Nissan Qashqai Common Problems & Known Faults (UK)
If you are considering buying a used Nissan Qashqai, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 27 known faults for this model, 15 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Generation 1 of 210 known faults · 29 owner reports · 4 good notes
Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007 to 2013) problems
Engine/EmissionsMedium severity📝 Editorial
DPF blockages and EGR valve failures due to short journey use, plus premature timing belt failure if intervals are ignored
Rough guide
£500-1200
Typical symptoms
red or yellow DPF warning light
limp mode
poor fuel economy
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
August 2017A 2010 Qashqai 1.5 dCi required a new DPF and EGR valve at 90,000 miles, costing £1384 for parts and labour.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 12 owner reports, 2014 to 2017
Widespread reports of Xtronic CVT transmission failure, often leading to juddering, loss of drive, limp mode, or complete breakdown. Failures reported from low mileage and just outside warranty. Repair costs are very high.
Rough guide
£3500-7500
Typical symptoms
Juddering or shaking during acceleration or at low speeds
Loss of power or limp mode
Unusual noises from the transmission (whining, grinding)
Engine revs rising without corresponding increase in speed
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All Xtronic CVT Automatics
Typical mileage:
16000-76000 miles
8 more owner reports back this up
July 2022A 2012 Qashqai with 54,000 miles experienced CVT gearbox failure, with a reconditioned replacement transmission quoted at £3,600.
April 2019A 2013 Qashqai experienced juddering from its CVT transmission; a reconditioned unit cost £2,856 after a 50% goodwill contribution from Nissan.
March 2019A 2013 Qashqai 1.6 CVT automatic failed in forward gears at 43,000 miles, requiring a £3,500 reconditioning by a specialist garage.
November 2018A failed bearing was reported in the CVT transmission of a 2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6.
October 2018A 2012 Nissan Qashqai's CVT transmission failed at 16,000 miles due to oil starvation, requiring a new transmission at £7,500.
August 2018The CVT of a 2013 Qashqai 1.6 CVT automatic at 62,000 miles sometimes juddered when starting or ascending hills.
August 2018The CVT transmission of a 2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 began to judder slightly during operation.
April 2018A 2012 Nissan Qashqai experienced failed CVT transmission, with a dealer quoting £4,000 for replacement.
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SuspensionMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012
Rattles from the rear suspension, often due to softening damper bushings. This was a standard fault rectified with the December 2009 facelift.
Rough guide
£300-600
Typical symptoms
Loud rattling noise from the rear of the car, especially over bumps
Poor ride quality from the rear
MoT failure due to corroded or failed rear dampers
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
10000-50000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
December 2017The rear dampers of an 89,000-mile 2007 Qashqai corroded at the base, requiring replacement at £500 per side.
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EGR valve can stick in the closed position, leading to increased exhaust gas temperatures, premature turbo bearing failure, and potential engine runaway if oil enters the induction system. This is a known issue with the K9K engine.
Rough guide
£800-2000
Typical symptoms
Rough running or hesitation
Loss of power
Engine management light illuminated
Whining or grinding noise from the turbocharger
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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Premature failure of the rear differential on 4WD models, even without towing. Nissan's goodwill contributions varied significantly.
Rough guide
£1200-3200
Typical symptoms
Loud whining or grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle
Clunking or banging noises when accelerating or decelerating
Vibration felt through the floor
Loss of 4WD capability
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0 dCi / 2.0 Petrol 4WD
Typical mileage:
35000-40000 miles
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OtherMedium severity💬 1 owner report, 2013
Air conditioning condenser matrix is prone to corrosion, causing fins to crumble and leaks to develop after about 4 years. This leads to loss of refrigerant and ineffective air conditioning.
Rough guide
£500-900
Typical symptoms
Air conditioning blows warm air
System requires frequent re-gassing
Visible corrosion or damage to the condenser fins
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
40000-70000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2013 to 2017
Potential crankshaft and main bearing failure under severe driving conditions, leading to engine damage. Nissan extended the warranty on the 2.0 dCi engine to 4 years to cover this problem and issued a recall/TSB to address it, sometimes by reprogramming the ECU to reduce power/torque.
