Nissan Titan A61
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
## Nissan Titan (A61, 2016–2024)
The second-generation Titan is markedly more modern and grown-up than its predecessor. Under the hood sits the revised 5.6-liter V8 (VK56VD with VVEL, 390 hp here) — strong, torquey, good-sounding, but still thirsty. The Titan remained a niche player alongside the Detroit heavyweights in this generation too, but it scores with a long factory warranty, solid build quality and good comfort. The old cooler and severe rust problems of the first generation are largely designed out here.
The most frequently cited annoyance is the seven-speed automatic that jerks and shifts harshly — especially at low speeds and on throttle transitions. A software update or fluid change often helps; stubborn cases need more. On a test drive, watch closely for clean, jerk-free shifting. On the engine side, cracking exhaust manifolds between the last two cylinders are the classic VK56VD issue — audible as a ticking exhaust noise (the "exhaust manifold tick") that grows louder over time.
Other known points: leaking rear axle seals from differential overpressure (check for a clogged breather), an A/C compressor failure that can seize and take the belt with it, a leaking steering gear whose seals are often back-order only, and surface rust on frame weld seams. With the infotainment, the screen can freeze or respond with a lag — usually a software matter.
Buying advice: On the test drive, exercise the seven-speed automatic's shift behavior across all load ranges, and listen under the truck for the telltale manifold tick. Check the A/C compressor and steering gear for noise and leaks, and inspect the axle seals and frame weld seams. Cross-check recalls by VIN.
Bottom line: A strong, comfortable full-size truck that has shed its predecessor's worst sins. Buyers who can live with the high fuel use and the somewhat surly automatic, and who keep an eye on the manifolds and A/C compressor, get a solid, underrated pickup with a muscular V8.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan Titan A61 is available with one engine variant at 390 hp.
Direct-injection 5.6L V8 with variable valvetrain (VVEL) and around 390 to 405 hp. Commanding refinement and rich power delivery for a large naturally aspirated unit, strong both low and high in the range. The direct injection, however, demands a cleaner oil change rhythm than the older chain-driven predecessor. Weak points are wearing timing chain tensioners with rattle, an early-failing high-pressure pump, carbon deposits on the intake valves, and in isolated cases cylinder bore scoring that forces a short-block replacement. Exhaust manifolds crack, and valve stem seals harden, leading to cold-start oil consumption.
- !! Timing chain tensioner wears — rattle and chain slap from 100,000 km
The VK56VD timing chain tensioner wears over time and allows chain slack. Cold-start rattling is the first sign. If ignored, chain slap can damage guides and ultimately cause valve timing errors or catastrophic engine failure.
Symptoms: Rattling or slapping noise on cold start from the front of the engine, check engine light for cam timing codes, rough idle or poor acceleration at higher mileages - !! High-pressure fuel pump fails prematurely from 100,000 km
The direct injection high-pressure fuel pump on the VK56VD rarely exceeds 50,000–60,000 miles before failure. The pump is driven by the timing chain, so replacement should always be combined with a timing chain inspection.
Symptoms: Hard starting, rough idle, misfires under load, fuel pressure fault codes, noticeable loss of power - !! Cylinder #7 wall scuffing — short block replacement required from 110,000 km
Certain 2017–2019 VK56VD engines developed deep vertical scoring on cylinder #7 wall due to a manufacturing defect in the bore finish. Nissan issued TSB NTB19-057 requiring borescope inspection. Fix requires short block replacement (p/n 10103-EZ30A), costs often exceed $10,000 outside warranty.
Symptoms: Sharp knock or tick shortly after purchase or at low mileage, confirmed by borescope inspection of cylinder #7, excessive oil consumption
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 7-speed transmission shudder and jerky shifts The 7-speed automatic in the Titan A61 is known for shuddering and lurching, especially at low speeds. Transmission fluid changes with a shudder-fix additive often help early cases. Persistent shudder requires a TCM update or torque converter replacement. Symptoms: Shudder or vibration between 20–40 mph, truck lurches or jerks when coming to a stop, harsh upshifts or downshifts, hesitation from a standstill from 31,000 km | High | |
| Rear axle seals leak — differential vent pressure buildup The rear differential vent valve can clog, causing internal pressure to build and blow the axle seals. Differential fluid leaks from the axle shafts. Simply replacing the seals is a temporary fix — the axle shaft itself wears a groove and often needs replacement too. Symptoms: Oil puddle under the rear of the truck, differential fluid on the rear axle housing and wheels, dropping differential fluid level from 80,000 km | Medium |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Titan A61 (2016–2024) — 8 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Body, Electronics, Rust.
Titan (VK56VD, 2016–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain tensioner wears — rattle and chain slap, High-pressure fuel pump fails prematurely, Cylinder #7 wall scuffing — short block replacement required. Power: 390 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan Titan? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Titan A61 have? +
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Which Nissan Titan A61 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee