Faults:

Timing chain was repaired one year by the previous owner who is my brother in law at a cost of approximately $1000, the next year the timing chain went again and cost us $1000.

This vehicle "ticks", but according to the mechanic this is normal??

The next week the starter went and the cost was another $1000 as they appariently have to lift the motor to get at it.

The only door that works is the driver's side door, the others will not unlock. If you carry passengers, they have to climb over the stick shift, or sit in the back as if they are riding in a cab. This vehicle also loves gas!

I understand that it is a older van and that repairs are sometimes necessary, but this seems to be a very common problem. I would not ever buy an Axxess ever again.

Faults:

Tailshaft seal broke 60,000 miles.

Timing chain jumped at 85,000; top end rebuilt.

AWD transfer clutch started locking up at about 80,000; lived with it for a while because it only affected tight turns when the tranny was very hot.

Rear struts blown by 90,000; lived with it.

Transmission bearings shot by 95,000; dealer rebuilt and installed a new AWD transfer clutch while it was apart.

105,000 miles: Couldn't stand the bouncy rear anymore; discovered a Nissan dealer in British Columbia that took care of them and a complete brake job for half what it would have cost in the US.

General Comments:

We live near enough to the Canadian border to make it worthwhile to take the car there for repairs and service. The Axxess was sold there through the 1995 model year, but only as a 1990 in the US. Canadian dealers are more familiar with it, and parts and labor are much cheaper.

We like the size and utility of the vehicle so much that we've put up with several expensive repairs just to keep it. It's been paid off long ago, so we've still come out ahead compared to trading it on a new van or wagon, which could easily run to $30K.

Faults:

Key lock on the hatchback.

Automatic door locks on the two rear-seat doors.

A guide that holds the timing chain went at about 242000 km and the car stopped. It cost well over $2000CAD to fix it.

The brake master cylinder went recently.

Fuel pump had a short in it and continued to blow a fuse. Replaced it.

General Comments:

I think this would be a half-decent vehicle up to about 175000 km. After that I would not want one if it were free. It has caused me nothing but headaches. I like Nissan for the most part. But I think they skimped on this model. I will never buy another Axxess.