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Nissan
Navara
D22·
1997-2008
ute
Caution
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
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
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
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.
Common problems (all variants)
low
Front suspension bushes
Coil-sprung IFS bushes wear, causing knocking over bumps and vague steering.
Fix: Polyurethane or OEM bush kit replacement. Easy DIY with hand tools.
medium
Chassis rust
Chassis rails and body mounts rust on coastal examples. Dry-state better.
Fix: Inspect carefully pre-purchase. Treat dry-state examples preventively.