Nissan Teana L33 Review: Complete Buyer's Guide & Issues

The third-generation Nissan Teana with the L33 index became the final attempt by the Japanese manufacturer to establish itself in the premium sedan segment. This vehicle, produced from 2014 to 2016, represented a serious bid to compete with the Toyota Camry, but never managed to capture the desired market share. Nevertheless, the Teana L33 remains an interesting option in the used car market for those seeking a comfortable and technologically advanced sedan.

Technical Foundation and Construction

The Nissan Teana L33 is built on the American Altima platform but received significant modifications for other markets. The body was reinforced with additional structural elements, the suspension was retuned to improve handling, and sound insulation was enhanced to increase comfort.

The vehicle was equipped with two gasoline engines. The base variant received an inline four-cylinder QR25DE engine with a 2.5-liter displacement producing 172 horsepower. The top version was equipped with a V-shaped six-cylinder VQ35DE engine with a 3.5-liter displacement producing 249 horsepower. Both engines worked in conjunction with JATCO CVT-8 continuously variable transmissions: JF016E for the 2.5-liter engine and JF017E for the 3.5-liter engine.

QR25DE 2.5L Engine: Features and Reliability

The four-cylinder QR25DE engine is the most common in the Teana L33. This engine appeared in the early 2000s and underwent several serious modernizations. The most significant of these took place in 2007, when the piston group was improved, connecting rods were strengthened, and the balance shaft block design was changed.

Owner opinions about the reliability of this unit vary dramatically. Under favorable operating conditions, the engine can work up to 350,000 kilometers, but with intensive use, problems may begin after just 100,000 kilometers of mileage.

Main Problems of the QR25DE Engine

The most serious problem of the engine is its tendency to overheat. This can occur due to external radiator contamination or deposit formation inside the cooling system. It is recommended to clean the radiators every 50,000 kilometers.

A feature of the QR25DE engine is the presence of two thermostats. One is located in the cylinder block, the second in the distributor housing attached to the cylinder head. The second thermostat is designed to accelerate cylinder block warming and remains closed until reaching a temperature of 95°C. Such a design can lead to uneven heating and significant temperature differences between the block and cylinder head.

At high mileages when using poor-quality fuel, the catalytic converter may begin to deteriorate, releasing abrasive particles into the engine, leading to scoring on cylinder surfaces. The throttle body is also susceptible to contamination from oil vapors and dirt, manifesting as unstable idle and increased fuel consumption.

When approaching 200,000 kilometers of mileage, timing chain stretch is possible. In this case, the chain does not make characteristic noise, but the engine loses power and fuel consumption increases. In advanced cases, timing phases may shift, leading to camshaft position sensor errors and starting problems.

VQ35DE 3.5L Engine: Legendary Reliability

The six-cylinder VQ35DE engine is significantly rarer but distinguished by high reliability. With proper maintenance, it easily runs over 300,000 kilometers. Timing chains rarely require replacement before 250,000 kilometers of mileage.

This engine is built according to old-school engineering principles, thanks to which the cylinder block has an official repair size of +0.2 mm. This means that during major repairs, complex cylinder liner procedures are not required.

V6 Operating Features

The main problem of the powerful V6 is related to operating modes in urban conditions. With constant driving at low RPMs, piston rings may become coked after 100,000 kilometers, leading to increased oil consumption.

Prevention of this problem is well known: regular highway driving at high RPMs and frequent oil changes. The standard oil change interval of 15,000 kilometers is not suitable for the VQ35DE -- it is recommended to reduce it by half or count engine operating hours.

Cooling System and Maintenance

The cooling system of both engines requires regular attention. Radiators are prone to contamination, which can lead to overheating and cylinder head deformation. Also characteristic are leaks from valve cover gaskets, which may require replacement after 5-7 years of operation. With such a malfunction, oil enters the spark plug wells, causing uneven engine operation.

CVT-8 Continuously Variable Transmissions: Design and Problems

Two types of CVT-8 family continuously variable transmissions were installed on the Russian Teana L33. The less powerful JF016E modification transmits force using a plate belt, while the flagship JF017E version uses a chain. Both transmissions are structurally similar and represent the further development of the JATCO JF011E CVT.

