Nissan® Service Information & More
Milito’s has Serviced Nissan® in Chicago since 1968.
Rely on Us for Any Type of Nissan Repair and Maintenance Today!
How Nissan Has Stood The Test Of Time
Innovation That Excites
The company motto is that they “believe that cars should change the world and the way that we move through it,” and they’ve been living proof of that since they were founded in 1914. They believe they’re more than a car company. They believe they’re an innovation company.
According to the company, “We take the most innovative thinking in the industry and combine it with performance, value, efficiency, safety, and style. The result: cars that thrill you, every time you get behind the wheel. Innovation that excites.”
As the sixth largest producer of motor vehicles in the world, and the third largest in Japan, they show no signs off letting of the gas any time soon.
Who Is Buying A Nissan?
In one word – millennials. In a survey from LendingTree that examined car-buying trends among those under 35 years old, the Nissan Altima took the top spot.
This is also the group the company targeted with the 2017 Rogue Sport.
While the Rogue itself was marketed to young families; the Rogue Sport was pitched to singles and couples with no kids.
The company also gave the Rogue a huge boost when it linked up with the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in advertising, targeting the same group. The campaign boosted Rogue sales above 40,000 units a month at the time, making the crossover the industry’s best-selling nameplate, other than full-size pickups.
Top Nissan Repair Problems
While the Nissan is mostly a well-oiled machine with only minimal owner complaints, no vehicle is perfect, and there are a few issues that may need to be addressed.
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – Drivers have reported a delayed throttle response and feeling a shudder or jerking sensation when accelerating, with some models even having transmission failure.
- Engine Issues – There have been complaints about a fault with the electronic steering column lock (ESCL) of some models, as well as engine starting issues and faulty ignition switch software.
- Power Steering Whine – It’s just what it sounds like. Owners have complained about a power steering whine. Since the Altima uses an electric power steering pump, it’s expected there will be some noise, but it could be from contact between power steering lines and nearby air conditioning lines.
All of these problems and more can be fixed by the Nissan service mechanics at Milito’s Auto Repair in Chicago.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Nissan
If you’re looking for a reliable car but don’t want to pay for a brand new model, a used Nissan is the way to go.
Here are five things that you should do:
- Check the Records – Check the serial number with your local Nissan dealer for a service history. If they don’t have a history, ask to see the receipts for repair work and scheduled maintenance, and make sure it had credible records from the owner.
- Professional Inspection – Even if you ran a vehicle history report, you should still have the car inspected by a mechanic to find potential issues and to determine if the car has been in an unreported accident. Make sure they pay attention to engine-related components, like fluids, hoses and belts, radiator, and the battery.
- Check the Tires – Tires can tell you a lot regarding the maintenance and driving history of the car. If tires are worn unevenly across the width of the tread, this could indicated aggressive driving by the previous owner of the vehicle. Also look at the surface of the tire for feathering (bad alignment). Bad alignment can be caused by worn steering/suspension components, the Chicago potholes, or frame damage.
- Certified Pre-Owned – The certification provides a long-term warranty which is only offered after a rigorous 167-point test fully resolving any visual or technical flaws. It’s also factory-backed with a 7-years/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and $50 deductible.
- Test Drive – You want to make sure you’re comfortable in the car. Are the seats comfortable? Are the mirrors easily adjustable? Do the power locks work? In addition, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. After which move the car and do a visible check for any leaking substances, which is a red flag.
Technological Innovations from Nissan
This unique experience has cars that park themselves, watch what’s happening around you, and step in to keep you out of trouble. The company claim we will find future with cars that can actually learn from one another and EVs that recharge as they drive along.
The first mass produced, zero emission, 100% electric vehicle has ProPILOT, which automatically keeps pace with the flow of traffic. And just push the “Park” button and watch the LEAF glide into the parking space with little effort.
They’re piloting the effectiveness of the vehicle to grid system (V2G). Along with accessing renewable energy, drivers can connect their electric vehicles to the grid during cheap-tariff periods. In addition, they can use the electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery either at home, while driving, or even for selling back to the grid.
Top Nissan Dealers in the Chicago Area
The History of Nissan
While it only officially became known as Nissan Motor Company PTY LTD in 1934, the company had been producing motor cars since 1914. The company’s first car was the DAT, named after the original investors Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi. In was renamed the Datsun in 1932, and in 1937 it became the first motor vehicle to be mass produced in Japan.
Making It Through the War Times
With war looming on the horizon the next year, Nissan shifted production away from passenger cars and began producing trucks and military vehicles for the Japanese army. In addition, they manufactured and assembled plane engines and motors for torpedo boats. With the war done in 1945, allied troops seized and controlled much of the production capabilities of Nissan and other car manufacturers — with Nissan being held for almost a decade.
Nissan really became a big player in the late 1950s and early 1960s thanks to full control back in the hands of the Nissan Motor Company. Research, development, and production quickly came back in full swing. The company began exporting cars to the United States of America in 1958 and set up production in Mexico in 1961 to produce for the American market. Things went so well they won the Deming Prize for engineering excellence in 1960.
Nissan’s Incredible Production
Nissan released the Datsun 150 on to the market in North America in 1957, making it the first four door sports sedan. Nissan began to establish itself as a car manufacturer that produced passenger cars with racing heritage. In 1969 the Datsun Fairlady Z went into to production and became the best selling sports car worldwide.
In 1981, the company began marketing vehicles under the Nissan name, and the company reached the landmark production figure of 30 million units. The number surpassed 40 million units by the mid ‘80s, and in 1990 cumulative production reached over 50 million units. At the end of the decade, they signed with Renault for a mutually-beneficial relationship.
Nissan Going Green
The 2000s saw green issues came to the fore front in car manufacturing, and in 2008 Nissan was endorsed as an Eco First company for its commitment to environmental protection. That commitment to the environment was proven in 2010 when the company introduced the Nissan Leaf, a groundbreaking introduction as the world’s first mass produced, zero emission, 100% electric vehicle.
In 2018, Nissan received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for the 7th consecutive year thanks to a strong commitment to reduce CO2 emissions from their vehicles and operations, and for applying ENERGY STAR guidance towards these goals.
Fast Facts
Nissan went intergalactic by developing engines for the Lambda 4S-5 spacecraft, which launched Japan’s first-ever satellite, the OHSUMI.
The model range of Nissan and Infiniti includes more than 60 models of cars in all classes.
Nissan holds a record for the fastest production model in the world — the Nissan GT-R. It flew by both Ferrari and Porsche, showing the best time on the Nürburgring racing track, making it considered the fastest street-legal.
Not counting Japan, the company has its divisions and subsidiaries in 17 countries and offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia.