The 2007 M45 uses Nissan's VK45DE V8 paired with a 5-speed automatic (RE5R05A). While luxurious and powerful, this generation suffers from catastrophic engine failures due to gallery gasket defects and transmission cooler failures that can destroy the trans—both expensive, platform-specific nightmares.
Oil Gallery Gasket Failure Leading to Engine Destruction
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling or knocking noise on cold start that disappears after warmup, Low oil pressure warning light intermittent or persistent, Check engine light with variable valve timing codes (P0011, P0021), Sudden catastrophic failure—spun bearings, seized engine
Fix: The upper oil gallery gaskets deteriorate and restrict oil flow to heads and cam phasers. Minor cases need gallery gasket replacement (12-16 hours). Advanced cases with bearing damage require short block or full rebuild (25-40 hours). Many engines are too far gone and need replacement.
Estimated cost: $3,500-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Failure (Coolant-Trans Fluid Cross-Contamination)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, Milky or strawberry-colored transmission fluid on dipstick, Engine overheating or coolant loss with no visible leaks, Complete transmission failure after mixing fluids
Fix: The radiator-mounted trans cooler develops internal leaks, mixing coolant and ATF. Both fluids are ruined. Requires radiator replacement, external trans cooler install, full trans flush or rebuild if contamination went too far (rebuild: 18-24 hours; preventive cooler replacement: 3-4 hours).
Estimated cost: $800-6,500
Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration felt through cabin at idle or under acceleration, Excessive drivetrain movement visible when revving in gear with brakes applied
Fix: The rear transmission mount deteriorates, allowing excessive drivetrain movement. Replacement requires lifting the trans slightly. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Takata Airbag Inflator Recall (Multiple Campaigns)
Common · high severitySymptoms: Recall notice received by mail, Airbag warning light may or may not illuminate, Risk of inflator rupture with metal shrapnel in deployment
Fix: Four separate NHTSA recalls for driver and passenger airbag inflators. Dealer replacement at no cost if not already completed. Verify recall status by VIN before purchase—unrepaired units are safety hazards and some states won't register them.
Estimated cost: $0 (dealer recall repair)
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, especially when hot, Intermittent stalling or hesitation under load, Whining noise from rear of vehicle, No-start condition
Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly fails. Requires dropping the tank. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Valve Body Wear in Transmission
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Flare or slip during shifts, Check engine light with transmission solenoid codes, Erratic shift points
Fix: RE5R05A valve body bores wear, causing pressure loss. Requires trans removal, valve body replacement or reconditioning. 10-14 hours labor. Often done alongside a full rebuild if other internal damage exists.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000
Beautiful, fast sedan undermined by two catastrophic failure modes (engine and trans) that make high-mileage examples a gamble—only buy with verified low miles, full records, and a healthy budget for preventive work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.