The 2017 Nissan NV with the 5.6L V8 is a workhorse commercial van that's generally reliable for fleet use, but suffers from catastrophic transmission cooler failures and oil consumption issues that can grenade the engine if ignored. When maintained properly, they rack up miles; when neglected, they become expensive paperweights.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Transmission Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Strawberry milkshake appearance in transmission fluid (coolant mixing), Transmission slipping or erratic shifting after coolant system service, Check engine light with transmission temp codes, Overheating transmission followed by complete failure
Fix: The factory cooler inside the radiator fails internally, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission within days if driven. Requires complete transmission flush/rebuild or replacement, plus radiator replacement with external cooler install. 12-18 hours labor for transmission R&R plus rebuild, 2-3 hours for cooling system work.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning one quart or more per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs on specific cylinders, Loss of power and rough idle, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: The VK56 engine has well-documented piston ring and cylinder wall wear issues, especially in vans that idle extensively or carry heavy loads.Fix requires engine teardown and rebuild with new pistons, rings, and often cylinder honing. Some cases need complete short block replacement. 25-35 hours labor for in-chassis rebuild, 18-22 hours for short block swap.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration during acceleration or deceleration, Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount inspection, Driveline shudder especially when loaded
Fix: The rear transmission mount deteriorates from the weight of the trans and cargo loads, especially in high-idle applications. Mount replacement requires supporting the transmission and drivetrain. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Head Gasket Failure (Often Misdiagnosed Initially)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust, Overheating under load, Bubbling in coolant reservoir when running, Oil contamination in coolant or vice versa
Fix: The VK56 can blow head gaskets, particularly if overheated due to other cooling system issues. Requires both heads removed, surfaced, and new gaskets installed. Often find warped heads requiring machining. 16-22 hours labor for both sides plus machine shop time.
Symptoms: Hard starting especially when hot, Loss of power under acceleration, Surging or stumbling at highway speeds, Check engine light with fuel trim codes
Fix: In-tank fuel filter clogs in high-mileage commercial use, especially if refueled at questionable stations. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,100
Driver Airbag Inflator Recall (Takata)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: NHTSA recall notice received, SRS warning light (if inflator electrical connector corroded), No symptoms until deployment, when inflator can rupture causing metal fragment injury
Fix: Takata airbag inflator recall affects driver side. Exploding inflator risk increases with heat and humidity exposure over time. Dealer replacement is free under recall. 1-2 hours labor (covered by manufacturer).
Estimated cost: $0
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color religiously every oil change—pink/red is good, brown or milky means immediate action needed before transmission grenades
Monitor oil consumption starting at 60k miles; if burning more than one quart per 3,000 miles, budget for an engine rebuild soon
Install an external transmission cooler if you haul heavy loads regularly—cheap insurance against the factory cooler failure
Replace transmission and differential fluids every 50k miles in commercial service regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims
Keep detailed service records if buying used—these vans are often fleet vehicles with deferred maintenance
Solid commercial platform if maintained properly, but the transmission cooler and oil consumption issues are ticking time bombs—buy only with full service history and budget $3-5k for eventual major repairs.
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: Full-size commercial van; battery located under hood
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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.
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 2017 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.