They have had a number of issues over the past 7 years. Early D40s had rear axle issues. DPFs (auto only, pre 2011) gave people grief and the SCV has been problematic for the 2008 to early 2010 models. Late 2010 and through to early 2012 saw issues with the turbocharger actuator (changed from vacuum in pre-2010 to electronic) followed by the 2011/2012 EGR issues (reported to be software, not the valve itself).
However, late 2012 and onwards seem to be reasonably free of these issues. We had one person show us an intercooler that seemed to suffer from enormous pressure and ballooned the cores at the top but that was in the V6, which suffered in its early days (late 2011) from ballooning charge air hoses too.
These issues seem to be a thing of the past. Even the new V6 diesel doesn't seem to draw many people here to complain about it, or seek confirmation that a particular "feature" isn't expected.
In short, the Navara has become a GREAT car. My 2009 auto is superb, I guess I was lucky there, others weren't as fortunate. I chose the auto for towing - these cars are heavy, they can tow 3T, taking their gross mass to 5.9T - that's a lot for the little clutch to handle, even with the single mass flywheel. Personally I would never look past the auto if you intend to tow.
If you're towing more than 750kg, get a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 installed and make sure the trailer has electric brakes. This is THE best brake controller on the market.
Also, remember that the car is very smooth coming out of the showroom but the suspension is not suitable for Australian conditions - count on replacing it, and once you DO replace it, you'll wonder why you waited. The standard stuff will suffice, but after-market is SO much better.
Love my ute.
