2004 Nissan Urvan

The 2004 Nissan Urvan, also known as the Nissan Caravan in some markets, is a versatile commercial van appreciated for its spacious cargo capacity and practicality. Engine options for this year typically include a 2.0L or 2.4L inline-4 gasoline engine, and a 2.5L or 3.0L diesel engine. Transmissions are typically a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise its reliability and functionality, while common complaints revolve around its basic features and limited comfort compared to modern vans. Fuel economy is also frequently mentioned as an area for improvement. Specific horsepower and torque figures vary depending on the exact engine variant.

Engine

2.5L Diesel Engine

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, difficulty starting, black smoke from exhaust, decreased fuel economy, and potential engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting in cold weather, white smoke from exhaust at startup, rough idling when cold.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Gasoline Engine

• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping or Delayed Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive or reverse, rough shifting.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 (fluid flush); $1500 - $3500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Out Shocks/Struts
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during turns, poor handling, increased stopping distance.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn shocks/struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, vibrations, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar bushings).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light on, difficulty starting, complete electrical failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking sound when trying to start the engine, engine not cranking, intermittent starting problems.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty starter motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the body panels, especially around wheel wells, door seams, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, or rust prevention treatment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking or binding, damaged rollers.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of sliding door rollers or hinges.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard material due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Nissan Urvan, while generally reliable, is prone to certain issues related to its age and intended use as a commercial vehicle. Common engine problems include fuel injector and glow plug failures in diesel models, and ignition coil failures in gasoline models. The automatic transmission can suffer from slipping and torque converter issues. Suspension problems often involve worn shocks, struts, and bushings. Electrical failures related to the alternator and starter motor are also reported. Rust is a common concern on the exterior, as are issues with the sliding door mechanism. Interior issues are less frequent but can involve dashboard cracking. Repair costs vary widely depending on the severity and complexity of the problem, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Overall, buyers should be aware of these potential issues and carefully inspect the vehicle before purchase, particularly focusing on rust and transmission performance.