Toyota and Nissan Servicing: Keeping UAE Favourites Running

Toyota and Nissan, and especially the Land Cruiser and Patrol, are part of everyday driving in the UAE. Here's how to keep them reliable in this climate, from routine servicing to recalls.

Why these cars are everywhere

The National reported in 2023 that Nissan Patrols and Toyota Land Cruisers remain among the most popular vehicles on UAE roads. An industry chief executive told the paper that they have "a certain status in the UAE". Dubizzle data quoted in the same report listed the Patrol, Land Cruiser and Nissan Altima among the most in-demand used petrol cars that year. Dubai Police have also added the Toyota Land Cruiser to its patrol fleet, The National noted.

Routine servicing

Toyota and Nissan both publish maintenance schedules by time and distance in the owner's manual, usually with separate guidance for severe conditions such as high heat, dust, towing and off-road driving. Many UAE owners fall into that category.

Core items:

• Engine oil and filter at the interval in your manual

• Air filter. Dust and sand clog it quickly, especially after desert driving

• Coolant and hoses. Large engines in heavy SUVs produce a lot of heat

• Brakes. Heavy vehicles wear pads faster

• Transmission, transfer case and differential fluids if you tow or go off-road

Desert and off-road driving

If you take your Land Cruiser or Patrol into the dunes:

• Wash the underbody afterwards to remove packed sand.

• Check the air filter and the radiator front for sand.

• Reinflate tyres to road pressure before you get back on the tarmac. Ministry of Interior records reported by Khaleej Times list wrong tyre pressure and misuse on unsuitable surfaces among the causes of tyre bursts. The fine for driving on unfit tyres is Dh500, four black points and a one-week impoundment under Article 82 of the Federal Traffic Law.

• Have suspension and steering joints checked after heavy off-road use.

Recalls: check yours

Recall work is done by the official dealers, free of charge. For example, Gulf News reported in September 2025 that 1,661 Nissan Patrol "Y63" model year 2025 vehicles were expected to be covered by a UAE recall over a torque transfer control unit defect. The fault could cause driving force to drop to zero when the accelerator was pressed in a certain way. The campaign was run with the Ministry of Economy's Competition and Consumer Protection Department through Arabian Automobiles (Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates) and Al Masaood Automobiles (Abu Dhabi), and involved free reprogramming.

If you own or are buying a Toyota or Nissan, ask the dealer to check for open recalls using the VIN.

Dealer or specialist?

Khaleej Times reported that the UAE Ministry of Economy abolished compulsory dealer-servicing conditions in 2016. Approved independent centres can service cars still under warranty, provided the work meets the manufacturer's requirements. Keep itemised invoices. See our guide to dealer vs independent garages.

Before summer

• Battery test. See car battery replacement in Dubai.

• AC check. See car AC repair across the UAE.

• Tyre age and condition. See tyre shops in Dubai.

Find a specialist

Browse Toyota garages, Nissan garages and Lexus garages across the UAE, or car servicing in Dubai.

Sources: The National (2023); Gulf News (Nissan Patrol recall, September 2025); Ministry of Interior records as reported by Khaleej Times; Khaleej Times (Ministry of Economy warranty decision).