Nissan Says Their Timing Chains Are Just Noisy. Owners Have a Different Take.

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Overhead view of a busted timing chain

Every internal combustion engine has a timing chain or belt. It’s in the front of the engine attached to a set of gears and pulleys that power components like the crankshaft and camshaft.

A properly tensioned chain is critical to maintaining the timing between the pistons and the valves. When timing chains loosen it leads to engine rattles, issues with misfiring, problems accelerating and – eventually – bent valves or rods and catastrophic engine failure.

Timing chains generally have a good lifespan, but like anything it's not unusual for them to stretch and eventually need to be replaced (hopefully before they do too much damage).

Nissan Timing Chain Problems

Certain Nissan vehicles are gaining a reputation for early problems in the timing chain system, including issues with the chain tensioners, guides, and shoes.

Some have suggested that a manufacturing defect created timing chains with sharper edges that rapidly saw through their guides. Others say the chains are weak and prone to stretching.

Early Warning Signs in a JUKE Service Campaign

In May 2014, Nissan issued a timing chain service campaign for 104,000 JUKE subcompacts. The automaker wouldn't call it a recall, however, because they said they "caught it" before it became a safety concern.

As part of the campaign every 2011-2013 owner affected got a new chain guide, crank sprocket, and timing chain.

Owners without JUKES have taken their issues to the courts. Multiple lawsuits have pointed to previous Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) as evidence that Nissan knows about the defect, but refuses to notify owners or issue a recall.

Class-Action Leads to Reimbursements for Residents of CA and WA

In Kobe Falco v. Nissan North America, the plaintiff claimed that Nissan violated the law by concealing a known safety defect in the timing chain system. The lawsuit sought damages for owners in California and Washington state.

Nissan admitted their timing chains are loud, but not unsafe. They argued that there's no concealed defect or evidence that such a defect would make the vehicle unsafe to drive. What they fail to mention is how those loose timing chains can suddenly become engine-killing busted timing chains.

Despite Nissan’s defense, a California judge certified the suit anyway.

"“Here, the Court finds that Plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged common damages formulas for the three classes. The class vehicles are alleged to have a common defect that the California Statutory and Washington classes all had repaired, thus spending money that they would not have needed to spend had Nissan either disclosed the defect or repaired itself. Thus, return of the average cost of repair would provide restitution to these class members because they have already spent that money to repair or diagnose their vehicles."

Certification is the often referred to as "the most important step" because a judge can use their discretion to dismiss a case, even if all the legal T's are crossed and I's dotted. It basically means the judge thinks the case holds merit, and can continue in court.

Settlement offers reimbursements for previous repairs

A settlement was reached in December 2017, with Nissan providing reimbursement options to certain owners.

Under the settlement, affected owners and lessees are entitled to partial reimbursement for money spent in connection with the diagnosis of, repair to, or replacement of the primary or secondary timing chain systems or components. Alternatively, those owners and lessees may receive a voucher to be used toward the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle.

The settlement covers:

  • 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima
  • 2004-2009 Nissan Quest
  • 2004-2006 Nissan Altima (VQ35 engine)
  • 2005-2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2005-2007 Nissan Xterra
  • 2005-2007 Nissan Frontier (VQ40 engine)

Reimbursement percentages are based on the mileage of the vehicle at the time of repair, up to 120,000 miles (see how it breaks down).

Why 120,000 miles? An interesting nugget found in the court documents shows Nissan arguing that 120,000 miles is the “full life expectancy” of their vehicles.

Class-Action for Residents of NY, FL, MD, and NJ

The first timing chain lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of New York. The class-action is titled Vincent Chiarelli, Philip Dragonetti, Michele Maszon, Todd Maszon and Chris Santimauro vs. Nissan North America Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (doesn't really roll off the tongue, eh?)

The lawsuit claims that Nissan has known about the defects since 2004 and references a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that Nissan sent to its dealers regarding "buzzing and whining noises" from the timing chain.

As part of the TSB, dealers were told to offer "goodwill adjustments" to owners, but only those that specifically asked for it. And while TSBs are generally just intended as instructions for mechanics, it feels slimy to hear that Nissan wants to make sure any complaints are dealt with quietly.

The vehicles mentioned in the lawsuit include some of Nissan's most popular models:

  • 2004–2006 Nissan Altima (with VQ35 engine)
  • 2004–2009 Nissan Quest
  • 2004–2008 Nissan Maxima
  • 2005–2010 Nissan Frontier (with VQ40 engine)
  • 2005–2010 Nissan Xterra
  • 2005–2010 Nissan Pathfinder

The lawsuit covers all current and former Nissan owners and lessees in New York, Florida, Maryland and New Jersey. It could later be expanded and it’s seeking a permanent fix for all affected owners.

Lawsuits Regarding This Problem

Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.

  • Settlement

    Duncan, et al., v. Nissan North American, Inc., et al.

    1. Settlement

      A Nissan timing chain lawsuit has been preliminarily settled after vehicle owners accused Nissan of selling six models with defective primary timing chain tensioners, timing chain guides, secondary timing chain tensioners and tensioner shoes.

