[SawTooth]

SawTooth


Have you joined the Nissan Navara Snapped Chassis group on Facebook?


https://www.facebook.com/groups/505.../groups/505526562959686/603186939860314/?notif_t=like&notif_id=1474920108658292


Many, many people like yourself are caught up in this.


There is a world of information out there in terms of what you are covered by and what you are entitled too. Many new people asking the same questions over again.


Unfortunately, with no official recall, Nissan are dealing with this on a case by case basis and as this issue is gaining familiarity, momentum is increasing.


So, history behind this is as follows:


1) Nissan Australia recalled 40,000+ Navaras due to chassis snapping under load.


2) First obvious signs of the problem became apparent in Ireland and then later the UK.


3) No official recall issued by Nissan, and initial reports were that while there IS a twelve-year anti corrosion warranty, the chassis wasn't covered because it wasn't considered an 'integral part of the vehicle'. Remind me, if there isn't a chassis, then how on earth do you have a truck?! Just to add that Nissan's official website states that Light Commercial Vehicles come with a six or twelve year anti-corrosion warranty, so while it applies to current new vehicles, this is something to go by for the likes of ours.


4) Things really started kicking off and Nissan Ireland started inspecting vehicles. Those that failed they offered replacement chassis, buy-back or discount on a new Navara.


5) Nissan UK then started inspecting Navara chassis directly, offering the same.


6) In most cases, courtesy Navaras were issued


7) Now the problem has become so very apparent, Nissan UK are now instructing RAC to carry out inspections


8) The inspection is visual only; no borescope used and no heavy tools involved to check integrity


9) The inspection is to 'MOT standard' so if it is rotting but will pass an MOT it's acceptable


10) Nissan UK no longer offering courtesy truck, but instead up to £30 per day for a hire vehicle


11) Chassis replacement no longer offered and buy-back and discount of a new Navara are the only options available


12) You definitely have the twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty on your side. This only kicks in of you have total perforation and I believe you have based on your previous posts


13) There seems to be a mix of reports of NCS (Nissan Customer Services?). Some owners seem to have great customer service from their case workers where as others have something comparable to that of which is ****. The facebook group could help you here as they regularly post the NCS number and named people who may be able to help (e.g. 'Johan'). Some seem to be more sympathetic than others, but as this problem is becoming increasingly more apparent, clearly they will be inundated with cases and claims.


14) You DO NOT have to pay for your inspection - if Nissan insist, blatantly refuse


15) Offers of buy-back appear to be based on market value, age, condition and mileage.


16) Some reports say that you should remove any extras and mods prior to having it inspected in case it fails. You might be able to recover additional monies (or stem losses) if you can sell these on.

This list isn't exhaustive and there is plenty more advice out there, but I hope it helps a little.

Best of luck



Carouser

Thanks for the round up by the way!

 

[lookskyward1]

A very nice round up of the present situation. :awesomework

 

[Carouser]

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!
And I/we bought Nissan's for their reputation for reliability?

Amazing isn't it Chris?!


http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/nissan-recalls-40000-navara-d40-4wds-21831

 

[Carouser]

SawTooth, Lookskyward1, many thanks for your comments.


Just bear in mind that this issue will continue to remain fluid and Nissan may change their stance on a daily basis. However, the more that it becomes apparent, the more pressure that will be put on them to address the problem.

This could work in one of two ways; either they'll 'fess up' and officially recall (unlikely unless something very serious happens, especially given the numbers of D40's on the road and the potential cost and exposure to Nissan), or the sheer volume of cases will grow exponentially, and they simply won't be able to cope. This could see a decrease in the level of 'customer service' people are currently receiving, the contribution to rental vehicles and ultimately the buy-back price.


Let's face it, given the scale of the problem, our Nav's are pretty much worthless now because people simply don't want them (and I was warned!). So I, for one, (assuming mine really is as good as they say) am taking steps to ensure she remains that way and have booked her in to be fully treated. Ultimately I will be doing everything I can to keep her going because I need her to keep going for at least 4-5 years.

Granted there will be some gems out there as loving owners have kept them in tip top condition, but doesn't remove the fact that demand for these beasts are falling due to negative press.


