In the mid-2000s, Nissan unveiled its rival, the Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, and Ford F-150. The Titan came with a fully packaged ladder chassis like any good work truck. Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 and optional all-wheel drive that shifts on the fly, it was an ambitious challenge to tried-and-true domestic pickups. There have been, but six year olds to avoid in the used car market.
2004 Nissan Titan
In its first year, Nissan’s full-size pickup truck suffered from a wide range of problems. Reports indicate that the 2004 model had the highest number of owner issues with more than 1,000. There are nearly two dozen areas of consumer complaints, however. The front and rear differentials were prone to failure—not a good thing on a work truck, let alone any other vehicle.
(NHTSA) recall from the previous year. But that still means six of them. It includes the engine control module, front and rear lower connections, fuel gauge, HVAC condenser, trailer brake controls, and airbag wiring harness. Unfortunately, consumer complaints about drive system failures continued as well.
2006 Nissan Titan
Befallen With seven recalls, the 2006 Titan has also been under investigation before. Reportedly, a short circuit in the HVAC sensor could cause a fire in the engine compartment. With drivetrain problems continuing, the 2006 model year suffered more differential and axle failures.
2008 Nissan Titan
Most of the drivetrain issues had been curbed by the time the 2008 model year Titan went on sale. However, the minivan is still a full-size. Half a dozen different suspension components were prone to breakage. The transmission wasn’t very good either. Six recalls were issued, including one to fix an issue where projectiles exploded in passengers’ faces during airbag deployment.
2016 Nissan Titan
Nissan solved many of the Titan’s problems with its second-generation truck. However, new ones crept in. 2016 saw a few recalls, but the biggest consumer issues are with the exhaust system. Catalytic converter failure has resulted in some owners reporting exhaust fumes escaping into the cabin.
2018 Nissan Titan
The 2018 Titan suffered from some transmission problems. Owners report extreme shifting and shuddering during up and down shifts. Some reports claimed that their trucks would suddenly stop while they were driving. The 2018 Titan also suffered from engine problems. Although it had a 5.0 liter Cummins diesel engine, more than a few had premature turbo failure.
Should you buy a used Nissan full-size pickup truck?
The second-generation Titan that went on sale in 2015 is much better than most first-generation pickups. However, potential used car buyers should steer clear of 2016 and 2018.
To hedge your bets, the 2017, 2019, and 2020 model year titans will fare better than the others. These three model years have less than half as many consumer-reported problems as the 2016 or 2018 model. Besides, while having a welcome addition, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to opt for the cetane-powered Titan.
