The 2019 NV200 uses Nissan's MR20DD 2.0L four-cylinder paired with a CVT transmission. While newer than the problematic earlier generations, this van still inherits CVT reliability concerns and has emerging engine issues related to piston ring wear and oil consumption that can lead to catastrophic failures if ignored.
CVT Transmission Overheating and Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission shuddering during acceleration, Whining or grinding noise from transmission, Sudden loss of power or failure to move, Transmission overheat warnings on dash, Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive
Fix: CVT replacement is typically required once internal damage occurs. Transmission oil cooler failure (see recall history) accelerates CVT death. Expect 8-12 hours labor for CVT replacement plus core charge. Preventive cooler upgrade and frequent CVT fluid changes (every 30k) can extend life.
Estimated cost: $4,500-6,500
Excessive Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Engine knock or rattling noise, Check engine light with misfire codes, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders
Fix: MR20DD engines can develop piston ring carbon buildup leading to oil burning. Catch-can installation helps but doesn't cure it. Once rings fail, you're looking at engine rebuild (piston rings, possibly pistons if scored) at 18-25 hours, or short block replacement at 12-16 hours. Some owners pursue Nissan goodwill assistance.
Estimated cost: $3,500-7,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration through cabin at idle, Visible engine movement when revving in Park, Transmission feels like it's 'dropping' during acceleration
Fix: The CVT's torque characteristics stress the rubber mounts prematurely. Front transmission mount fails most often. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission. 2-3 hours labor. Replace both mounts if one has failed to avoid repeat visits.
Estimated cost: $350-650
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No start condition with cranking but no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling while driving, Engine starts then dies immediately, Fuel pump doesn't prime when key turned to ON position
Fix: Affected by NHTSA recall for fuel pump control module, but failures occur outside recall parameters too. Module replacement requires dropping fuel tank. 3-4 hours labor. Check for active recall coverage first (Nissan extended warranty on some VINs). Pump itself usually fine—it's the controller.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Backup Camera Intermittent Operation
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Backup camera shows black screen or 'camera unavailable' message, Intermittent operation—works some days, not others, Distorted or static-filled camera image, Camera works only after vehicle sits for extended period
Fix: Combination of wiring harness corrosion at rear door and camera unit failure. Affected by recall but problems persist. Inspect connector first (clean and dielectric grease), then replace camera if needed. 1-2 hours labor. Aftermarket cameras work fine if OEM price bothers you.
Estimated cost: $300-700
Front Strut Mount and Bearing Noise
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise over bumps from front end, Steering feels notchy or catches when turning at low speed, Creaking noise when turning steering wheel while parked
Fix: Strut mount bearings wear from van weight and city driving. Not dangerous but annoying. Replace both front strut mounts with bearings. 2-3 hours labor plus alignment. Do this when replacing struts to save labor cost.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—this is critical for longevity
Monitor oil level religiously every 1,000 miles; top off as needed and document consumption for potential Nissan warranty claim
Install oil catch-can to reduce carbon buildup on intake valves and piston rings
Check transmission oil cooler lines for seepage; early cooler failure kills the CVT
Keep up with spark plug changes at 60k intervals to reduce stress on ignition system and piston rings
Avoid unless you can verify religiously maintained CVT fluid changes and documented oil consumption under 1 qt per 3,000 miles—these vans work well until they catastrophically don't, and both engine and transmission failures are expensive enough to total the vehicle.
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: Compact commercial van; battery located under hood
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Every control module on the 2018-2026 Nissan NV200 — 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 Module (EPS)2.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, attached to steering column
⚠️ Mileage programming required; VIN must match vehicle
Sonar Control Module (SONAR)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper, center mounted
🔧 CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Optional equipment; sensor calibration recommended after replacement
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door panel, armrest
🔧 Manual procedure or scan tool
⚠️ Auto-up/down relearn required; can be done manually without scan tool
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.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2013-2021 NV200 Van, 2014-2017, 2019 NV200 Taxi, and 2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express vehicles. The Fuel Tank Temperature (FTT) sensor harness may have been incorrectly routed, damaging wires and causing a short circuit in the fuel pump fuse.
Consequence: A blown fuel pump fuse can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reroute the FTT sensor harness or replace the fuel pump assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA56. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov October 10, 2025.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 19V654000
2019-09-12
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
24mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
25mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
Compact cargo van with rear swing doors typically equipped with rear wiper. Some cargo variants without rear glass may not have rear wiper.
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 2019 Nissan NV200 2.0L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.