Used Nissan Almera

What to know before buying: Nissan Almera

From 1 forum thread and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owner reviews rate the Almera highly: the described 2001–2005 cars scored 8–10 out of 10, and every reviewer would recommend one to a friend.[1]one source
• Two owners of 2004 2.0-litre diesel hatchbacks reported 4.8 l/100 km; one also praised the agility, easy parking and roomy boot.[1]one source
• After 320,000 km of use, an owner rated a 2005 2.0-litre petrol saloon 8/10, calling it inexpensive to run but rather noisy.[1]one source
• The source describes the Almera as a reliable saloon while identifying several common age-related faults.[3]one source

Typical faults

• Initial corrosion can appear on cars as young as seven years old, while the older N15 is specifically noted for more serious body rust.[2]one source
• Timing-chain and tensioner faults are reported, potentially causing rough running, stalling, incorrect cam timing and, in some cases, loss of brake-assistance operation.[2][3]
• On petrol Almeras built from March 2000 to July 2002, crankshaft and camshaft misalignment can cause repeated stalling and difficulty restarting.[3]one source

  2000–2002 · petrol

• Windscreen-wiper faults are reported, including wiper-motor failures on the N16.[2]one source
• Electric windows may stick or move very slowly because of a failing window regulator.[3]one source
• Clutch failures are reported on the N15.[2]one source
• Door seals can come loose on the N16, while worn N15 door seals are associated with water leaks into the cabin.[2]one source
• A recall covered 1,600 Almeras with an incorrectly installed B-pillar side-curtain airbag sensor that could prevent correct deployment in a crash.[4]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0-litre diesel manual has the strongest owner evidence: 2004 hatchbacks returned a reported 4.8 l/100 km and ratings of 9–10/10.[1]one source
• The 2.0-litre petrol manual is worth considering for low running costs: after 320,000 km, a 2005 saloon owner rated it 8/10 and called it inexpensive to run.[1]one source

What to avoid

• Treat petrol cars built from March 2000 to July 2002 cautiously: the source links this period to stalling caused by crankshaft and camshaft misalignment.[3]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect the sills, floor and body carefully, especially on the N15 and cars at least seven years old; corrosion is reported from this age.[2]one source
• With the engine cold and warm, check for unstable idle, stalling and hesitation; these symptoms can relate to the timing chain, airflow meter, or crank and cam sensors.[2][3]
• Test every wiper setting and each electric window; the sources report faults affecting the wipers, wiper motor and window regulators.[2][3]
• Confirm that the handbrake holds securely; the source warns that misaligned ratchet and pawl teeth can allow it to self-release.[3]one source
• Verify recall completion and check the airbag warning lamp: an incorrectly installed side-curtain sensor could prevent proper deployment on affected Almeras.[4]one source
• Check both the service and parking brakes: inspection data lists brake faults across many 1996–2006 cars, and N15 braking performance is described as weak.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]auto.jautajums.lv — Nissan Almera atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
2. [2]autotie.fi — Nissan Almera tyyppiviat · press
3. [3]tumblr.com — Common Nissan Almera Problems And Easy Solutions · press
4. [4]carsguide.com.au — Nissan Almera Problems & Reliability Issues · press

Spotted an error? Tell us