Nissan Approved Accessories - beware they can cripple your car functionality

I bought some Ironman accessories for my 2017 Nissan Navara, one of which was the heavy duty rear bar. Imagine my surprise when I was told that the bar (already installed) cannot cater for my rear park distance sensors.

Kudos to Mark White Nissan that really tried very hard to help me but they can only do so much.

I complained to Nissan about an approved accessory from them that cripple functionality in my vehicle.

They rep**** and I quote: "Thank you for affording us the opportunity to investigate the concern reported on your Nissan Navara. Please note that an investigation was carried out regarding and we would like to respond as follows:- • A Highly Qualified Nissan Technical specialists confirmed that the Ironmann fitment on your vehicle does not correlate with the sensors fitted in the original bumper of your Nissan Navara; • The sensor in the original bumper has been fitted at a slight angle and may detect inclines later than when the Ironmann bumper has been fitted. • Please note that in order to maximise the performance capability of the rear bumper the design needs to be at an angle. • This does not change how these sensors work and they will still be effective when used in conjunction with the reverse camera which the vehicle is equipped with.

It is important to note that this concern has not been raised by other customers on our database."

So from this I rep**** as follows: " So, by dissecting the information below, what you are saying in a nutshell is this – 1. It does not matter since I am the only person complaining about this 2. TJM and ARB, some of the biggest and toughest aftermarket accessory makers which is by no way inferior to Ironman produces heavy duty rear bumpers that is compatible with the Nissan PDC sensors, that refutes your claim to maximise performance capability 3. The Ironman rear bumper has a 13 and 23 degree angle where these sensors should be fitted. If fitted they give a false warning, the dealer has tried it, unless one of your highly qualified technicians can prove it wrong 4. Now, noting that it is put on record as a customer dissatisfaction – how does that help me? "

I have not had a reply from them again since then (11 October 2018).

Lessons learned from this experience - It does not pay to buy Nissan Approved accessories because they are indifferent if what you fitted cripples your vehicle functionality.

The rear view camera does not cover the same as the sensors and having the sensors fitted prevents one from accidentally driving into or over something. I for instance have 5 dogs around the vehicle when I reverse and the PDC sensors helps a lot, even more so for my wife when she use the vehicle.

This is a very very bad experience and I will not buy Nissan Approved Accessories again. I have found that a South African made heavy duty rear bar is made for the Navara with PDC sensors fitted.