Nissan Pulsar
1.6L DIG-T turbocharged engine with direct injection. Powerful and rev-happy, but sensitive to poor maintenance.
190 hp DIG-T: best Pulsar engine
With the turbo petrol the Pulsar finally becomes a compact with bite — fun in Golf territory.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The timing chain is considered the most critical weak point of the MR16DDT. Nissan has carried out several revisions (5th generation is more robust). Chain break at around 77,000 km led to recalls in the USA and Canada.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start and under load, engine fluctuations on load changes, check engine light.
The MHI TF035HL turbocharger in the MR16DDT is sensitive to deposits in the exhaust manifold, defective crankcase ventilation, and faulty solenoid valves. Premature bearing wear is possible.
Symptoms: Whistling or whining noises from the turbocharger, power loss, blue smoke, limp mode.
The MR16DDT direct injection system operates at up to 270 MPa. The fuel pump can fail within the warranty period. Injectors are prone to coking and blockage.
Symptoms: Power loss and limp mode on pump failure. Misfiring and increased consumption from injector coking. Check engine light.
Certain production batches of the MR16DDT have piston ring defects causing elevated oil consumption. This also promotes timing chain stretch through falling oil pressure.
Symptoms: Heavy oil consumption (over 0.5 l/1,000 km), blue smoke from exhaust, oil level dropping before change interval.
Reports & Tests
1387 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2014–2018). Most reported: Powertrain (591), Engine (245), Other (225).