Rough guide
£3500-10500
Typical symptoms
Acrid burning smell from the engine
Engine stalling
Distinct tapping or rattling noise from the engine
Significantly reduced power and torque after a 'fix'
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0 dCi (M9R)
Typical mileage:
40000-70000 miles
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Cylinder head problems, including cracking, are reported to be a common issue on the 1.6 petrol engine in both the Qashqai and Juke.
Rough guide
£1000-2000
Typical symptoms
Engine overheating
Loss of coolant without visible leaks
White smoke from the exhaust
Rough running or misfires
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 Petrol (HR16DE)
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2012 to 2017
Premature failure of the dual mass flywheel (DMF) and clutch assembly, leading to expensive repair bills. Multiple reports across various engines, with some cars experiencing repeated clutch failures.
Rough guide
£1100-3000
Typical symptoms
Clutch slipping, especially under acceleration
Juddering or vibration when pulling away or changing gears
Difficulty selecting gears
Loud knocking or rattling noise from the gearbox area
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual Transmission (various engines)
Typical mileage:
20000-60000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2013 to 2015
Timing belt failure, sometimes caused by a failed auxiliary belt lodging in the timing belt, leading to catastrophic engine damage. Nissan reportedly issued a TSB for 1.5 dCi models up to August 2010 to address this.
Rough guide
£3000-5500
Typical symptoms
Sudden loss of engine power and engine stopping
Loud banging or grinding noise from the engine
Engine will not restart
Auxiliary belt fraying or snapping
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Typical mileage:
38000-65000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
June 2017The timing belt failed on a 2012 Qashqai 1.5 dCi at 45,000 miles, leading to engine damage.
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What owners report on the J10
29 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Engine · November 2019A 2011 Qashqai 1.5 dCi with 54,000 miles suffered intermittent misfiring, sometimes entering limp mode, with diagnostics indicating injector malfunctions.
Suspension and steering · July 2019Front suspension arm bushes on a 2011 Nissan Qashqai failed on both sides, then failed again 8,000 miles after the initial repair.
Engine · February 2019A 2012 Qashqai 1.5 dCi suddenly lost power, illuminating the engine management light, due to a split pipe connected to the turbo.
Fuel system · January 2019A 2010 Qashqai 2.0 CVT had its transmission replaced under warranty, after which fuel consumption increased from 32-33mpg to 26-27mpg.
Suspension and steering · December 2018A 2011 Qashqai 1.5 diesel showed power steering failure symptoms, despite the dealer denying it was part of a 2012 recall.
Engine · November 2018The turbo boost inlet pipe cracked on a 2013 Qashqai 1.5 dCi at 70,000 miles, later showing a DPF restriction fault code.
Engine · November 2018The oil pump of a 2012 Qashqai 1.5 dCi failed at 48,000 miles, causing internal engine damage due to oil starvation.
Gearbox and clutch · October 2018A 2013 Nissan Qashqai 1.6 CVT experienced clutch slipping when pulling away from a standstill.
Engine · September 2018A 2011 Qashqai 1.5 dCi had three unsuccessful attempts by a dealer to update its engine management module, resulting in surging and chattering.
Engine · March 2018A 2012 Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi suffered diesel injector failure at 43,500 miles, requiring a £566.40 repair.
Electrics · January 2018A 2011 Qashqai 2.0 dCi displayed spurious engine management, service, and cruise control warning lights that no garage could fix.
Electrics · December 2017The windscreen wiper motor and mechanism failed on a 2009 Qashqai 1.5 dCi, with no spare parts available from Nissan or Europarts.
Electrics · December 2017A 2010 Qashqai 2.0 petrol 4WD CVT displayed a '4WD' warning light; the dealer diagnosed a faulty 4x4 actuator and transmission control module.
Gearbox and clutch · September 2017A bearing failed inside the manual transmission of a Qashqai 1.6 petrol model, leading to the destruction of the entire transmission.
Engine · September 2017A 2012 Qashqai 1.6 dCi at 42,000 miles had its engine management light illuminate, with a dealer diagnosing an exhaust throttle actuator and turbo failure.
Engine · July 2017A Qashqai 2.0 petrol CVT automatic experienced engine revs rising considerably when easing off the accelerator, despite constant speed.
Exhaust · July 2017A 2012 Qashqai 1.6 dCi, with 50,000 miles, needed an exhaust actuator replacement for £700 after an orange engine light appeared.
Suspension and steering · July 2017A 2011 Nissan Qashqai needed new rear suspension bushes at 31,000 miles, incurring a repair cost of £200.
Electrics · February 2017A Qashqai CVT accelerated uncontrollably, despite the driver not pressing the accelerator, with lawyers suggesting an electric throttle malfunction.
Electrics · January 2017A 2012 or 2013 Qashqai's satnav map display frequently reported the SD card was not inserted, sometimes requiring re-insertion.
Engine · December 2016A 2011 Qashqai 1.5 dCi was found to still require a cylinder head gasket replacement from an unperformed TSB.
Suspension and steering · December 2016Front and rear suspension bushes failed on a 2012 Qashqai at 19,000 miles, requiring replacement.
Electrics · August 2016A 2008 Qashqai suffered multiple issues including the left indicator activating with the brake, a sticking clutch pedal, and worn interior door latches.
Engine · June 2016A 2011 Qashqai 1.5 dCi experienced injector failures twice, at 25,000 and 32,000 miles, costing £850 and 28 days off the road.
Electrics · May 2016A 2013 Qashqai 1.6 dCi experienced a stop/start system fault just after its warranty expired, with a shortage of correct replacement batteries.
Engine · April 2016A 56,000-mile 2010 Qashqai 1.5 dCi intermittently refused to rev, possibly due to blocked turbo oil pipes, and the ESP light appeared.
Bodywork · October 2015The tailgate handle/number plate light assembly of a four-year-old Qashqai broke, becoming brittle with age.
Cooling · June 2015The air conditioning compressor failed on a 2012 Qashqai 1.6 dCi 130, with a 27-day delay for parts.
Brakes · November 2014ABS failure was reported on a 65,000-mile 2008 Qashqai, with a Nissan dealer quoting £1,800 for repair.
What owners like about the J10
4 notes
The 16-inch wheels with 215/65 R16 tyres offer the most comfortable and pothole-absorbing ride.
The vehicle exhibits a robust and solid construction, conveying a strong sense of quality and durability.
The Renault-sourced dCi diesel engines are noted for their strength and performance.
Drivers benefit from an elevated seating position, which provides excellent forward and peripheral visibility.
Generation 2 of 217 known faults · 24 owner reports · 10 good notes
Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013 to 2021) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Undersized piston rings causing excessive oil consumption, leading to timing chain stretch and engine failure
Rough guide
£2000-4500
Typical symptoms
frequent low oil warnings
rattling noise from timing chain
black smoke from exhaust
loss of compression and misfires
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.2 DIG-T (HRA2DDT / Renault H5Ft)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity📝 Editorial
Xtronic CVT transmission failure causing juddering, loss of drive, and limp mode
Rough guide
£4000-6000
Typical symptoms
severe juddering when pulling away
revs rising high with no increase in vehicle speed ('rubber band' effect)
total transmission failure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All Xtronic CVT Automatics
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2015 to 2017
Manual transmission slipping out of reverse gear while reversing. Dealers have reportedly struggled to rectify this, even with new transmission fitment.
Rough guide
£500-1500
Typical symptoms
Gear lever jumping out of reverse
Car losing drive when reversing
Difficulty engaging reverse gear
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual Transmission (1.6 dCi)
Typical mileage:
10000-30000 miles
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OtherMedium severity💬 6 owner reports, 2016 to 2017
Air conditioning systems are prone to leaks, particularly with the R1234yf refrigerant mandated by EU legislation. This refrigerant is more leak-prone and significantly more expensive to replace than the older R134a, leading to frequent re-gassing or condenser replacement.
Rough guide
£150-700
Typical symptoms
Air conditioning blows warm air
System requires frequent re-gassing (every 1-2 years)
High cost of re-gassing due to R1234yf refrigerant
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
7000-30000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 14 owner reports, 2015 to 2019
The Nissan Connect infotainment system (SatNav/DAB/Bluetooth) is prone to intermittent failures, including constant rebooting, loss of screen, radio cutting out, and Bluetooth malfunctioning. Nissan UK is reportedly aware of a global issue with the system.
Rough guide
£500-1050
Typical symptoms
Infotainment screen going blank and rebooting
Radio cutting out intermittently (DAB and FM)
Bluetooth phone connection dropping or malfunctioning
Satnav losing signal or freezing
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Nissan Connect System
Typical mileage:
30000-60000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
June 2019A 2016 Qashqai 1.6 dCi 4WD Tekna, still under warranty, had infotainment system issues where the radio cut out and the screen locked.
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 9 owner reports, 2017 to 2019
Premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure on 1.6 DIG-T manual models, sometimes at very low mileages. Owners report burning smells and high replacement costs, with Nissan often denying warranty claims.
Rough guide
£900-2000
Typical symptoms
Clutch slipping or burning smell, especially under load
Juddering or vibration when pulling away or changing gears
Difficulty selecting gears
Engine surging or hesitating
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 DIG-T Manual
Typical mileage:
3000-28000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
The electromechanical parking brake can fail to release quickly enough, potentially causing excess clutch wear, or fail to hold the car, leading to uncontrolled rolling. This can be linked to insufficient battery charge.
Rough guide
£300-800
Typical symptoms
Parking brake not releasing properly
Car rolling after parking brake applied
Burning smell from clutch area
Electrical power failure preventing brake release
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All with Electromechanical Parking Brake
Typical mileage:
5000-30000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
The 'Chassis Control System Fault' warning light illuminates, often accompanied by engine management light and loss of power. Dealers often struggle to diagnose or fix this issue, which can be related to various underlying problems.
Rough guide
£300-800
Typical symptoms
Chassis Control System Fault warning light on dashboard
Engine management light illuminated
Loss of engine power or limp mode
Car refusing to accelerate
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi / 1.6 DIG-T
Typical mileage:
19000-50000 miles
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SuspensionMedium severity💬 6 owner reports, 2016 to 2018
Premature and severe corrosion of brake discs, particularly the rear ones, leading to early replacement. Nissan has reportedly denied warranty claims, citing environmental factors like proximity to the coast.
Rough guide
£250-550
Typical symptoms
Excessive rust or pitting on brake discs
Squealing or grinding noises when braking
Reduced braking performance
MoT advisories for corroded brake discs
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
12000-20000 miles
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OtherMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2014 to 2015
Horizontal stress cracks can appear across the windscreen, often starting from an exposed edge where the glass is glued into place. A stone chip to the edge can initiate a fracture that spreads.
Rough guide
£300-600
Typical symptoms
Horizontal crack appearing across the windscreen
Crack spreading from the edge of the glass
No obvious impact point for the crack
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
5000-50000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2015 to 2017
Manual transmissions, particularly on 1.6 dCi 4WD models, have been reported to slip out of reverse gear while reversing. This can be a persistent issue requiring transmission replacement.
Rough guide
£1500-2500
Typical symptoms
Gear lever popping out of reverse
Car losing drive when reversing
Difficulty engaging reverse gear
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual transmission (all engines)
Typical mileage:
10000-30000 miles
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OtherMedium severity💬 8 owner reports, 2016 to 2018
Air conditioning systems, particularly those using the R1234yf refrigerant, are prone to premature failure due to leaks, often requiring expensive re-gassing or condenser/compressor replacement. Nissan's system may not be well-suited to the leak-prone R1234yf.
Rough guide
£150-500
Typical symptoms
A/C blowing warm air
A/C system not effective in hot weather
Frequent need for A/C re-gassing
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants with A/C
Typical mileage:
7000-30000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 11 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
Premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often at low mileages. This can be exacerbated by the electromechanical parking brake not releasing quickly enough, causing excessive wear. Nissan often attributes this to driver error and denies warranty claims.
Rough guide
£900-2000
Typical symptoms
Clutch judder, especially in traffic or from cold
Burning smell from the clutch
Difficulty changing gears
Engine hesitation or surging (can be related to DMF)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual transmission (1.2 DIG-T, 1.6 DIG-T)
Typical mileage:
5000-30000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2016 to 2018
Turbocharger failure reported on the 1.5 dCi K9K engine, sometimes leading to engine damage if shards enter the engine. This can occur at relatively low mileages.