SawTooth, you DEFINITELY have a twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty and your chassis will be covered no matter what people say. While I got an inspection report directly from Nissan, they also called the garage I bought it from to confirm the inspection was 'Successful' and it was 'MOT worthy' and stated I still have four years left of the twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty. You must appreciate that car manufacturers will do all they can to get out of honouring a warranty. Fine for the odd one-off, but when literally hundreds (nay, thousands?) of owners have started reporting chassis problems, they cannot fail to ignore.


Call NCS and get your case number in the system and take it from there.


Keep us posted with your progress and if you face a stumbling block let us know and maybe we can give you a few pointers along the way.


Cheers



Carouser

 

[SawTooth]

SawTooth, Lookskyward1, many thanks for your comments.


Just bear in mind that this issue will continue to remain fluid and Nissan may change their stance on a daily basis. However, the more that it becomes apparent, the more pressure that will be put on them to address the problem.

This could work in one of two ways; either they'll 'fess up' and officially recall (unlikely unless something very serious happens, especially given the numbers of D40's on the road and the potential cost and exposure to Nissan), or the sheer volume of cases will grow exponentially, and they simply won't be able to cope. This could see a decrease in the level of 'customer service' people are currently receiving, the contribution to rental vehicles and ultimately the buy-back price.


Let's face it, given the scale of the problem, our Nav's are pretty much worthless now because people simply don't want them (and I was warned!). So I, for one, (assuming mine really is as good as they say) am taking steps to ensure she remains that way and have booked her in to be fully treated. Ultimately I will be doing everything I can to keep her going because I need her to keep going for at least 4-5 years.

Granted there will be some gems out there as loving owners have kept them in tip top condition, but doesn't remove the fact that demand for these beasts are falling due to negative press.


SawTooth, you DEFINITELY have a twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty and your chassis will be covered no matter what people say. While I got an inspection report directly from Nissan, they also called the garage I bought it from to confirm the inspection was 'Successful' and it was 'MOT worthy' and stated I still have four years left of the twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty. You must appreciate that car manufacturers will do all they can to get out of honouring a warranty. Fine for the odd one-off, but when literally hundreds (nay, thousands?) of owners have started reporting chassis problems, they cannot fail to ignore.


Call NCS and get your case number in the system and take it from there.


Keep us posted with your progress and if you face a stumbling block let us know and maybe we can give you a few pointers along the way.


Cheers



Carouser

From a legal standpoint, i really could do with being able to prove i have a warranty, which at the minute I'm struggling to do.

 

[Carouser]

From a legal standpoint, i really could do with being able to prove i have a warranty, which at the minute I'm struggling to do.

Understood. So, I posted a request on the Nissan Navara Snapped Chassis facebook group and true to form, I had an immediate response.


I've uploaded photos of extracts from the Nissan Warranty Booklet and Maintenance Record for the Nav D40 (effectively the service history).


Interestingly, the twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty only makes reference to 'body sheet metal panels' no mention of structural steel or chassis, which begs the question as to whether Nissan were right in stating the warranty doesn't cover it?

If that is the case though, why were they originally honouring this and initially swapping out chassis and are now offering buy-back?!


Surely if they didn't have to honour it, they wouldn't?


Hope this helps in any case but maybe not the smoking gun you were hoping for.


Oh, and it's worth noting that I have been contacted by one of the other members of the fb group very interested in your case as they are considering legal action themselves, so if you are willing to keep me posted with your progress and outcome that would be great. You might even hear from him directly as I'm going to share the link to this thread with him.


Best wishes




Carouser

 

[SawTooth]

Understood. So, I posted a request on the Nissan Navara Snapped Chassis facebook group and true to form, I had an immediate response.


I've uploaded photos of extracts from the Nissan Warranty Booklet and Maintenance Record for the Nav D40 (effectively the service history).


Interestingly, the twelve-year anti-corrosion warranty only makes reference to 'body sheet metal panels' no mention of structural steel or chassis, which begs the question as to whether Nissan were right in stating the warranty doesn't cover it?

If that is the case though, why were they originally honouring this and initially swapping out chassis and are now offering buy-back?!


Surely if they didn't have to honour it, they wouldn't?


Hope this helps in any case but maybe not the smoking gun you were hoping for.


