2004 Nissan Urvan

2004 Nissan Urvan

Overview

The 2004 Nissan Urvan, a versatile light commercial vehicle, was designed for utility and durability. It offered a range of powertrain options to suit various commercial needs, from local deliveries to longer hauls. While generally considered a robust workhorse, like any vehicle of its age, certain components and systems have shown tendencies for specific issues over time. This analysis focuses on documented reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for owners and prospective buyers of this generation Urvan.

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Engine

2.7L TD27 Diesel

Glow Plug Failure

• Symptoms: Difficulty starting in cold weather, rough idling.
• Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plugs.
• Cost: $150 - $300

Head Gasket Failure

• Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
• Solution: Replacement of head gasket and associated seals.
• Cost: $800 - $1500

3.2L QD32 Diesel

Injector Pump Issues

• Symptoms: Rough running, loss of power, black smoke, starting problems.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the fuel injection pump.
• Cost: $600 - $1200

Turbocharger Failure

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises, excessive smoke, oil leaks.
• Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
• Cost: $1000 - $2000

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

Clutch Wear

• Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises.
• Solution: Replacement of clutch kit (disc, pressure plate, release bearing).
• Cost: $500 - $900

Synchronizer Ring Wear

• Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting into certain gears, difficulty engaging gears.
• Solution: Transmission disassembly and replacement of worn synchronizer rings.
• Cost: $800 - $1600

4-Speed Automatic

Torque Converter Issues

• Symptoms: Slipping, shuddering, delayed engagement, overheating transmission fluid.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of the torque converter.
• Cost: $700 - $1300

Valve Body Problems

• Symptoms: Erratic shifting, harsh shifts, transmission not engaging gears.
• Solution: Cleaning, repair, or replacement of the valve body.
• Cost: $500 - $1000

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Leaf Spring Fatigue

• Symptoms: Sagging rear end, reduced load capacity, harsh ride.
• Solution: Replacement of worn or broken leaf springs.
• Cost: $400 - $800

Ball Joint Wear

• Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, uneven tire wear, steering looseness.
• Solution: Replacement of worn ball joints.
• Cost: $200 - $400

Electrical

General Electrical System

Alternator Failure

• Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light illuminated, dead battery.
• Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
• Cost: $300 - $600

Wiring Harness Corrosion

• Symptoms: Intermittent electrical faults, non-functioning accessories, dashboard warning lights.
• Solution: Inspection, cleaning, and repair or replacement of corroded wiring sections.
• Cost: $200 - $500

Exterior

Body Panels and Seals

Rusting

• Symptoms: Visible rust on body panels, wheel arches, and undercarriage.
• Solution: Rust treatment, panel repair, or replacement.
• Cost: $300 - $1500+

Door Seal Deterioration

• Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin, wind noise.
• Solution: Replacement of door seals.
• Cost: $100 - $250

Interior

Cabin Components

HVAC Blower Motor Failure

• Symptoms: No airflow from vents, or intermittent airflow.
• Solution: Replacement of the blower motor.
• Cost: $150 - $300

Seat Upholstery Wear

• Symptoms: Torn or worn seat fabric/vinyl.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of seat covers.
• Cost: $100 - $400

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Summary Verdict

The 2004 Nissan Urvan is a workhorse vehicle that, with proper maintenance, can offer reliable service. The primary areas of concern tend to be the diesel engines, particularly with issues related to the fuel system and turbochargers, and the transmission, where clutch wear and internal component wear are common. Suspension components like leaf springs and ball joints can also require attention due to the vehicle’s utility nature. Electrical issues, such as alternator failure, and exterior rust are also points to consider. Overall, while not immune to problems, most issues are addressable with standard mechanical repairs.