Nissan · Known Issues

2021 Nissan NV Problems: 4 Known Issues

2021 model year · 310+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 310+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan NV has 4 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leak with 110 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan NV problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 310+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan NV has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leak, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Overheating Under Load, Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan NV reliable?

The 2021 Nissan NV has 4 known issues documented across 310+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan NV problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan NV issues range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leak?

The Nissan NV cargo van uses a radiator with plastic end tanks that develop cracks from heat cycling and vibration inherent to commercial van use. The cracks typically form at the crimp joint between the plastic tank and aluminum core. The V8 NV 2500/3500 models are more suscepti… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Overheating Under Load?

The Nissan NV 1500/2500/3500 models use a 5-speed automatic transmission (RE5R05A) that overheats under heavy load conditions — particularly when the van is loaded to its GVWR in hot weather. The factory transmission cooler is marginally sized for commercial use. Overheating degr… Repairs typically run $150-$3,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure?

The NV's fuel level sending unit fails, causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The gauge may read full when the tank is half empty, drop suddenly to empty, or fluctuate erratically. The issue is caused by the float arm rheostat wearing out from fuel sloshing (common in commercia… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV Rear Cargo Door Hinge Pin Wear and Door Sagging?

The NV cargo van's large rear barn-style cargo doors suffer from hinge pin wear that causes the doors to sag and become difficult to close. Commercial and delivery vans experience this more rapidly due to high door cycle counts. The heavy steel doors put significant stress on the… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: low.

2021 Nissan NV Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

2012-2021 Nissan NV: Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Owner tips & cautions

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2012-2021 Nissan NV: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Overheating Under Load#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2012-2021 Nissan NV: Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Owner tips & cautions

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2012-2021 Nissan NV: Rear Cargo Door Hinge Pin Wear and Door Sagging#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What you need to fix it

Owner tips & cautions

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Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan NV problems?

Is the Nissan NV reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan NV problems?

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking and Coolant Leak?

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV 5-Speed Automatic Transmission Overheating Under Load?

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Failure?

What is the 2012-2021 Nissan NV Rear Cargo Door Hinge Pin Wear and Door Sagging?