Oh, and it's worth noting that I have been contacted by one of the other members of the fb group very interested in your case as they are considering legal action themselves, so if you are willing to keep me posted with your progress and outcome that would be great. You might even hear from him directly as I'm going to share the link to this thread with him.


Best wishes




Carouser

Perfect, thank you.

 

[Carouser]

Perfect, thank you.

SawTooth, a little more on the subject.


With regards to the warranty, I had raised the point about the warranty making reference to body sheet metal panels, and not structural metal or specifically the chassis.

The same guy who is interested in your case responded which some useful information. Here is a copy of the thread with names and references removed.




ME: "I note it specifically makes reference to 'body sheet metal panels', not structural metal so it does make me wonder whether Nissan's original claims that the chassis wasn't covered has some legs. They did seem to buckle under pressure though and they clearly wouldn't be replacing chassis (now buying Navaras back) if they didn't have to honour anything... ?"




THEM: "I was perplexed about that one too so I put the question to NCS - - - "I note that your 12 year perforation warranty covers ‘sheet metal panels which suffer from inside to outside perforation’

With due respect I don’t think that ‘sheet metal panels’ is a very accurate description of the vehicle chassis ?

I also draw your attention to the photo enclosed of my vehicle’s chassis clearly showing surface rust blistering the paint on the outside of the chassis. This indicates to me that either the chassis was rusty before painting or the paint protection is not adequate, either way, if not addressed this will lead to a perforation"




ME: "...excellent. And did you receive a response?"






THEM: "I have got this (which I have put up on here before) which clarifies it for me at least - - (although ambiguous they do use the word 'chassis' to directly relate to the 12 year warranty)


Case reference: X-XXXXXX

Dear Mr X

Thank you for your recent correspondence with Nissan Customer Services.

Further to our earlier telephone conversation, and having spoken with Glyn at St Leonards Motors Nissan, I am happy to confirm that Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd is of the opinion that your chassis is acceptable to our standards and that your vehicle is performing to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Should you have any issues with corrosion of the chassis in the future, your vehicle is covered by a 12 year perforation warranty, which covers body sheet metal panels which suffer from inside-to-outside perforation from corrosion as a result of defective materials or workmanship, as per the terms and conditions as laid out in your warranty booklet and maintenance record.

I trust this information is sufficient. Should you require any further clarification or have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01923 899334.

Kind Regards,


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Carter
Case Manager
Nissan Customer Services
Tel: +44 (0)1923 899334
Nissan Motor (GB) LTD"




So, the fact that Nissan have made specific reference to the chassis when describing the 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, would indicate that it covered hence why they are honouring the warranty now.


Cheers


Carouser

 

[SawTooth]

SawTooth, a little more on the subject.


With regards to the warranty, I had raised the point about the warranty making reference to body sheet metal panels, and not structural metal or specifically the chassis.

The same guy who is interested in your case responded which some useful information. Here is a copy of the thread with names and references removed.




ME: "I note it specifically makes reference to 'body sheet metal panels', not structural metal so it does make me wonder whether Nissan's original claims that the chassis wasn't covered has some legs. They did seem to buckle under pressure though and they clearly wouldn't be replacing chassis (now buying Navaras back) if they didn't have to honour anything... ?"




THEM: "I was perplexed about that one too so I put the question to NCS - - - "I note that your 12 year perforation warranty covers ‘sheet metal panels which suffer from inside to outside perforation’

With due respect I don’t think that ‘sheet metal panels’ is a very accurate description of the vehicle chassis ?

I also draw your attention to the photo enclosed of my vehicle’s chassis clearly showing surface rust blistering the paint on the outside of the chassis. This indicates to me that either the chassis was rusty before painting or the paint protection is not adequate, either way, if not addressed this will lead to a perforation"




ME: "...excellent. And did you receive a response?"






THEM: "I have got this (which I have put up on here before) which clarifies it for me at least - - (although ambiguous they do use the word 'chassis' to directly relate to the 12 year warranty)


Case reference: X-XXXXXX

Dear Mr X

Thank you for your recent correspondence with Nissan Customer Services.

