There are five common mechanical issues that Nissan vehicles tend to encounter: Timing chain failure, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) problems, fuel level sensor malfunctions, crank sensor failures and Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system leaks.
The good news? Most of these potential problems can be mitigated by following routine maintenance services and recognizing early warning signs. It helps that the advanced sensors and ECU modules in Nissan vehicles are designed to monitor and alert drivers to potential issues.
This information reflects what we’ve seen at Jerry after helping 800,000 drivers across the U.S. manage repairs and maintenance, combined with current shop-quote and repair-price data. To view local repair costs for your specific car, just enter your year, model and ZIP code in the Jerry app.
Real customers Jerry has helped
With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now to fix common problems with their Nissans. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need to take their Nissan to a pro.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Model & trim cheat sheet
Use the Jerry app to compare line-item quotes locally before you commit.
Quick checks for top issues (no special tools needed)
- CVT transmission problems: As you’re driving, pay close attention to any jerking motions or shuddering while you accelerate, especially from a standing stop. Also be aware if the vehicle takes longer to accelerate.
- Timing chain noise: While the engine is running at idle, listen for a high-pitched whine or a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. This is commonly the case when first starting your car.
- Crankshaft sensor failure: If you notice that the engine stops running or immediately shuts off while you’re driving, or if it’s hard to start the engine while it’s hot or has been running for a while, this may be a crankshaft or camshaft position sensor failure.
- Inaccurate fuel gauge: If you fill the fuel tank and the gauge doesn’t display a ‘full’ level, or the gauge doesn’t lower as you continue to drive, this might be a fuel tank sensor issue.
- EVAP system leaks: It’s essential to make sure to tighten the gas cap every time you put gas in the tank. If the Check Engine Light comes on after you add fuel, check the gas cap first. If the light remains, you should have a professional mechanic diagnose the root cause.
Routine maintenance service that reduces risk
While many of these Nissan-specific issues are common, following routine and recommended service intervals can reduce many of those problems. For an easy way to stay on top of a consistent repair schedule, use maintenance reminders in the Jerry app.
- CVT fluid: Nissan recommends having the CVT fluid changed every 30,000–40,000 miles. This should be done by a mechanic who is trained or certified to complete Nissan-specific CVT system maintenance. Fresh CVT fluid helps reduce hydraulic line clogs and extends the lifespan of internal components.
- Engine oil & filter: Follow the recommended engine oil and filter replacement standards based on your car’s year and model. Generally, this should be done every 5,000–7,500 miles with the correct oil type. Clean engine oil helps improve the lubrication of the internal combustion engine cylinder head and engine block parts.
- Coolant: Nissan recommends replacing or flushing your coolant every 5 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). This helps keep the engine cool and maintain consistent operating temperatures.
- Fueling habits: To reduce potential problems with the EVAP system, always make sure to tighten the gas cap until you hear a clicking sound. Also avoid ‘topping off’ the fuel tank until it spills from the gas tank.
Pro tip: If you’ve bought a previously owned Nissan, Jerry strongly suggests having a local mechanic perform all these services. While the previous owner may have stuck to routine service intervals, there is no way for you to be 100% certain.
What to ask the mechanic at the shop – and why
When you schedule repairs, routine maintenance or other Nissan services, you’ll begin the process by speaking to a service writer. Here are a few important questions you can ask them:
- Question: While you’re inspecting my car, will you scan the ECU for all error codes?
- Why it’s important: The first step of diagnosing a mechanical issue is typically to download OBD-II trouble codes from your on board computer, which will show everything that possibly could be wrong with your vehicle. It’s important to get this information so you can fix minor issues before they become major costs.
- Ask the service writer whether they need to use Nissan OEM replacement parts or if you can choose an aftermarket alternative.
- Nissans are extremely popular, so there are many aftermarket or refurbished replacement part options available. In most cases, these parts can save you up to 40% and are just as reliable as OEM parts.
- Finally, ask the service writer or mechanic to inquire about any Nissan recalls related to your repair.
- Factory recalls are sent to original vehicle owners. If you bought your car, truck or SUV pre-owned, it’s possible that there might be active recalls. Most recalls have time restrictions, but if there is an open issue, it can save you a lot of money on parts and labor.
When to stop driving and avoid bigger bills
Jerry customers know that if you hear strange noises, notice warning lights, smell burning oil or electrical parts or feel uncomfortable driving, it’s always best to pull off the road, find a safe place to park and contact a roadside service. Ignoring minor warning signs can lead to expensive repairs.
Stop driving immediately if you see:
- The Check Engine Light start to flash, especially if the engine is running rough or you notice a lack of acceleration.
- The temperature gauge is operating in the ‘red section’ or is higher than normal. Also, if you see or smell steam coming from the engine compartment.
- The oil pressure warning light is illuminated.
- You notice a brake system warning light, the brake pedal feels spongy or you hear loud, grinding noises when pressing the brakes.
If you’re using the Jerry app, you can run a quick diagnostic check to get an idea of the problem and compare local repair costs before calling for a tow.
Fast forward five years. I had bought and replaced my own clutch master and slave cylinders at 50,000 miles (much shorter than its expected longevity of 100,000 miles) and was working at a Nissan dealership when a similar 1997 Nissan Sentra came in. This car was an SE/R performance model with around 20,000 miles, but already had a slipping clutch and needed new front tires. The customer was claiming these repairs should be covered by the warranty.
When I took the car on a test drive, I noticed the slipping clutch but also the sulfur smell often associated with burning clutch discs, which meant that the entire clutch assembly needed to be replaced. As I took the front tires off, I also noticed the inner fender well was covered in burned rubber.
My conclusion was that the owner was taking their car to the local dragstrip or doing 'burnouts' frequently. This type of activity automatically voids any factory warranties. The only reason I knew this? I did it myself with my 1991 Nissan Sentra.
The key point to remember is that any Nissan warranty on powertrain components (engine, transmission and transaxle) only covers manufacturer defects or premature damage under normal driving conditions. Quick accelerations, speeding or taking your car to the racetrack unfortunately will lead to expensive repairs.
In the end, we discovered a three-bolt fender cover located behind the passenger front wheel. Once removed, it provided us with easy access to replace the water pump. Had we known this, our shop would have saved more than five labor hours. In the end, we didn’t charge those hours to the customer, but not all shops operate this ethically.
The moral of the story is that if you're going to have repairs completed for your Mazda, make sure the shop has experience working on your make and model. It can save you a lot of time and money.
What our customers are asking us
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Why does my Nissan’s transmission shudder?
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My Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light is on. Is it just the gas cap?
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Do I really have to use Nissan-branded fluids?
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Is a $2,000 quote for a timing chain replacement on my Nissan too high?
A published columnist, automotive journalist, former service writer and ASE Automobile & Light Truck Certified technician (A1 – A9 – 1996 – 2006), Tim Charlet brings nearly four decades of automotive communication experience to the team at Jerry.
Charlet has written more than 10,000 articles, blogs and technical manuals for the automotive industry. His experience working with OEM & aftermarket manufacturers, enterprise-level dealerships and private service technicians provides him with a unique perspective on how modern cars, trucks and SUVs operate and are serviced.
Additionally, his years of digital marketing content & public relations experience provide a conversational, yet easy-to-follow writing style for both professionals and general consumers.
Along with writing for Jerry, Charlet also works with multiple automotive detailing product manufacturers, creating user-friendly and eco-friendly detailing and vehicle protection liquids.
He is also the co-founder of Right2Breathe.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness for COPD, Asthma and other respiratory diseases within the automotive industries.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
