Nissan

Dualis J10 inspection checklist

2007-2013 · 8 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highTakata passenger airbag recall

Look for: J10 Dualis models were caught up in the compulsory Takata airbag recall - degraded propellant can cause the inflator to rupture and fire metal fragments into the cabin in a crash. This is a do-not-ignore safety recall.

If you find it: Check the VIN on the Nissan Australia recall / Product Safety Australia site and confirm the Takata airbag inflator has been replaced before buying or driving.

Any · Recall (free)

mediumElectric power steering faults

Look for: The electric power steering can develop faults - intermittent loss of assistance, a heavy wheel, warning lights or noise - traced to the steering column/EPS motor or its wiring on some cars.

If you find it: Diagnose the EPS column/motor and connections; replace the column assembly if faulty. Confirm steering assists smoothly at all speeds on inspection.

Any · ~$300-2000

2.0L MR20DE petrol

highXtronic CVT judder, whine and failure

Look for: The Jatco-built Xtronic CVT is the defining Dualis problem: owners report a constant shudder at 50-70km/h, whining/droning that worsens with age, hesitant or surging take-up, and outright failure. Nissan marketed the fluid as 'sealed for life', so many cars never had a fluid change and the unit cooked itself. Replacement is whole-unit (no part-repair) and very expensive relative to the car's value.

If you find it: Insist on documented CVT-fluid changes (around every 60,000km despite 'sealed' claims) and a healthy fluid colour; test for shudder/whine on a flat road and under load; budget for a replacement unit if history is unknown - or buy the six-speed manual.

Any (judder); 100k-160k km (failure) · ~$300-1500 (fluid/repair) to $5000-8000 (replacement unit)

mediumOil consumption (piston rings) at high km

Look for: The MR20DE is documented for rising oil consumption as it ages - some engines use well over a litre per 1000km once the rings/oil-control are worn past ~140-150k km, with blue smoke on start-up or under load.

If you find it: Check the dipstick and watch for exhaust smoke before buying; monitor and top up between services; severe cases need a ring/piston job. Strict oil-change discipline slows it.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-3000

mediumTiming-chain tensioner wear and chain stretch

Look for: The chain tensioner can fail and the chain stretch on higher-km MR20DE engines, giving a rattle on start-up or under load, a CEL for cam/crank correlation, and lost power. Left alone a badly stretched chain risks valve contact.

If you find it: Listen for a cold-start chain rattle; replace the chain, guides and tensioner as a kit if stretched; keep to clean oil and intervals to prolong chain life.

From 100k-150k km · ~$800-2500

1.6L R9M dCi turbo-diesel (TS)

highDPF clogging and EGR / intake carbon fouling

Look for: Short urban trips stop the DPF completing regenerations, leading to a clogged filter, repeated forced regens, EGR and intake-manifold soot, limp mode and warning lights. The 1.6 R9M is a small, busy diesel that does not suit short-trip-only use.

If you find it: Do regular 20-30 minute highway runs so the DPF can regenerate; clean the EGR and intake if coked; budget for a DPF on a neglected town car. Avoid this engine for short-trip-only duty.

Any (worse on short trips) · ~$300-2500+ (new DPF $1500-3000)

highR9M timing-chain and oil-pump / lubrication issues

Look for: The Renault-Nissan R9M diesel has a documented history of timing-chain wear and oil-pump/oil-feed problems that can starve the top end and, in bad cases, lead to serious engine damage. A chain rattle or low oil pressure warning must be taken seriously.

If you find it: Insist on full diesel service history and correct-spec oil at short intervals; investigate any chain rattle or oil-pressure light immediately; have a diesel specialist inspect before purchase.

From 80k+ km · ~$1500-5000

mediumTurbo and injector wear

Look for: Like most small common-rail diesels, the R9M can suffer turbo wear (boost faults, whine, smoke) and injector issues at higher km, giving rough running, lost power or limp mode.

If you find it: Check for boost faults, smoke and rough running on a test drive; replace the turbo or affected injectors as needed; confirm clean fuel and full service history.

From 120k+ km · ~$1200-4000

4 minor things (low severity)

lowBrake squeal and front suspension noise

Look for: Owners report brake squeal/groan and clunks or knocks from the front suspension over bumps as bushes, links and strut mounts wear - common niggles on an ageing crossover.

If you find it: Anti-squeal shims and pad/rotor service for the brakes; replace worn control-arm bushes, sway-bar links or strut mounts and re-align.

From 60k+ km · ~$200-900

lowPanoramic glass roof leaks and rattles

Look for: Cars fitted with the large fixed/panoramic glass roof can suffer water leaks (blocked sunroof/roof drains) and wind or trim rattles, leading to damp carpets and musty smells if ignored.

If you find it: Clear the roof drain tubes, re-seal as needed and check for water staining in the headlining and footwells before buying a glass-roof car.

Any · ~$150-1200

lowReversing camera / electrical and infotainment glitches

Look for: Older units can show reversing-camera dropouts, display and audio glitches, central-locking quirks and assorted minor electrical faults as the loom and modules age.

If you find it: Check all electrics on inspection (camera, locking, screen, windows); many issues are cheap connector/fuse or module fixes rather than major faults.

Any · ~$0-800

lowCoil pack / ignition misfire

Look for: Individual ignition coils can fail with age, causing a misfire, rough idle, flashing CEL and lost power - a common, cheap MR20DE niggle.

If you find it: Diagnose the misfiring cylinder and replace the faulty coil (and plug); replacing all four coils is reasonable preventative work at high km.

From 80k+ km · ~$80-500

From FlamingCars' Nissan Dualis guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.