2003 Nissan Urvan
The 2003 Nissan Urvan is a versatile van primarily used for commercial purposes and passenger transport. It was available with various engine options, including diesel and gasoline engines. While horsepower and torque figures vary depending on the specific engine, a common engine option was a 2.5L diesel engine. Owners often appreciate its reliability and spaciousness. However, common complaints include issues related to its age, such as rust and worn-out components.
Engine
2.5L Diesel
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, rough idling, black smoke from exhaust, decreased fuel economy.
- Solution: Replace faulty fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke, whining noise from the engine bay.
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Glow Plug Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, excessive white smoke on startup.
- Solution: Replace faulty glow plugs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
Gasoline Engine (Specific Displacement Not Provided)
- Ignition Coil Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illuminated.
- Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Catalytic Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, check engine light illuminated (catalyst efficiency code), rattling noise from underneath the vehicle.
- Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Automatic Transmission (Specific Type Not Provided)
- Slipping Gears
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, especially during acceleration or when climbing hills.
- Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change). If the problem persists, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250 (service), $1500 - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifting between gears.
- Solution: Check transmission fluid level and condition. Replace fluid and filter. If the issue persists, valve body repair or replacement may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250 (service), $500 - $1500 (valve body)
- Recalls: None Found
Manual Transmission (Specific Type Not Provided)
- Clutch Slippage
- Description/Symptoms: Engine revs high during acceleration without a corresponding increase in speed, difficulty shifting gears.
- Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and potentially the flywheel.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Difficulty Shifting into Gear
- Description/Symptoms: Resistance or grinding when attempting to shift into gear, especially first or reverse.
- Solution: Check and adjust clutch cable (if applicable), inspect shifter linkages, replace worn synchros.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (adjustments/linkages), $500 - $1500+ (synchros)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Shocks and Struts
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during turns, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn shocks and struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps, vague steering.
- Solution: Replace worn bushings (control arm bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light illuminated, difficulty starting, dead battery.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise when attempting to start, engine fails to crank.
- Solution: Replace the starter motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Wiring Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, gauges malfunctioning, or the engine stalling.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair damaged or corroded wiring harnesses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on body panels, particularly around wheel wells, door seams, and undercarriage.
- Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, apply rust inhibitor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the severity)
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Door handles break easily, making it difficult to open the doors.
- Solution: Replace broken door handles.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 per handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracks
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
- Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner begins to sag and detach from the roof of the vehicle.
- Solution: Replace or repair the headliner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2003 Nissan Urvan, while generally reliable, faces common issues related to its age. Engine issues with both diesel and gasoline options can range from fuel injector problems to ignition coil failures, with repair costs varying significantly. Transmission issues include slipping gears and rough shifting, which may require anything from a fluid change to a complete rebuild. Suspension problems, like worn shocks and bushings, affect ride quality and handling. Electrical failures involving the alternator and starter motor are also common. Exterior issues, especially rust, are prevalent, while interior problems include dashboard cracks and sagging headliners. The severity of these issues ranges from minor repairs costing a few hundred dollars to major overhauls exceeding several thousand dollars.