Further to our earlier telephone conversation, and having spoken with Glyn at St Leonards Motors Nissan, I am happy to confirm that Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd is of the opinion that your chassis is acceptable to our standards and that your vehicle is performing to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Should you have any issues with corrosion of the chassis in the future, your vehicle is covered by a 12 year perforation warranty, which covers body sheet metal panels which suffer from inside-to-outside perforation from corrosion as a result of defective materials or workmanship, as per the terms and conditions as laid out in your warranty booklet and maintenance record.

I trust this information is sufficient. Should you require any further clarification or have any further concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01923 899334.

Kind Regards,


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Carter
Case Manager
Nissan Customer Services
Tel: +44 (0)1923 899334
Nissan Motor (GB) LTD"




So, the fact that Nissan have made specific reference to the chassis when describing the 12-year anti-corrosion warranty, would indicate that it covered hence why they are honouring the warranty now.


Cheers


Carouser

Brilliant, thank you!

 

[SawTooth]

I have actually emailed Nissan myself but have yet to receive a reply. From a legal standpoint I need some proof that my chassis is covered, thanks to your digging it looks like it may actually be covered but I still need some proof. Hopefully Nissan will get back to me with a similar response to the above.

 

[landmannnn]

Nissan have got the RAC to come and inspect my chassis later this week (56 plate). It has quite a lot of surface rust, but appears solid. I wonder what the verdict will be?

 

[Carouser]

Nissan have got the RAC to come and inspect my chassis later this week (56 plate). It has quite a lot of surface rust, but appears solid. I wonder what the verdict will be?

Landmannn, you'll have to let us know how you get on.


The condition of the chassis on my 2008 plate sounds the same as yours and following a *visual* inspection, Nissan signed it off as okay and to 'MOT standard'; woolly to say the least.

I'll share a copy of the report if you like so you know what to expect (assuming Nissan will respond to you rather than the RAC). Would be interested if you receive anything different or more comprehensive.


It's off the back of this that I'm, having my chassis fully treated and sealed with some of Rich's stiffening plates welded on for good measure. She goes in on 15 October.


They guys at Rust Buster will independently inspect first before commencing any works and if all okay, then they'll go ahead with the treatment and fully document and certify.


I bought a borescope the other week. Will get underneath mine and take some video footage/photos 'as-is' and share with the collective. Mine seems pretty solid but there is a lot of surface rust on the bits I can see so still very concerning.

I've seen some in horrendous condition so mine looks in good order by comparison so I'd be interested in the views of others based on what the borescope captures.

Cheers


Carouser

 

[landmannnn]

Landmannn, you'll have to let us know how you get on.


The condition of the chassis on my 2008 plate sounds the same as yours and following a *visual* inspection, Nissan signed it off as okay and to 'MOT standard'; woolly to say the least.

I'll share a copy of the report if you like so you know what to expect (assuming Nissan will respond to you rather than the RAC). Would be interested if you receive anything different or more comprehensive.


It's off the back of this that I'm, having my chassis fully treated and sealed with some of Rich's stiffening plates welded on for good measure. She goes in on 15 October.


They guys at Rust Buster will independently inspect first before commencing any works and if all okay, then they'll go ahead with the treatment and fully document and certify.


I bought a borescope the other week. Will get underneath mine and take some video footage/photos 'as-is' and share with the collective. Mine seems pretty solid but there is a lot of surface rust on the bits I can see so still very concerning.

I've seen some in horrendous condition so mine looks in good order by comparison so I'd be interested in the views of others based on what the borescope captures.

Cheers


Carouser

Guessing mine is worse than yours seeing as it is 2 years older and has quite a lot of miles. Wait and see time.

 

[landmannnn]

RAC inspections came today. He said the chassis is fine, actually most that he had seen are good. Of the couple of hundred he has seen there have been a handful of basket cases, but they have all been farm trucks (or ex farm trucks).

Mine has the highest mileage he has seen too. (190k)

For those that are interested, the tell tale sign is the chassis drain channels blocked up with rust flakes.

Time to MOT it and sell it now, I was hoping that Nissan would give me a cheque....

 

[Rich.]

RAC inspections came today. He said the chassis is fine, actually most that he had seen are good. Of the couple of hundred he has seen there have been a handful of basket cases, but they have all been farm trucks (or ex farm trucks).

Mine has the highest mileage he has seen too. (190k)

For those that are interested, the tell tale sign is the chassis drain channels blocked up with rust flakes.

