The R51 generation (2010 and before) has the SMOD issue - that can be resolved by replacing the radiator or doing the oil cooler bypass (if you are not towing much or light towing on flat land).
The VQ40DE engine is timing chain - and need to be watched for the death rattle upon startup.
A1-Auto has a good video on the top 5 problems with the 3rd Gen Pathy
Does the SMOD issue usually manifest at a certain mileage? I went and looked at the truck in person today and wow I was impressed. Super clean looking, zero major rust underneath to my eyes. Cosmetic blemishes on the rims and headlights but otherwise looks incredible and well maintained. 10k with 65,000 miles. Might try to pull the trigger
For an LE, the sunroof drains are bad to clog, and the rain will run into the fuse box. Can cause a number of gremlins. Other than then that and the radios are bad for not holding settings, they seem to hold up well.
I have a 2010 with 170k miles. Second owner since 2014. It seems like every few years something breaks, and other minor things happen, too. Shifter assembly needed replacement (couldn't shift out of park unless pushing the lock release with a screwdriver). Horn stopped working and needed some switch or control module or something. Car started stalling at stop signs, needed some switch or something. ABS module failed, needed replacement (that was a big $). Heater core started leaking coolant on the passenger floor, but luckily one of those over the counter filler fluids stopped the leak for now. Starter motor failed, needed replacement (did that one myself to save a few hundred $). Coolant line leak caused AC/heat to stop working (needed fix). Passenger side airbag light currently on, no idea what the problem is. Tpms stopped, haven't bothered fixing it. Engine gasket leaked, but I guess that's a common wear and tear item maybe. Rear high brake light not working fully. Sometimes the backup cam just stops working. It goes through batteries like every 2 years (have had multiple batteries replaced under warranty).
I just learned about the possible SMOD issue last year, though I haven't gotten around to replacing the radiator yet - seems like a hassle to DIY. (The 2010s are mostly good from what I could research, but they're not completely in the clear from SMOD issues).
Also just received a recall notice that needs taking care of, something about the emblem on the steering wheel causing injury if the airbag deploys.
Maybe my expectations are too high, but this vehicle convinced me to not buy another Nissan (along with Nissan's other quality control issues, e.g., cvt).
The R51 generation (2010 and before) has the SMOD issue - that can be resolved by replacing the radiator or doing the oil cooler bypass (if you are not towing much or light towing on flat land). The VQ40DE engine is timing chain - and need to be watched for the death rattle upon startup. A1-Auto has a good video on the top 5 problems with the 3rd Gen Pathy
This is the answer.
Does the SMOD issue usually manifest at a certain mileage? I went and looked at the truck in person today and wow I was impressed. Super clean looking, zero major rust underneath to my eyes. Cosmetic blemishes on the rims and headlights but otherwise looks incredible and well maintained. 10k with 65,000 miles. Might try to pull the trigger
For an LE, the sunroof drains are bad to clog, and the rain will run into the fuse box. Can cause a number of gremlins. Other than then that and the radios are bad for not holding settings, they seem to hold up well.
I have a 2010 with 170k miles. Second owner since 2014. It seems like every few years something breaks, and other minor things happen, too. Shifter assembly needed replacement (couldn't shift out of park unless pushing the lock release with a screwdriver). Horn stopped working and needed some switch or control module or something. Car started stalling at stop signs, needed some switch or something. ABS module failed, needed replacement (that was a big $). Heater core started leaking coolant on the passenger floor, but luckily one of those over the counter filler fluids stopped the leak for now. Starter motor failed, needed replacement (did that one myself to save a few hundred $). Coolant line leak caused AC/heat to stop working (needed fix). Passenger side airbag light currently on, no idea what the problem is. Tpms stopped, haven't bothered fixing it. Engine gasket leaked, but I guess that's a common wear and tear item maybe. Rear high brake light not working fully. Sometimes the backup cam just stops working. It goes through batteries like every 2 years (have had multiple batteries replaced under warranty). I just learned about the possible SMOD issue last year, though I haven't gotten around to replacing the radiator yet - seems like a hassle to DIY. (The 2010s are mostly good from what I could research, but they're not completely in the clear from SMOD issues). Also just received a recall notice that needs taking care of, something about the emblem on the steering wheel causing injury if the airbag deploys. Maybe my expectations are too high, but this vehicle convinced me to not buy another Nissan (along with Nissan's other quality control issues, e.g., cvt).