The 2013 Nissan NV with the 5.6L V8 is a capable work van built on Titan truck bones, but suffers from catastrophic transmission cooler failures and secondary lock/reverse issues that can destroy the transmission, plus a well-documented engine problem where the timing chain system fails prematurely, often taking pistons and bearings with it.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Transmission Destruction
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant or coolant in transmission (strawberry milkshake fluid), Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or complete failure, Overheating transmission, burnt fluid smell, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The factory cooler inside the radiator fails internally, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF which destroys clutch packs and valve body. Requires radiator replacement, full transmission flush or rebuild (often rebuild), new fluid and filter. If caught early (just cooler), 4-6 hours labor. If transmission is cooked, add 12-18 hours for rebuild or replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 if caught immediately, $3,500-6,500 with transmission rebuild
Secondary Lock Valve and Reverse Gear Failure (RE5R05A Transmission)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of reverse gear or intermittent reverse, Harsh 4-5 upshift or flare on that shift, Delayed engagement into drive after sitting, P0868 or P07345 transmission pressure codes
Fix: The secondary lock valve bores wear in the valve body, causing pressure loss to reverse clutches and eventually damaging clutch packs. Requires transmission removal, valve body replacement or bore repair, and typically new reverse clutch pack. 14-18 hours labor including R&R and internal work.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
Timing Chain System Failure (VK56 Engine)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that may fade as engine warms, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0011, P0021), Loss of power, rough idle, or sudden catastrophic failure, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: Primary and secondary timing chains stretch, guides break apart, and tensioners fail. In worst cases, chains jump time destroying valves, pistons, and cylinder walls. If caught early (just chains/guides), 18-22 hours labor for front cover removal and timing system replacement. If internal damage occurs, add cylinder head work (8-12 hours per head) or complete engine rebuild (40-60 hours).
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500 preventive timing work, $8,000-15,000+ with engine damage
Transmission Mounts Collapsing
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle that changes with gear selection, Visible transmission sag when inspected on lift, Harsh shift feel
Fix: The rear transmission mount fails from weight and vibration, especially in cargo configurations. Requires transmission support and mount replacement. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Fuel Filter Clogging (High-Mileage Units)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, extended cranking, Loss of power under load or acceleration, Rough idle, engine stumbling, Fuel pump noise
Fix: The in-tank fuel filter clogs, especially if fuel quality has been poor. Requires fuel tank drop and pump/filter assembly replacement. Often combined with pump replacement as preventive. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $450-850
Radiator Leaking at Side Tanks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak visible on ground or frame rails, Low coolant warning light, Overheating in severe cases, Coolant smell, steam from engine bay
Fix: The plastic side tanks crack at crimp points or develop leaks at seams. Replacement is mandatory (no reliable repair). When replacing, MUST install aftermarket external transmission cooler to prevent the cooler failure issue. 3-4 hours labor for radiator, add 1.5 hours for external cooler installation.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 including external trans cooler
Owner tips
Install an external transmission cooler immediately if it doesn't have one—this is cheap insurance against the $5,000 cooler-failure cascade
Service transmission fluid every 30,000 miles with Nissan Matic-S fluid, inspect for any pink tinge in coolant religiously
Watch for cold-start timing chain rattle—if present, budget for timing work before it grenades the engine
Check transmission mounts annually on any cargo van configuration; they wear faster with heavy loads
Use quality fuel and replace fuel filter proactively at 100k miles even if no symptoms
Buy only with complete service records showing transmission cooler bypass and recent timing chain work, or budget $4,000-6,000 for both immediately—this engine/trans combo has expensive, well-known failure points that aren't 'if' but 'when.'
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.
Fitment notes: Large commercial van; high power requirements for 5.6L V8
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Every control module on the 2012-2020 Nissan NV — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electric Power Steering Control Unit (EPS)1.8 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area, mounted on steering column assembly under dash
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus or Autel MaxiSys/Launch X431
📍 Instrument panel, behind gauge cluster in driver dash
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS subscription
⚠️ Mileage programming required by law; VIN and vehicle configuration must be transferred from old unit
Sonar Control Unit (SONAR)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, behind rear interior trim panel driver side
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus or self-calibration
⚠️ Sensor calibration usually automatic; available on higher trim levels only
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door, integrated into master window switch assembly
🔧 Manual auto-up/down initialization procedure
⚠️ Window auto-up/down relearn required after replacement; simple manual procedure
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 20V188000
2020-03-30
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012-2017 NV Cargo and NV Passenger Van, 2013-2015 Titan and Armada and 2011-2012 Infiniti QX56 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the air bag inflator may not function properly or may rupture during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or Infiniti customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 13V095000
2013-03-15
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 NV vehicles manufactured from December 20, 2010, through January 4, 2013 and are equipped with steering column-mounted transmission shift levers. The transmission lever gear selector plate lock clip may have been installed incorrectly. As a result, normal road vibration may cause the gear position indicator to not match the gear shift lever position.
Consequence: As a consequence of the incorrect display, although the gear indicator may display that the vehicle is in Park, the vehicle may not be properly secured allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will correct the installation of the transmission lever gear selector plate lock clip, free of charge. The recall began on April 15, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT · 13V094000
2013-03-14
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Titan trucks manufactured from January 22, 2013, through February 20, 2013; and model year 2013 NV vehicles manufactured from December 17, 2012, through February 20, 2013 and equipped with steering column-mounted transmission shift levers. Chemicals used in the manufacturing of the shift lever assembly may result in the malfunction of the brake shift interlock allowing the transmission shift lever to be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal.
Consequence: If the vehicle is unintentionally shifted out of park, it could roll away and lead to personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will remedy the vehicles, free of charge. The recall began on April 15, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261.
Wiper blades
Full-size commercial van. Cargo vans typically do not have rear wipers; passenger versions may vary.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Nissan NV 5.6L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.