear from 200,000 km
At higher mileage the M9R timing chain stretches, sprockets and tensioner rails wear out. In the worst case the chain jumps. Replacement is labour-intensive and usually requires removing the engine (except the Espace).
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, juddering when cranking, tractor-like knocking from shifted valve timing, power loss.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged two-litre common-rail diesel with strong pull and plenty of torque low down. Composed in daily use, but not a worry-free unit. Early builds before 2011 suffer turbo failures, and automatic variants saw premature conrod bearing wear — oil change intervals are sacred. Injectors and the high-pressure pump wear with mileage, and the particulate filter clogs on short runs. The EGR cooler with its pressure valve and the turbo oil return line are known to leak. A complete service record and regular long-distance running are the best insurance.
- !! Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic from 40,000 km
Early M9R variants with automatic gearbox show connecting rod bearing failure at very low mileage (14,000–57,000 km). Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km and issued internal technical bulletins.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine, sudden engine failure, oil pressure warning light, engine will not turn over. - !! Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year from 100,000 km
Pre-revision M9R engines (before 2011) show frequent turbocharger failures occurring in conjunction with the connecting rod bearing damage. The revised version from 2011 is significantly more reliable.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, blue smoke, severe power loss, limp mode. - !! Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear from 200,000 km
At higher mileage the M9R timing chain stretches, sprockets and tensioner rails wear out. In the worst case the chain jumps. Replacement is labour-intensive and usually requires removing the engine (except the Espace).
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, juddering when cranking, tractor-like knocking from shifted valve timing, power loss.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged two-litre common-rail diesel with strong pull and plenty of torque low down. Composed in daily use, but not a worry-free unit. Early builds before 2011 suffer turbo failures, and automatic variants saw premature conrod bearing wear — oil change intervals are sacred. Injectors and the high-pressure pump wear with mileage, and the particulate filter clogs on short runs. The EGR cooler with its pressure valve and the turbo oil return line are known to leak. A complete service record and regular long-distance running are the best insurance.
- !! Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic from 40,000 km
Early M9R variants with automatic gearbox show connecting rod bearing failure at very low mileage (14,000–57,000 km). Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km and issued internal technical bulletins.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine, sudden engine failure, oil pressure warning light, engine will not turn over. - !! Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year from 100,000 km
Pre-revision M9R engines (before 2011) show frequent turbocharger failures occurring in conjunction with the connecting rod bearing damage. The revised version from 2011 is significantly more reliable.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, blue smoke, severe power loss, limp mode. - !! Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear from 200,000 km
At higher mileage the M9R timing chain stretches, sprockets and tensioner rails wear out. In the worst case the chain jumps. Replacement is labour-intensive and usually requires removing the engine (except the Espace).
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, juddering when cranking, tractor-like knocking from shifted valve timing, power loss.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Turbocharged two-litre common-rail diesel with strong pull and plenty of torque low down. Composed in daily use, but not a worry-free unit. Early builds before 2011 suffer turbo failures, and automatic variants saw premature conrod bearing wear — oil change intervals are sacred. Injectors and the high-pressure pump wear with mileage, and the particulate filter clogs on short runs. The EGR cooler with its pressure valve and the turbo oil return line are known to leak. A complete service record and regular long-distance running are the best insurance.
- !! Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic from 40,000 km
Early M9R variants with automatic gearbox show connecting rod bearing failure at very low mileage (14,000–57,000 km). Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km and issued internal technical bulletins.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine, sudden engine failure, oil pressure warning light, engine will not turn over. - !! Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year from 100,000 km
Pre-revision M9R engines (before 2011) show frequent turbocharger failures occurring in conjunction with the connecting rod bearing damage. The revised version from 2011 is significantly more reliable.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, blue smoke, severe power loss, limp mode. - !! Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear from 200,000 km
At higher mileage the M9R timing chain stretches, sprockets and tensioner rails wear out. In the worst case the chain jumps. Replacement is labour-intensive and usually requires removing the engine (except the Espace).
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, juddering when cranking, tractor-like knocking from shifted valve timing, power loss.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: incorrectly manufactured fuel tank A KBA recall (PN9B9) from 2019 covers 2019-built vehicles whose fuel tank was manufactured incorrectly and can leak fuel onto the road. Symptoms: Diesel smell or visible fuel traces under the parked vehicle. | Low | |
| Recall series: parking brake KBA recalls from 2019 (PN9B3, manufacturing defect leaving no holding function) and 2020 (PN9B6, breaking parking brake lever pivot bolt) cover the parking brake. Affected vehicles could move unintentionally. Symptoms: The vehicle does not hold securely with the parking brake applied and can move unintentionally. | Low | |
| Recall: oxidised passenger airbag gas generator A KBA recall (PN0C5) from 2020 covers oxidised gas generator housings that can limit the passenger airbag's protective function when triggered. | Low | |
| Recall: side airbag failure A KBA recall (PN4C1) from 2024 covers a possible side airbag failure on vehicles built between 2021 and 2023. | Low | |
| Recall: incorrectly fitted turbo oil line A KBA recall (PN7B1) from 2017 covers an incorrectly fitted turbocharger oil line that can cause oil leaks. Symptoms: Oil smell, visible oil traces at the turbocharger, dropping oil level. | Low | |
| Recall: third-row seatbelt buckle anchorage A KBA recall (PN9B8) from 2019 covers a third-row seatbelt buckle anchorage that may have been torqued too low, which can reduce restraint effectiveness in a crash. | Low |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan NV300 X82 (2016–2021) — 17 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other.
NV300 (R9M, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Exhaust manifold cracks (twin-turbo 160 PS), EGR cooler leak — exhaust smell & coolant loss. Power: 116–125 PS.
NV300 (R9M, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Exhaust manifold cracks (twin-turbo 160 PS), EGR cooler leak — exhaust smell & coolant loss. Power: 120–125 PS.
NV300 (R9M, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Exhaust manifold cracks (twin-turbo 160 PS), EGR cooler leak — exhaust smell & coolant loss. Power: 140–145 PS.
NV300 (M9R, 2019–2021) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic, Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year, Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear. Power: 145–150 PS.
NV300 (M9R, 2019–2021) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic, Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year, Timing chain stretch, tensioner rail wear. Power: 170 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan NV300? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan NV300 X82 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan NV300 X82? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan NV300 X82 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan NV300 X82 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan NV300 X82? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee