2018 Nissan NV350 Urvan
Introduction
The 2018 Nissan NV350 Urvan, a full-size van designed for commercial and personal use, is offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine producing 136 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Other engine options include a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 261 horsepower and 241 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.5-liter inline-4 diesel engine producing 129 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The NV350 Urvan is praised for its spacious interior, versatile seating arrangements, and robust powertrain, but some users have encountered various issues.
Engine
2.5-liter Inline-4 Gasoline Engine (MR20DD)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the timing chain tensioner can lead to a stretched or broken timing chain, resulting in engine damage. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, difficulty starting, and a loss of power.
- Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner and timing chain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive carbon buildup on the intake valves can restrict airflow and reduce engine performance. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, misfiring, and rough idling.
- Solution: Removal of the intake manifold and cleaning of the intake valves.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.5-liter V6 Gasoline Engine (VQ35DE)
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption can be caused by worn piston rings or valve guides. Symptoms include a decrease in engine oil level, a burning oil smell, and reduced engine performance.
- Solution: Replace worn piston rings, valve guides, or the entire engine in severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: A leaking intake manifold gasket can cause a loss of engine vacuum, leading to reduced engine performance and poor fuel economy. Symptoms include rough idling, a stalling engine, and a hissing noise from the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5-liter Inline-4 Diesel Engine (YD25)
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A faulty turbocharger can restrict exhaust flow and reduce engine power. Symptoms include a lack of boost, reduced acceleration, and increased fuel consumption.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- EGR Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A malfunctioning exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve can cause reduced engine power, increased emissions, and decreased fuel economy. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the EGR valve, a smoky exhaust, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the EGR valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
Five-Speed Manual Transmission (NS1/NS2)
- Synchronizer Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn synchronizers can make it difficult to shift gears, resulting in grinding noises and a lack of shifting smoothness.
- Solution: Replacement of worn synchronizers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Five-Speed Automatic Transmission (RE5R05A)
- Transmission Fluid Leak
- Description/Symptoms: A leak in the transmission case or cooler lines can cause a loss of transmission fluid, leading to overheating and reduced performance. Symptoms include a slipping transmission, a delayed engagement, and a burning smell.
- Solution: Repair of the leak and replacement of transmission fluid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Body Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A faulty valve body can cause shifting problems, such as delayed shifts, hard shifts, and a lack of response.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Front Strut Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Premature wear of the front struts can lead to decreased ride comfort, reduced handling, and a loss of stability. Symptoms include a clunking noise from the suspension, a bumpy ride, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of front struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per strut
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A faulty alternator can cause a lack of charging to the battery, resulting in a dead battery and electrical system failure. Symptoms include dim headlights, a flickering dashboard, and difficulty starting the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: An excessive parasitic battery drain can discharge the battery, leading to difficulty starting the engine. Symptoms include a dead battery after a long period of inactivity and a loss of electrical power when parked.
- Solution: Identifying and fixing the source of the battery drain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctioning door handles can make it difficult to open or close the doors. Symptoms include a loose or broken handle, a lack of response, and a stuck door.
- Solution: Replacement of the door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Upholstery Tearing
- Description/Symptoms: The seat upholstery may tear or wear prematurely, especially on high-use seats.
- Solution: Replacement of the seat upholstery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per seat
- Recalls: None Found
- Plastic Trim Rattling
- Description/Symptoms: Loose or ill-fitting plastic trim pieces may rattle or squeak, creating unwanted noise inside the cabin.
- Solution: Tightening or replacing loose trim pieces.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the issue
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 Nissan NV350 Urvan has received mixed reviews, with some owners experiencing significant engine, transmission, and suspension issues, while others have reported a reliable and trouble-free experience. The severity and cost of potential repairs can vary widely depending on the issue encountered. It’s recommended to thoroughly research potential problems and consider extended warranty coverage to protect against costly repairs.