What weaknesses does the Nissan Primera P12 have?

The Nissan 2.2L (Diesel, 126–139 PS) comes with 2 different engines: YD22DDTi (2002–2007, Be Careful) und YD22DDTi (2002–2007, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.2L!

The Nissan 1.6L (Benziner, 106–109 PS) has the QG16DE (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.8L (Benziner, 114–116 PS) has the QG18DE (1.8L) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 2.0L (Benziner, 140 PS) has the QR20DE (2.0L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 2.5L (Benziner, 170 PS) has the QR25DD (2.5L) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 22 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Primera P12 (2002–2007). Considered reliable: F9Q (1.9L).

Primera (YD22DDTi, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Vacuum pump drive chain breaks, Common rail injectors seized, High-pressure pump failed. Power: 126 PS.

Primera (YD22DDTi, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Vacuum pump drive chain breaks, Common rail injectors seized, High-pressure pump failed. Power: 139 PS.

Primera (QR20DE, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Thermostat failure leads to overheating, Elevated oil consumption at higher mileage. Power: 140 PS.

Primera (QG16DE, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Elevated oil consumption (valve stem seals), Throttle body issue / idle fluctuation. Power: 106–109 PS.

Primera (QG18DE, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, High oil consumption (piston rings/valve stem seals), Valve clearance requires manual adjustment. Power: 114–116 PS.

Primera (QR25DD, 2002–2007) — Be Careful: Intake valve carbon build-up from direct injection, Direct injectors become blocked. Power: 170 PS.

What to watch out for with the Nissan Primera? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Primera P12 have? +

The Nissan Primera P12 has 22 known engine weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Primera P12? +

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Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: F9Q (1.9L). The most reliable engine is the F9Q (1.9L) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the QR25DD (2.5L).

Which Nissan Primera P12 engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Nissan Primera P12. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Nissan Primera P12 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Primera P12 — rated: "Decent". {description} Strongest P12 petrol — with this the Primera actually drives like a proper mid-sizer.

Is the Nissan Primera P12 worth buying used? +

The Nissan Primera P12 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 6 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.

What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Primera P12? +

The Nissan Primera P12 is available with engine variants from 106 to 170 hp. Petrol: QR20DE (2.0L), QG16DE (1.6L), QG18DE (1.8L), QR25DD (2.5L). Diesel: F9Q (1.9L), YD22DDTi (2.2L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee