IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2022 Nissan Townstar

Nissan replaced the NV250 with the Renault Kangoo-based Townstar in 2022, launching the UK petrol range on 1 October with the 1.3 TCe 130 and no diesel option. Van and five-seat Combi bodies came in L1 and L2 lengths, priced from £19,475 before VAT.

What changed for 2022

  • •1.3-litre TCe 130 PS petrol (H5Ht) with a six-speed manual; Nissan chose not to offer a diesel in the UK
  • •L1 and L2 wheelbases giving 3.3 or 4.3 cubic metres of load space and up to about 840 kg payload
  • •Visia, Acenta, Tekna and Tekna+ trims, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • •Van and Combi passenger versions, the Combi bringing a three-seat rear bench and tailgate option

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Worn front lower ball joints and track rod ends, showing as steering play and feathered front tyres
  • !Corroded brake pipes and lazily maintained rear calipers on vans that stand between jobs
  • !Damaged lamp lenses, mirrors and sliding-door tracks from tight urban delivery work
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Known Issues
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Serious
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Moderate
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Minor

All Known Issues

Townstar EV 45kWh High-Voltage Battery Thermal Cut-Off During Summer Rapid Charging

ModerateCooling System

On EV variants without the optional liquid-chilled battery conditioning pack, repeated DC rapid charging sessions in hot weather can throttle charge speeds down to 15kW to prevent cell overheating.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Normal passive thermal limitation)
Warning Signs:

DC rapid charge rate drops severely above 50% state of charge, "Battery Temperature High" message, Extended charging dwell times on motorway trips

What to Inspect:
  • Check whether the EV is equipped with the 22kW AC/80kW DC thermal conditioning upgrade package
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Twin Sliding Door Lower Track Dirt Ingress & Roller Jam

MinorBodywork & Rust

Grit, winter salt, and road grime accumulate in the exposed lower sills of the sliding side doors, causing the nylon runner wheels to grind, stick, or pull off their track alignment.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£220
Warning Signs:

Sliding door requires heavy force to latch shut, Scraping metallic sound when opening side doors, Door ajar warning light stays illuminated

What to Inspect:
  • Slide both rear side doors open and shut fully
  • Inspect lower guide channels for gravel or damaged roller bearings
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

1.3 TCe Turbo Wastegate Rod Chirp & Rattle

MinorEngine

On 1.3 TCe petrol models, thermal expansion of the turbocharger wastegate actuator rod linkage causes a metallic buzzing or rattling noise on deceleration around 2,000 RPM.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Anti-rattle clip fitment / £120)
Warning Signs:

Buzzing metallic rattle when lifting off throttle, Rattle heard on cold start idle

What to Inspect:
  • Rev engine gently to 2,500 RPM and release throttle while listening for turbo linkage buzz
  • Check for wastegate spring clip retrofit
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2022 Nissan Townstar

  • Confirm the wheelbase and payload you need, because the L2 adds 426 mm and a cubic metre of load space
  • Check for a full service history and listen for turbo wastegate rattle on a cold start
  • Inspect the bulkhead, load floor and rear doors for delivery damage on ex-fleet vans
2023
Check a 2022 Nissan Townstar by Registration