Nissan Patrol Common Problems

The Patrol is Nissan's full-size 4WD, and two generations make up most of the used market. The GU (Y61) wagon and cab chassis sold from 1997 to 2016 with a solid front axle, a choice of the 2.8 litre RD28ETi diesel (early cars), the 3.0 litre ZD30DDTi four-cylinder turbo-diesel (from 1999, common-rail from 2007), 4.2 litre TD42 six-cylinder diesels (manual only) and 4.5 and 4.8 litre petrol sixes, with 5-speed manuals and 4-speed or 5-speed autos. The Y62 arrived in 2013 as a petrol-only wagon with the 5.6 litre VK56 V8 and a 7-speed automatic, in ST-L (early cars), Ti and Ti-L trims and later the Warrior. The chassis and driveline are tough; the ZD30 diesel is the weak link of the GU, and the Y62 is mechanically strong but thirsty.

Piston failure (3.0L ZD30DDTi, mainly 2000 to 2007)

The ZD30's best-known fault is cracked or holed pistons, which ends in a full rebuild. Engines built from 2000 to 2005 have the worst record. The causes put forward are EGR restrictions that give the cylinders uneven mixtures, oil from the crankcase breather fouling the airflow sensor so the engine runs lean, and slow boost control that lets boost spike far above normal. Overheating on hard off-road work is another common report. The common-rail engine from 2007 has far fewer reports, though it is not immune. Warning signs are oil use, smoke, heavy blow-by from the oil filler and rising temperatures under load. A rebuild or replacement engine costs well into the thousands, roughly $7,000 to $12,000 or more.

Injector pump and head gasket failures (2.8L RD28ETi, 1997 to 2000)

Early GUs with the 2.8 litre six-cylinder diesel are known for fuel injection pump failures and blown head gaskets. The engine is also slow, with plenty of turbo lag, and uses a timing belt that must be changed on schedule. Most surviving RD28s are now very high-kilometre, so treat any one as needing a specialist check before purchase. Pump or head work is roughly a $2,000 to $5,000 job.

Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear (3.0L ZD30 manual, about 2007 to 2016)

At least one owner of a later manual ZD30 Patrol has reported short clutch life, which a motoring expert linked to the dual-mass flywheel, and in that case Nissan treated it as wear and tear rather than a warranty fault. Some owners fit a solid flywheel and heavy-duty clutch when the time comes. Signs are slip under load, judder pulling away and a rattle at idle that stops when the clutch pedal is pressed. A clutch and flywheel job is roughly $2,000 to $3,500.

Paint flaking (Y62 Series 4 and 5, about 2017 to 2021)

A number of Y62 owners report paint chipping and flaking off panels within a few years, in some cases leading to rust on doors. The cause put forward is a water-based paint that did not bond well to the primer. Nissan resprayed some affected cars under warranty, while other owners say claims were rejected as stone or external damage. Later Series 5 cars from 2021 are reported to be free of the problem. A full respray is a major cost, so check every panel closely.

Heavy brake and tyre wear (Y62 5.6L V8, 2013 to 2024)

At around 2.7 tonnes before passengers or a van, the Y62 goes through brake pads, rotors and tyres faster than most cars. Some owners report original tyres wearing out early, and a few mention spongy brake feel. This is wear rather than a defect, but a car due for rotors, pads and four tyres can need roughly $2,500 to $4,000 spent straight away. Electrical gremlins such as traction control warnings on early cars, headlight condensation and infotainment faults are also reported.

Recalls and safety

Many GU Patrols were recalled for Takata passenger airbag inflators, including cars that had already been given a like-for-like Takata replacement, so the inflator needs checking on any GU from the 2000s and on 2013 to 2016 builds. Other GU recalls covered an accelerator pedal sensor that could put the engine into limp mode on cars sold from mid 2006 to mid 2013, and steering and brake pedal parts on early builds. Y62 recalls include a fuel pressure sensor that could leak on 2013 to 2014 cars and a fuel pump module that could stall the engine on 2019 to 2020 cars. Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Nissan Patrol? What to check

• ZD30 history: Ask whether the engine has been rebuilt, by whom and with what pistons, and look for receipts, boost or temperature gauges and a catch can.
• Blow-by and smoke: With the engine warm and idling, remove the oil filler cap and look for heavy fumes, and watch the exhaust for smoke under load.
• Cooling: Watch the temperature gauge on a long climb or after a hard drive, and check the coolant is clean and full.
• Clutch: On a manual, check for slip in a high gear, judder pulling away and a rattle at idle that goes away with the pedal down.
• 4WD system: Select 4H and 4L, check the front hubs lock and stay locked, and look for oil leaks at the front swivel hubs and diffs.
• Manual gearbox: Listen for whine or crunching on quick downchanges and make sure fifth gear holds, since some early GUs lost fifth gear.
• Underbody: On a hoist, check the chassis, spring mounts, sills and bash plates for cracks, dents, rust and beach use, and look for a cracked dash top.
• Y62 paint: Look along the bonnet, roof, door edges and tailgate for chips and flaking, and ask whether the car has had a warranty respray.
• Y62 suspension and brakes: On a Ti or Ti-L with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, check for fluid weeping and even ride height, and feel for brake judder.

Run a PPSR check before you buy, and follow our Nissan Patrol buying checklist for the full inspection.

The verdict

For a GU, the 4.2 litre TD42 diesel (manual only) and the 4.8 litre petrol six are the safest engines. A common-rail ZD30 from 2007 on is a reasonable buy with full history; treat a 2000 to 2005 ZD30 as a gamble unless it has a documented rebuild. Approach early RD28 cars with caution. For a Y62, a car with a full service record is generally mechanically sound, and a Series 5 from 2021 is reported to avoid the paint trouble. Budget for fuel, brakes and tyres either way.