Up to 150,000 kilometers of mileage, these transmissions usually do not cause problems, but improper operation can disable the unit in 3-4 years. The main enemies of the CVT are high speeds (over 160 km/h), sharp starts and accelerations, wheel spin, and lack of maintenance.

Filtration System and Maintenance

The CVT is sensitive to transmission fluid quality. Three levels of protection are installed in the path of wear products: a coarse filter in the pan, collecting magnets on the pan, and a fine filter in a separate housing near the heat exchanger. All these elements require regular maintenance with each oil change.

The manufacturer does not set a specific oil change schedule -- the need is determined by a built-in oil aging counter. In practice, replacement is required at 130-150,000 kilometers of mileage, which means the first owner usually does not change the oil at all.

Typical CVT Malfunctions

A characteristic problem of the CVT-8 series is jerking and shuddering while driving, arising from wear of the hydraulic control unit. Minor vibrations may appear after 50,000 kilometers, and after 80,000 kilometers, hydraulic block replacement may be required.

Jerking can also occur due to wear of the oil pump reduction valve, which worked for a long time in contaminated oil. As a result, the belt or chain is not tightly pressed by the cones and begins to slip, scoring the pulleys. This triggers a chain reaction of mutual wear of most CVT components.

Another characteristic problem is humming, requiring replacement of cone bearings. This is more of an age-related problem, but since access to the bearings is difficult, their replacement is usually accompanied by a revision of all transmission components.

Suspension and Handling

When adapting for various markets, the Teana L33 body was reinforced, and springs and shock absorbers became stiffer. Steel strut bars appeared between front and rear shock absorbers. The rear multi-link suspension received steering bushings that improve handling at limit conditions.

Overall, the suspension operates smoothly for 100,000 kilometers and more. Before this mileage, at approximately 80,000 kilometers, only the upper front shock absorber mounts and steering bushings may require replacement. All rubber-metal joints are replaced separately, simplifying and reducing maintenance costs.

The steering rack shows good reliability, as do the ball joints. The only complaint concerns the front brake pads, which have a relatively short service life -- less than 25,000 kilometers.

Body and Paint Coating

Nissan claims double-sided galvanic zinc coating of the body with a thickness of 10-12 microns. However, in practice, stones on the highway can penetrate paint, primer, and zinc layer, so chips require timely touch-up.

Some vehicles could have paint bubbling on individual body elements, most often on the trunk lid. In such cases, dealers usually repainted problematic parts under warranty. A characteristic feature of all model generations is chrome peeling from badges and moldings.

Interior and Comfort

The Teana L33 interior is distinguished by a high level of comfort and quality finishing materials. Ergonomics are thought out to the smallest detail, and there is sufficient space for both front and rear passengers. Over time, seat leather may develop creases, but overall the interior maintains a decent appearance.

The vehicle is equipped with modern safety systems even in base configuration. The multimedia system is intuitive and functional.

Selection Recommendations

When choosing a used Teana L33, it should be considered that this is a fairly fresh vehicle with good equipment. Most examples were used as company cars for long trips, so honest mileage less than 120-130,000 kilometers is rare.

Vehicles with the 2.5-liter engine are more affordable but require thorough checking of engine and CVT condition. V6 versions are rarer but distinguished by greater powertrain reliability.

Model Pros and Cons

Undeniable advantages of the Teana L33 include a comfortable interior, decent dynamics, a worthy set of safety systems, and good handling. The vehicle is distinguished by smooth ride quality and low cabin noise levels.

The main drawback of the model is the CVT, requiring careful attention and timely maintenance. The QR25DE engine can also present unpleasant surprises under unfavorable operating conditions.

Conclusion

The Nissan Teana L33 remains an interesting option for those seeking a comfortable sedan with good equipment. If you can find an example with confirmed mileage and serviceable engine and CVT, such a vehicle can be an excellent choice. The main thing is not to skimp on diagnostics when purchasing and be prepared for regular maintenance, especially of the CVT.

With the right approach to selection and operation, the Teana L33 can long delight the owner with comfort, reliability, and dynamics. It's important to remember that any signs of CVT malfunction require immediate specialist attention -- the earlier the problem is addressed, the cheaper the repair will be.

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