Nissan NV200 Reliability and Common Problems

If you’re running a small business, the Nissan NV200 can be a great asset. The NV200 not only costs less than its competitors, it also uses less fuel than the average commercial van. Despite having a lower payload capacity and fewer safety features, the NV200 offers generous legroom for taller drivers and easier cargo loading due to its low floor. The NV200 comes in two trims. The 2021 NV200 S costs $23,530, while the 2021 NV200 SV costs $24,580. CarEdge estimates that the NV200 will depreciate by 54% after five years. Perhaps it’s because most NV200s used for business are likely worn out by the time they’re sold. While used NV200s are available, we recommend buying one brand new to avoid any issues down the line.

Is the Nissan NV200 Reliable?

RepairPal gave the Nissan NV200 a high reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 1st out of 21 commercial vans tested. It’s estimated to have an average annual repair cost of $645 due to its low repair frequency. There are very few major issues for the NV200. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov, the 2021 model gets a combined 25 MPG in city and highway driving. If it’s anything like the 2020 model, then you can expect to spend $750 on gas yearly.

Top Nissan NV200 Problems

While the Nissan NV200 is a reliable commercial van, some models are known to have issues. Here are some of the NV200’s most commonly reported problems.

Sliding Doors Don’t Work

Sliding doors are more likely to become stuck due to their design. Dust, dirt, hair, and crumbs can accumulate in the crevices of the door’s main assembly and restrict movement. Excessive use can cause the door handle and actuator to wear out. This means commercial vans like the Nissan NV200 are prone to sliding door problems. 2018 NV200 owners have reported this exact issue to CarComplaints. Sliding doors that don’t fully open or close should be repaired because they pose a safety hazard.

Replacing sliding door components can be a slow and tedious process. Installing a new actuator, for example, would necessitate removing the clip holding the interior panel together. Just keep in mind that regular maintenance is essential for a safe and reliable van.

Air Bag Problems

Nissan has had two air bag recalls and one class-action lawsuit for the Nissan NV200. The first Nissan OCS recall, which was announced in 2014, covered certain 2013 Nissan NV200 models with faulty Occupant Classification Systems (OCS). The OCS is a safety feature developed by Nissan that uses multiple sensors to track the occupant’s weight and seating position to determine at which speed the air bag deploys. Aside from monitoring the occupant’s weight and position at all times, the OCS also monitors whether the seat belt is properly fastened. A yellow warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if the OCS detects an empty seat. According to the recall, the OCS may incorrectly classify an adult passenger as a child or classify an occupied seat as empty. As a result, the frontal air bag may not deploy in the event of a collision. The second recall, which was announced in 2016, included certain 2014, 2015, and 2016 NV200 models. 4,286,648 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles were reportedly affected by the OCS issue.  

A working air bag system is crucial to your safety. If your warning light flashes even if the front seats are occupied, you should contact your dealer right away because you may have a faulty OCS.

Clogged EVAP Systems

Nissan announced a massive warranty extension for faulty Evaporative Emissions Control Systems (EVAP) in all Nissan vehicles from 2013 to 2017. While not specifically mentioned, certain NV200 models may be included in this recall. EVAPs are designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere with the use of activated charcoal pellets in the charcoal canister. The vapors are then extracted from the canister and burned in the engine as part of its combustion cycle. There are vent tubes located between the fuel tank and canister, which can become clogged with debris. Once that happens, your NV200 may produce a strong fuel smell inside the cabin, which can cause headaches after prolonged exposure. A malfunctioning EVAP can also lead to performance problems, as the purge valve connecting to the EVAP can become stuck. The most common symptom becomes evident when refueling. You might not be able to fill up your tank due to unburned vapors taking up space inside the EVAP. 

Despite this setback, Nissan maintains that its vehicles are safe to drive and should only be taken to a dealer if EVAP problems arise. If you suspect your EVAP system is clogged, we recommend taking your Nissan NV200 to a mechanic in order to rule out any potential issues. The fumes from a bad EVAP can lead to serious health problems, so it’s important to get your unit sorted out.

Premature Tire Wear

Tire wear is common in larger vehicles, such as commercial vans. It can occur prematurely when the camber goes out of alignment, giving the tires a slanted look. Many owners have complained about premature tire wear on the 2014 Nissan NV200, but other models are just as vulnerable to tire damage and camber issues. Make sure to take note of the tread patterns on your tires when performing maintenance, as certain patterns can indicate problems with your van’s suspension. For example, a scalloped or cupped tire can be a sign of bad struts and loose ball joints.  A bad tire can make a simple drive feel uneven. You might need to order a replacement tire if your old one is beyond repair.

As previously stated, the Nissan NV200 has very few issues. Its great fuel economy, large passenger space, and cargo-friendly design make it a must-have for small to medium-scale logistics. The NV200 makes up for its lack of cargo payload and capacity with excellent reliability. Unlike full-sized commercial vans, the NV200 can easily maneuver and squeeze into small spaces due to its compact body. If you’re planning to buy one, we suggest doing some research on the best possible models to avoid unscheduled repairs in the future.

Need Nissan NV200 Parts? Get Affordable Ones Online

Faulty suspension components like struts and ball joints in your Nissan NV200 can lead to premature tire wear. Shopping for specific parts for some vehicles might seem difficult, but CarParts.com can make finding these parts easy.

CarParts.com has an intuitive vehicle selector that allows you to see a selection of parts compatible with your vehicle. We understand that quality is paramount when it comes to critical vehicle components, so we only source parts from trusted aftermarket manufacturers. Our parts have passed stringent quality control standards to ensure that they can function properly in your vehicle. Need to repair your Nissan NV200 as soon as possible? Don’t worry, as we have strategically located warehouses that allow us to ship your parts in as fast as two business days.

Get your Nissan NV200 back on the road quickly. Check out our Nissan NV200 struts and ball joints and order today!