2012 Nissan Urvan

The 2012 Nissan Urvan (also known as the Nissan NV350 Caravan in some markets) is a popular cargo van known for its practicality and reliability. It was available with a few different engine options. The most common option is the 2.5L QR25DE inline-4 gasoline engine, producing around 145 horsepower and 157 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 2.0L gasoline engine and a 2.5L YD25DDTi diesel engine. Transmission options were typically a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, depending on the engine and market. Owners often praise the Urvan for its spacious cargo area, fuel efficiency (especially with the diesel engine), and relatively low running costs. Common dislikes include the basic interior, somewhat dated driving experience, and limited availability of advanced safety features.

Engine

2.5L QR25DE (Gasoline)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes. Symptoms include the low oil light illuminating and a noticeable drop in the oil level on the dipstick.
  • Solution: The solution varies depending on the cause. Some owners have found success with switching to a higher viscosity oil, while others have required piston ring replacement or even engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, illuminated check engine light (often with codes P0420 or P0430), and a sulfur-like smell from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200

2.5L YD25DDTi (Diesel)

• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, black smoke from the exhaust, reduced power, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replacement or cleaning of the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,500
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, and potentially black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Turbocharger replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears or shifts harshly. It may feel like the engine is revving but the van is not accelerating properly.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or valve body repair/replacement. In severe cases, a full transmission rebuild or replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,500+

Suspension

• Worn Shock Absorbers
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll in corners, and longer stopping distances.
  • Solution: Replacement of the shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
• Worn Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings (e.g., control arm bushings, sway bar bushings).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, battery light illuminating on the dashboard, and difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solution: Alternator replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Faulty Window Switches
  • Description/Symptoms: One or more of the power windows not functioning properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door(s), requiring excessive force. The door may also rattle while driving.
  • Solution: Adjustment of the door alignment, lubrication of the rollers and tracks, or replacement of worn rollers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement (expensive) or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+

Summary

The 2012 Nissan Urvan is a workhorse van that, while generally reliable, does have some common issues. Engine problems, such as excessive oil consumption in the gasoline engines and fuel injector issues in the diesel engines, can be costly to address. Transmission problems, particularly with the automatic transmission, can also be a significant expense. Suspension and electrical issues are relatively common and can contribute to overall maintenance costs. While some issues are minor, others can be quite severe, potentially leading to repair bills in the thousands of dollars.