Nissan Serena problems

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The Nissan Serena (Japanese: 日産・セレナ, Hepburn: Nissan Serena) is a minivan manufactured by Nissan, joining the slightly larger Vanette. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as a compact passenger van, and it grew larger with each generation over the years. Earlier versions were front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a live axle mounted on leaf springs.

Later versions had a multilink independent rear suspension, and were front-wheel drive or 4WD. The most popular version was the 2.3 L diesel engine version and it was unusual in that it had eight seats instead of the expected seven.

It slots below the larger Nissan Elgrand in Japan as a smaller, cheaper alternative; its name is from the Latin word "serēnus", meaning "clear, tranquil, pleasant". It offers a minivan approach in comparison to the Nissan Lafesta which is an MPV. Competitors include the Toyota Noah, the Honda Stepwgn, the Mitsubishi Delica, and formerly, the Mazda Biante.

The Serena is designed to comply with Japanese vehicle class, which means its external dimensions are restricted to 4.7 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width.

The Serena was rebadged and marketed by Suzuki as the Suzuki Landy (Japanese: スズキ・ランディ, Hepburn: Suzuki Randi) between 2007 and 2022. The Serena based Landy was discontinued and replaced by an all-new version that is now based on the Toyota Noah starting in 2022, when the fourth generation Noah was released.

Like the larger Elgrand, a tuned, modified version of the Serena is available by Autech.

photo of Nissan Serena car production

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Nissan Serena model years

nissan serena 2001 photo
Serena 2001
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Common Nissan Serena problems

Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, here are some common problems reported by owners of Nissan Serena cars:

  1. Transmission Issues:
    • Symptoms: Slipping gears, difficulty shifting.
    • Affected Models: Various generations including C23, C24, C25, NC25, CC25, PC25, C26, CC26, NC26, C27, NC27.
    • Details: Owners have experienced problems with the transmission, such as slipping or failure to engage properly, across different model years. This issue can lead to rough shifting and transmission failure.
  2. Electrical Problems:
    • Symptoms: Malfunctioning power windows, locks.
    • Affected Models: C23, C24, C25, NC25, CC25, PC25, C26, CC26, NC26, C27, NC27.
    • Details: Electrical issues have been reported, including problems with power windows and locks. These issues can cause inconvenience and affect the overall functionality of the vehicle.
  3. Brake Issues:
    • Symptoms: Excessive wear, failure.
    • Affected Models: C27, NC27.
    • Details: Some models have experienced brake problems, such as excessive wear or failure. Proper maintenance and timely inspection of the braking system are crucial to ensure safety while driving.
  4. Engine Problems:
    • Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption.
    • Affected Models: C26, CC26, NC26, C27, NC27.
    • Details: Engine issues, like excessive oil consumption, have been reported by owners. Monitoring oil levels and addressing any signs of engine trouble promptly can help prevent major engine damage.
  5. Steering Issues:
    • Symptoms: Excessive play, difficulty turning.
    • Affected Models: C26, CC26.
    • Details: Some owners have reported steering problems, such as excessive play or difficulty in turning the vehicle. Proper alignment and regular inspection of the steering components are essential for safe driving.

These common problems with Nissan Serena cars highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and awareness of potential issues to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle. Owners should stay vigilant for any signs of these problems and address them promptly to avoid costly repairs and ensure a safe driving experience.

Nissan Serena

Are Nissan Serena reliable?

It is quite old, but has been remarkably reliable. The petrol engine is much quieter and smoother than the Diesel and has more power and at 30+mpg is quite economical for a vehicle of this size.

What problems are associated with Nissan Serena?

Maintenance Costs & Common Problems

PartSymptom
Rear subframe mountsIncreased vibration / tramlining
Steering rackKnocking sound / freeplay in steering
Radiator fan motorOverheating when stationary / AC loses cooling
ECO motor systemWorn drive/fan belt and pulley

Is the Nissan Serena a good van?

The Nissan Serena e-POWER delivers you a practical MPV body but is propelled by a unique drivetrain that adds to its appeal. The Nissan Serena is a excellent car. I like that the fact that the Nissan Serena is a very roomy and spacious car. There are also many clever features such as the sliding doors.

Why buy Nissan Serena?

The New Nissan Serena is equipped with NISSAN INTELLIGENT MOBILITY technologies, the 360° Safety Shield puts you and your family safety at heart in every ride. It monitors in front of you, behind you, on either side, and can even step in to help keep you out of trouble.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Nissan Serena years

We have researched Nissan problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Nissan Serena cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Nissan Serena model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Nissan Serena model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Nissan Serena years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Nissan Serena car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Nissan Serena , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Nissan Serena vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Nissan Serena . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Nissan Serena vehicles.

List of Nissan Serena complaints

Nissan Serena 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2013-05-06
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECOND TIME SOMETHING SIMILAR HAPPENED. AFTER NORMAL STREET DRIVING, STOPPING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND SO FORTH MY VAN WAS RUNNING FINE. THEN APPROACHED AND STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC JAM. AFTER SEVERAL STOP AND GOES, THE CVT TRANSMISSION DID NOT WANT TO COME OUT OF LOW GEAR AND WAS RIDING AT HIGH RPMS....THEN SWITCHED TO HIGH GEAR. TRYING TO MOVE IN HIGH GEAR, FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL, STARTED MOVING AND THEN STARTED SWITCHING BACK AND FORTH FROM TWO DIFFERENT GEARS. I PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. STARTED BACK UP AND WAS STILL IN HIGH GEAR. I WAS ABLE TO GET ENOUGH MOMENTUM AND THEN GRADUALLY MY VAN STARTED RUNNING AS USUAL, AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPENED. *TR

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