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A Co Laois farmer, Michael Fennelly, was pleased when his 2008 Nissan Navara got the all-clear when inspected for chassis corrosion by a Nissan main dealer in February 2017.
But four months later, in June, the Stradbally farmer was shocked when the vehicle failed its annual Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) because the chassis was corroded and cracked. The vehicle has been off the road since.
The problems with corrosion of chassis members in D40 model Navaras have been widely reported.
Up to one third of the vehicles made in the years immediately after 2005 and sold in Ireland, the UK and some other EU countries, developed significant corrosion in their frames.
Goodwill gesture
When the problem emerged, Nissan offered owners a free inspection of their vehicles. Where corrosion was found the company then offered to buy back the vehicle as a goodwill measure.
The warranty of the vehicle chassis was three years, but the corrosion problems typically emerged later in the vehicle’s life.
Repair of a corroded chassis is not a practical option.
In the UK, Nissan also introduced free rust-prevention treatment for vehicles made in the years in question, but found not to have developed corrosion.
Problem with vehicle
Michael’s attention was first brought to the issue by a mechanic in a local garage, who said that there appeared to be a problem with the vehicle.
This prompted Michael to ask Nissan for the corrosion inspection.
He told the Irish Farmers Journal that he is not happy that the vehicle was then passed as safe to use, only to fail the CVRT just months later.
“In the intervening period I was towing around a 12ft cattle trailer weighing up to three and a half tonnes.”
Buy back
Nissan has now offered to buy back the vehicle from Michael for €7,000, but he believes that this is insufficient.
“When I got the all-clear from the Nissan inspection I went ahead and spent approximately €1,500 on new tyres, 12 months’ road tax and some minor repairs, not to mention then spending time and money on the CVRT test.”
Nissan Ireland told the Irish Farmers Journal that it was aware of a limited number of cases where the older model D40 Navaras had chassis corrosion.
“Typically, this has been reported on approximately 10-year-old, higher mileage vehicles and has been highlighted through roadworthiness inspection checks,” a spokesperson said. “Nissan is committed to supporting customers that experience issues and have already been able to resolve many of these specific cases reported to us. We will continue to assess any further cases carefully and assist customers through our warranty and customer support policies.”
The company said that the new generation Nissan Navara (D23) is not affected.
“It does not share any of the chassis parts with the previous model Navara (D40).”
Nissan offers cracked chassis deal to owners
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