Back to catalog
Top issues
5 known problems · 1 high
high
ZD30 piston failure ("the grenade")
3.0L ZD30 (common-rail turbo diesel)
medium
Chassis rust
All engines
medium
TD27 fuel pump wear
2.7L TD27 (NA indirect-injection diesel)
Recalls
1 on recordPRA 2015/14821
2015-07-16
Defect: Takata front passenger airbag inflator propellant wafers may absorb moisture over time and degrade.
Hazard: Critical recall category: inflator rupture in a crash may send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan dealer replaces the affected airbag inflator immediately, free of charge; owners advised to stop driving until repaired.
Affected: D22 Navara built Apr 2007-Dec 2008 (campaign R1512)
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
Check a specific car by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
At this odometer
See which of this car's known problems are due at that mileage, which should already have been dealt with, and what's coming up.
Generations
Price (AUD)
$6-20k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Spain / Thailand
Overview
Last "old-school" Navara before the D40 brought more electronics. The TD27 indirect-injection NA diesel is mechanically simple and tough but slow. The later ZD30 common-rail brought more power but with it the infamous "piston grenade" risk — boost spikes from the VGT and EGR-related hot spots crack or melt pistons 3 and 4. Many owners delete EGR, fit Dawes valves, intercoolers, EGT gauges to manage the risk, or engine-swap entirely (4M40 or 4JJ1).
Engines & variants
2.7L TD27 (NA indirect-injection diesel)
Engine
IDI NA diesel
Engine code
Config
I4
Displacement
2.7L
Power
74kW
Torque
200Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~17s
Economy
~10-11 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven, 100,000km / 5-year
Pros
- Mechanically simple — no electronics
- Bulletproof bottom end
- Easy DIY work
- No DPF, no EGR drama
- Cheap to buy
Cons
- Slow — 74kW NA
- Thirsty for the power output
- Auto trans not strong
- Original injection pumps tired
Known problems
medium
TD27 fuel pump wear
Mechanical injection pump wears with age — hard starts, smoke, power loss.
Fix: Pump rebuild by diesel specialist. Use lubricity additive (2-stroke oil 200:1) to extend pump life.
low
IDI injector tip carbon
Injector tips foul over time. Smoky, rough running.
Fix: Injector service or replacement.
3.0L ZD30 (common-rail turbo diesel)
Engine
Common-rail turbo diesel
Engine code
ZD30
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
3.0L
Power
100-110kW
Torque
300-354Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~13s
Economy
~9-10 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500-3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 150,000km
Pros
- Stronger than TD27
- Common-rail efficiency
- Plenty available on the used market
- Cheap entry into 4WD ute ownership
Cons
- Piston grenade risk is real and well-documented
- EGR-related hot spots crack pistons 3 and 4
- Many examples already had engine swaps or risky boost mods
- Resale poor due to the reputation
Known problems (unverified)
high
ZD30 piston failure ("the grenade")
The ZD30 has a notorious reputation for melting or cracking pistons (typically #3 or #4) due to boost spikes from the variable vane turbo and EGR-related hot spots. Catastrophic when it happens.
Fix: Install boost controller and Dawes valve, fit larger intercooler, EGR delete, EGT gauge mandatory. Many owners swap to 4M40 or 4JJ1.