REDLINE ALLEYNissan Frontier D40 (2005 to 2021): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers
The Nissan Frontier D40 was built from 2005 to 2021 as a ute, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive or four wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis code: D40. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.
Key facts
- Years
- 2005 to 2021
- Chassis codes
- D40
- Body types
- Ute
- Gearboxes
- Manual, Automatic
- Drive
- RWD (rear wheel drive), 4WD (four wheel drive)
- Fuel
- Petrol, Diesel
On NZ roads
Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.
Known weak points
Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Nissan Navara D40 (2005 to 2015). Not every car has these; check this one.
2.5 diesel timing chain
Timing chain rattle is reported on the 2.5 turbo diesel, from as early as 50,000 km and more often around 160,000 km. Left alone it can fail and badly damage the engine.
- Where to look
- The front of the 2.5 diesel engine, and the oil condition
- How to test
- Listen at the front of the engine on a cold start and at idle for a rattle. Check the oil is clean and ask whether the chain has been replaced.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost timing chain job, or engine damage if it fails
Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab), carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab)
Clutch and dual mass flywheel
Clutches on manuals are an issue, some replaced under 50,000 km, and a slipping clutch can quickly distort the dual mass flywheel.
- Where to look
- The clutch pedal and the flywheel between engine and gearbox
- How to test
- From cold, check gears select cleanly, and pull away up a slope to feel for slip or shudder. Ask whether the flywheel has been replaced.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost clutch and dual mass flywheel together
Sources: carsguide.com.au (opens in a new tab), unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)
Auto transmission cooler and reverse
The transmission cooler inside the radiator is weak and can break, letting fluid mix and kill the transmission computer, and a clip inside the gearbox can break and lose reverse.
- Where to look
- The radiator, the transmission fluid and reverse gear
- How to test
- Check reverse engages promptly. Look at the coolant for a pink milky tinge and ask whether the radiator has been replaced.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- High cost transmission repair or replacement
Radiator bottom tank and driveshaft
The radiator bottom tank sits below the front crossmember and the aluminium driveshaft can be flattened on rocks.
- Where to look
- The base of the radiator and the driveshaft under the ute
- How to test
- Look underneath with a torch for damage to the radiator tank and dents in the driveshaft.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- Medium cost radiator or driveshaft
Front CV joints and underbody
The on road focused independent front suspension can wear out CV joints when used hard off road, and few bash plates were fitted.
- Where to look
- The front CV boots and joints, floor pans and sills
- How to test
- Listen for clicking on full lock and look for split boots and damage underneath.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- Medium cost CV joints and panel repairs
Recalls
Recalls covered the lower steering shaft, rear wheel bearings, the bonnet latch, ST-X alloy wheels from 2005 to 2008, and genuine towbars on 2005 to 2010 utes that could crack the chassis rails.
- Where to look
- The recall record for the VIN, and the chassis rails at the towbar
- How to test
- Ask a Nissan dealer to check the VIN, and look at the rear chassis rails round the towbar mounts for cracks.
- Cost if it needs fixing
- Low cost recall work is free at a Nissan dealer
General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.
What the cost bands mean
- Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
- Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
- High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.
Questions to ask the seller
- Is it the 2.5 diesel, 3.0 V6 diesel or 4.0 petrol, and manual or auto?
- Has the timing chain been replaced, and at what km?
- Has the clutch or flywheel been replaced?
- Have the towbar and other recalls been done?
- Was it built in Spain or Thailand?
US recalls
Looking up US recall data.
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