Time to MOT it and sell it now, I was hoping that Nissan would give me a cheque....

This is exactly what i have been saying from day one. The Navara was (is?) a very popular truck, and will have been used for multitudes of different jobs. The majority of the effected ones i have seen are falling to bits, i don't understand how they passed their last MOT but thats a different question. With people buying trucks now that have potentially spent their first 5 years of life buried in mud and slurry on a farm and never cleaned, there are bound to be problems, especially if people have not taken any preventative measures in the mean time.

When you consider the thousands sold, i bet the amount of effected don't even make up 1% of UK sales.

The other thing was the way Nissan initially handled it, which led to a huge social media campaign to get Nissan to react to it. Because of this every man and his dog knows about the chassis fault. I saw people today on a landrover group on Facebook telling someone not to buy a Navara as a tow vehicle because of the chassis rust. Yet i know of a couple of 2010 plate defenders that needed welding on their crossmember to get through an MOT. For some reason its acceptable for land rovers to be rust buckets, but not for a few Navara's.

 

[landmannnn]

This is the nice letter from NCS:

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to inspect your Nissan Navara, Registration XX56XLU.

You had voiced concerns regarding the integrity of your vehicle’s chassis, so an inspection and diagnosis of your vehicle was undertaken.

I am able to confirm that your vehicle chassis is structurally intact, and there is only surface oxidisation on exposed areas. This has affected the cosmetic appearance of the chassis from its new condition but does not compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle.

The level of surface oxidation on a vehicle depends on the external influences to which it may have been exposed, such as, but not limited to, water, debris, mud and road salt. The length of exposure and the subsequent cleaning regime will also have an impact.

The level of surface oxidation on your Vehicle’s chassis is commensurate with its age and mileage, and therefore no remedial action is required.

However, in the event you wish to improve the cosmetic appearance, there are options available, which, should you elect to undertake, your selected Nissan dealer can discuss with you the options and the associated costs.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely

 

[b4badger]

Hi.
Just found this on Facebook, so I thought I'd share it here. If anyone thinks it would be better elsewhere, then please copy or move it. You never know, it might help and wouldn't have thought it could hurt.
https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliam...ium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_term=des-lg-google-no_msg

 

[jack_flash]

I've just sold my Nav back to Nissan. It is high mileage 170k but never been off road and 90% motorway miles, so maybe it was the salt that killed mine. Still it's not as bad as some I have seen, the fuel tank fell off and there was a visible 50p size hole in the chassis but not crumbling like some pictures I've seen. It might have been a good candidate for welding up but I can't afford to be without a working car for too long so I'm just moving on. **** price though, only thing I can get for the money is a rusty Navara. Shame as the wife's Qashqai is a year younger and has no rust.

 

[b4badger]

Hi.
Just found this on Facebook, so I thought I'd share it here. If anyone thinks it would be better elsewhere, then please copy or move it. You never know, it might help and wouldn't have thought it could hurt.
https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliam...ium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_term=des-lg-google-no_msg

Maybe should have said it's an online petition to get Nissan to take responsibility for cracked and rotting chassis on the D40.:nerd2:

 

[chris vince]

Apologies if this article from 'Europe 4X4' Mag has been posted before, but I found it quite interesting.

http://www.europe4x4mag.com/2016/03/03/pick-ups-check-chassis/

There are some complete idiots around in particular the scaffolder and crate carrier (last two pictures!) not to mention the Bobcat transporter, these trucks cannot be blamed for all these chassis failures (reference to pictures in the article).
Also taken from this article an apparent official response from Nissan to snapping chassis:

The attachment points on the Nissan genuine accessory towbars can create excessive stress upon the chassis frame rails over time. As a result, cracks can occur at the ends of the rails. In extreme cases, sections of the chassis rails around the towbar attachment points may bend when heavy loads are applied.

Letters have been sent to owners of affected vehicles. Irrespective of whether your vehicle is fitted with one of the above towbars, you are advised to contact your Nissan dealer to arrange for an inspection and, where required, rectification of your vehicle. The inspection and necessary work will be performed free of charge where a genuine Nissan towbar is being replaced.

So it appears to be (if you want to believe this reply) it's all down to towbars and towing?