Think your Nissan is running perfectly? It might be. But there’s a good chance certain parts are wearing out faster than you realise.
No matter the model, all cars have common failure points. With Nissan, some issues show up more often than others. And knowing what to expect can make a big difference when it comes to catching problems early and saving on repairs.
Here’s what tends to go wrong the most, and which parts are usually involved.
1. Transmission Problems in CVT Models
Many Nissan vehicles use a Continuously Variable Transmission. It’s built to deliver smoother driving and better fuel efficiency. Over time, though, these systems can become one of the most expensive headaches.
Drivers often notice the transmission slipping, hesitating, or shuddering when accelerating. These are early warning signs that something’s off inside the unit. In most cases, it comes down to internal parts wearing out or fluid issues causing heat buildup.
When ignored, it can lead to total failure, and a full replacement is rarely cheap. However, you certainly cannot afford to cut corners, as that will cost you even more in the long run. Quality Nissan car parts Perth are always a must.
2. Timing Chain Noise or Failure
Unlike timing belts, chains are meant to last the life of the engine. But that doesn’t mean they actually do.
In many Nissan engines, the timing chain becomes noisy after years of use. You might hear a rattling sound when starting the car or during idle. It’s not just annoying — it usually means the chain is loose, or the tensioner isn’t working properly.
Delayed oil changes can speed up this kind of wear. If the chain skips a tooth or breaks entirely, the engine could be destroyed. Replacing it early is far cheaper than waiting until it fails.
3. Suspension Component Wear
Suspension issues are especially common as Nissans age. The ride may start to feel rough. You might hear knocking sounds over bumps or notice the car pulling slightly to one side.
Most of the time, this comes down to worn-out rubber parts, degraded shocks, or loose joints. Some models are more prone to these problems than others, but in general, high kilometres and harsh roads speed things up.
Here’s where issues tend to show up the most:
● Control arm bushings – These soften and crack, leading to vibration and poor alignment.
● Ball joints – Loose joints can make clunking noises and affect steering.
● Struts and shocks – Once worn, they reduce ride quality and increase tyre wear.
● Sway bar links – Failures here often cause noise when cornering.
● Strut mounts – A common source of creaking or popping sounds at the front end.
Most drivers put off suspension repairs because they happen gradually. But once fixed, the difference in handling and comfort is usually immediate.
4. Faulty Ignition Components
Engine misfires are more common than you’d think, especially in high-mileage Nissans. One of the main causes is ageing ignition parts.
When ignition coils start breaking down, they can’t deliver the spark needed to fire the cylinders correctly. This can lead to rough idling, hesitation when accelerating, and poor fuel economy. Spark plugs also degrade over time, and in many cases, fuel injectors are part of the problem too.
Sometimes all these components wear out at once, especially if regular maintenance has been skipped.
The most common signs include:
● Engine stuttering during acceleration
● Loss of power at highway speeds
● A check engine light with codes related to misfires
● Poor fuel economy with no other clear cause
● Difficulty starting the engine on cold mornings
Replacing all affected components at once is usually more effective than doing them one at a time, especially if the car has gone beyond 150,000 km.
5. Airflow Sensor and Intake Issues
The mass airflow sensor is a small part with a big job. It monitors the air entering your engine so the ECU can adjust fuel levels accordingly. When it starts to fail, the entire system gets thrown out of balance.
Drivers often report sluggish acceleration, rough idling, or a sudden drop in fuel economy. Dirty sensors are a frequent cause, especially when paired with an old or clogged air filter.
Over time, the sensor itself may become faulty and require replacement. If left too long, it can affect the catalytic converter or trigger a cascade of other engine issues.
Cleaning sometimes helps, but by the time symptoms appear, replacement is often the better long-term solution.
6. Brake System Wear
Brakes don’t last forever, but some Nissan models go through them quicker than expected. You might start hearing squeaking or grinding sounds, or notice the pedal feels soft or spongy.
These are signs of wear in the braking system, and it’s not always just the pads.
Depending on the driving environment and habits, you may also see issues in:
● Brake pads – Softer materials wear faster, especially in stop-start traffic.
● Rotors – Warping causes vibrations and uneven braking.
● Callipers – Sticking callipers lead to dragging brakes and overheating.
● Brake fluid – Old or contaminated fluid reduces braking power.
● Brake hoses – Cracks and leaks develop with age, especially in harsh climates.
Delaying brake repairs risks not only more expensive parts down the track but also serious safety concerns. It’s one of those systems where early attention really matters.
What to Expect as the Kilometres Add Up
Cars don’t just stop working out of the blue. Parts wear out in patterns, and once you know which ones to watch, the entire ownership experience becomes less stressful.
With Nissan, the usual suspects are clear. Transmission trouble, timing chains, suspension parts, sensors, ignition components, and brakes make up the majority of workshop visits. None of these issues are unique to Nissan, but some models are more prone than others.
Keep your ear out. Stick to a maintenance routine. And when symptoms appear, don’t wait. Acting early can mean the difference between a $200 repair and a $2,000 replacement.