    2. Case Filed

      A Nissan timing chain class-action lawsuit is working its way through the court system as the automaker succeeded in getting some claims dismissed while the judge allowed other allegations to continue.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2004-2006 Altima
    • 2005-2010 Frontier
    • 2004-2008 Maxima
    • 2004-2009 Quest
    • 2005-2010 Pathfinder
    • 2005-2010 Xterra
    Location
    Massachusetts
  • Settlement

    Vincent Chiarelli, et al. vs. Nissan North America Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

    1. Settlement

      Nissan timing chain lawsuits have been consolidated and preliminarily settled after vehicle owners accused Nissan of selling six models with defective primary timing chain tensioners, timing chain guides, secondary timing chain tensioners and tensioner shoes.

    2. Case Filed

      A Nissan timing chain lawsuit accuses Nissan of manufacturing some of its most popular models with defective timing chain tensioning systems.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2004-2006 Altima (with 2 VQ35 engine)
    • 2005-2010 Frontier (with VQ40 engine)
    • 2004-2008 Maxima
    • 2004-2009 Quest
    • 2005-2010 Pathfinder
    • 2005-2010 Xterra
    Class Members
    Residents of New York or Florida or Maryland or New Jersey
    Location
    New York
  • Settlement

    Kobe Falco, et. al., v. Nissan North America, Inc., and Nissan Motor Company, LTD.

    2:2013cv00686
    1. Settlement

      If you're a Nissan customer and paid for a timing chain replacement or repair, you may be eligible for partial reimbursements or vouchers if the vehicle was purchased or leased in Washington or California.

    2. Case Filed

      The class-action lawsuit alleges Nissan designed and sold the vehicles with defective timing chain tensioning systems. Those systems include the primary timing chain tensioners, primary timing chain guides, secondary timing chain tensioners and secondary timing chain tensioner shoes.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2004-2008 Maxima
    • 2004-2009 Quest
    • 2004-2006 Altima (VQ35 engine)
    • 2005-2007 Pathfinder
    • 2005-2007 Xterra
    • 2005-2007 Frontier (VQ40 engine)
    Class Members
    Purchased of Leased in CA or WA
    Location
    California

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Nissan generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

Further Reading

A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. West-coast Nissan owners may soon be getting reimbursed for timing chain repairs thanks to a recent settlement.

    Under the settlement, affected owners and lessees are entitled to partial reimbursement for money spent in connection with the diagnosis of, repair to, or replacement of the primary or secondary timing chain systems or components.…

    keep reading article "Timing Chain Settlement Provides Reimbursements to Owners in CA and WA"
  2. Nissan owners are tired of their timing chains whining, buzzing, ticking, and knocking their engines apart.

    In the case of Kobe Falco, et. al., v. Nissan North America, Inc., and Nissan Motor Company, LTD., the plaintiffs say they were forced to pay for expensive timing chain repairs which happened to fall ever-so-conveniently just outside of Nissan's warranty period. Earlier this year, the class-action was certified by a judge.

    So now Nissan has brought together their best engineers and a top-notch legal team to come up with their defense –– ok, our timing chains are noisy, but they're not a safety defect.

    From CarComplaints.com:

    "According to the automaker, there has never been anything defective about the timing chain systems and the most that owners can show is that the timing chains make noise, not that the systems are a safety risk. Nissan says the plaintiffs admit no crashes are attributed to the timing chains, even though the majority of the vehicles have been in service more than 10 years."

    So the case will attempt to answer are Nissan's timing chains just loud and annoying? Or are they loud, annoying, and potentially dangerous?

    The vehicles named in the suit all use the same uniform timing chain system: the 2004-2008 Maxima, 2004-2009 Quest, 2004-2006 Altima (VQ35 engine), 2005-2007 Pathfinder, 2004-2007 Xterra, and the 2005-2007 Frontier (VQ49 engine).

    keep reading article "Nissan Says Their Timing Chains Are Just Super Noisy, Not Busted"
  3. A ti

    ing chain lawsuit filed in New York accuses Nissan of manufacturing defective timing chain systems, with issues in the chain tensioner, guides, and shoes. Five lead plaintiffs claim the Nissan vehicles have timing chain systems prone to early failure that can cause a huge expense for repairs. The plaintiffs claim failure of the timing chain can cause extensive damage to the car, including to the catalytic converter and destruction of the engine.

    The class-action is currently only for current and former Nissan owners (and lessees) who live in New York, Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey. However, this could lay the groundwork for other states.

    Loose and busted timing chains are a longtime nightmare for many 2004-2010 Nissan owners. When not properly tensioned, timing chains can cause everything from engine rattles, to misfiring, and eventually catastrophic engine failure.

    The lawsuit alleges that Nissan has known about the issue since at least 2004 when they issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to their dealerships. Additionally, the automaker is accused of ignoring the defect until the systems fall out of the warranty period.

    The plaintiffs in Vincent Chiarelli, Philip Dragonetti, Michele Maszon, Todd Maszon and Chris Santimauro vs. Nissan North America Inc. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. are represented by Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman, P.C.

    keep reading article "Timing Chain Lawsuit Filed Against Nissan in NY"
  4. Nissan is asking Juke owners to bring their vehicles in for a repair, they're just not calling it a recall.

    104,439 vehicles from the 2011-2013 model years need to have a loose timing chain, chain guide and crank sprocket replaced.

    The repairs will be done for free (like a recall) and affected owners will be notified by the mail (like a recall), but because the defect isn't a safety issue yet Nissan can get away with calling it a "voluntary service campaign". Which just sounds like a fancy term for ... oh, never-mind.

    Juke owners with questions can call Nissan at 800-647-7261.

    keep reading article "Nissan Will Replace Busted JUKE Timing Chains, Just Don't Call it a Recall"

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint
  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS
  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA