2005 Nissan Tsuru

The 2005 Nissan Tsuru, a popular sedan particularly in Mexico and Latin America, is known for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. The 2005 model primarily came with a 1.6-liter inline-4 engine (GA16DE) producing around 105 horsepower and 102 lb-ft of torque. It was generally paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. A 4-speed automatic transmission was also available, but less common. Many appreciate the Tsuru for its fuel efficiency, ease of maintenance, and durable construction. Common complaints often relate to its basic features, lack of modern safety equipment, and relatively simple interior.

Engine

1.6L GA16DE Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Burning oil, blue smoke from the exhaust, requiring frequent oil top-offs. This can be caused by worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
  • Solution: Replacing the piston rings and/or valve stem seals. In severe cases, an engine rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rough Idle/Stalling
  • Description/Symptoms: Unstable idle speed, engine stalling, particularly at low speeds or when the engine is cold. This can be caused by a dirty or faulty idle air control (IAC) valve, vacuum leaks, or issues with the fuel injection system.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the IAC valve, checking for and repairing vacuum leaks, cleaning the fuel injectors, or replacing faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant level dropping, overheating, visible leaks around the water pump, hoses, or radiator.
  • Solution: Replacing worn hoses, clamps, water pump, or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Difficulty Shifting/Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, grinding noises during shifting, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gear. This can be caused by worn synchronizers, a worn clutch, or low transmission fluid.
  • Solution: Replacing worn synchronizers, replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing, or changing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, clutch pedal feels soft or unresponsive.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Worn Shocks/Struts
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during turns, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the shocks and/or struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps, poor handling, and wandering steering.
  • Solution: Replacing worn bushings in the control arms, sway bar links, and other suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Failing Alternator
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery warning light on, difficulty starting the engine, or the engine stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Starter Motor
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise when trying to start the engine, the engine not cranking, or intermittent starting issues.
  • Solution: Replacing the starter motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, gauges malfunctioning, or sensors giving false readings. This is often caused by corrosion or damage to the wiring harness.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing damaged sections of the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (depending on the extent of the damage)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on body panels, particularly in areas prone to moisture and salt exposure (e.g., wheel wells, rocker panels, undercarriage).
  • Solution: Treating or repairing rust spots. In severe cases, replacing affected body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $1000+ (depending on the severity)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Damaged Bumpers
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked bumpers due to the plastic being very brittle.
  • Solution: Replacing the bumpers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacing or repairing the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Window Regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not rolling up or down smoothly, or getting stuck. This is a common issue with older vehicles.
  • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Nissan Tsuru is a reliable vehicle, but like any car of its age, it’s prone to certain issues. Engine problems such as oil consumption and rough idling are common, as are transmission issues like difficulty shifting. Suspension wear and electrical faults can also occur. Rust can be a concern in certain climates. The cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem, but most fixes are relatively affordable compared to modern vehicles. The low initial cost and simple design of the Tsuru mean it is often cheaper to fix than other vehicles.