Nissan Trouble Codes and Known Issues

Nissan sells in huge numbers with the Versa, Sentra, Altima, Rogue (X-Trail) and the Frontier (NP300). Its QR, HR and MR series gasoline engines are simple, but the brand has used CVT automatic transmissions for years, and they account for many of the questions.

Most searched models: Sentra, Altima, Versa, Rogue / X-Trail, Frontier / NP300, Kicks, Pathfinder, March and Tsuru.

Common problems on Nissan vehicles

• Crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on early-2000s QR25 engines (Sentra, Altima, X-Trail).
• CVT transmissions: fluid overheating, pressure solenoids and shudder on acceleration.
• Pre-catalyst in the exhaust manifold on some QR25 engines, which breaks down.
• Dirty idle air valve and throttle body on the Tsuru and Sentra.

Tips for diagnosing a Nissan

• After disconnecting the battery or cleaning the throttle body, many Nissans need the idle air volume relearn; without it, the engine idles poorly.
• On CVTs, use only the NS-2 or NS-3 fluid specified in the manual and check its temperature with a scan tool.
• Nissan CVTs keep a fluid deterioration counter that a scan tool can read.

Do you have several codes at once? Use the free multi-code diagnosis for Nissan: it sorts the codes by priority and shows these make-specific notes. Below are the codes with documented quirks on Nissan vehicles.

Make notes are a guide based on well-known common failures. Always confirm with the manufacturer's documentation for your engine and model year.