Rough guide
£1100-3000
Typical symptoms
Loss of power
Whining or grinding noise from the engine bay
Excessive smoke from the exhaust
Engine failure following turbo failure
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 dCi (K9K)
Typical mileage:
50000-60000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 4 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
Intermittent loss of power, hesitation, and surging reported on the 1.6 DIG-T engine. This can be due to issues like turbo actuator problems, coking of oil feed pipes, or Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) failure.
Rough guide
£300-800
Typical symptoms
Engine hesitating or surging during acceleration
Intermittent loss of power
Engine warning light (MIL) illuminated
Burning smell (if related to clutch/DMF issues)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 DIG-T (MR16DDT)
Typical mileage:
10000-30000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2019
The 'Chassis Control System Fault' warning light can illuminate, often accompanied by a loss of engine power and inability to accelerate. This can occur during cruising on motorways and may not always be easily diagnosed by garages.
Rough guide
£300-800
Typical symptoms
Chassis Control System Fault warning light on dashboard
Engine losing power
Inability to accelerate
Car entering limp mode
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
20000-60000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 1 owner report, 2019
All four windows can open by themselves randomly when the owner is absent from the car. This is suspected to be caused by moisture ingress into the locking and windows ECU inside the driver's door, rather than accidental activation of the global windows function.
Rough guide
£300-600
Typical symptoms
Windows found open unexpectedly
Car interior exposed to weather
Potential for theft or water damage
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All variants
Typical mileage:
0-30000 miles
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What owners report on the J11
24 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · July 2024A 2015 Qashqai experienced multiple issues including key ignition failure, stalling, an air conditioning leak, and auto stop/start failure.
Electrics · October 2022A 2017 Qashqai had a daytime running light failure, with a Nissan dealer quoting over £800 to replace the light unit.
Suspension and steering · March 2020A December 2014 Qashqai at 24,300 miles developed creaking steering, diagnosed as a worn lower steering bush, which returned after replacement.
Interior · December 2019The heated seats in a new Nissan Qashqai Techna+ were reported to be slow in heating up.
Engine · October 2019A 2017 Qashqai J11 1.2 DIG-T experienced jumping out of gear, difficulty selecting reverse, and cutting out, diagnosed as an injector problem.
Exhaust · September 2019A September 2015 Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T failed its second MoT emissions test at 20,000 miles.
Electrics · August 2019After a 2014 Qashqai 1.6 dCi 130 Xtronic's stop/start battery was recharged, the stop/start button no longer recognised the intelligent keys.
Engine · April 2019A December 2018 Qashqai 1.5 dCi constantly stalled and lost power when accelerating, with Nissan attributing it to a 'characteristic' of the car.
Bodywork · March 2019A 2014 Nissan Qashqai received an MoT advisory for slight surface corrosion on its sump and suspension components.
Electrics · February 2019The auto stop/start system failed on a 2018 Qashqai 115 DIG-T, with a dealer stating a software update was required.
Electrics · January 2019The cruise control on a December 2018 Qashqai refused to disengage, though dealer tests found no fault with the system.
Electrics · December 2018A new Qashqai experienced cruise control sticking and autonomous emergency braking failure, leading to a minor motorway collision.
Electrics · October 2018A 2015 Qashqai had electrical problems, including audible siren warnings, illuminated dash lights, and the brake pedal becoming unresponsive on startup.
Electrics · February 2018A 2016 Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110 Start/Stop Tekna displayed a 'Stop/start system fault' on the dashboard, likely due to battery capacity loss.
Gearbox and clutch · February 2018A 2015 Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T at 30,000 miles developed crunching gears when changing quickly from second to third, suggesting synchromesh issues.
Exhaust · January 2018A 2015 J11 Qashqai diesel, despite regular long drives, displayed a DPF warning light, needing a forced regeneration costing £480.
Electrics · December 2017A 2014 Qashqai experienced electrical glitches, including the front warning sensor activating randomly and the alarm sounding when removing the key.
Electrics · September 2017A 2015 Qashqai 1.5 dCi Ntec developed a 'smudgy blue line' appearing on its satnav screen.
Interior · August 2017A September 2016 Qashqai 1.5 dCi had dashboard and passenger door panel rattles, with the dash panel lifting from its fixings.
Cooling · July 2017A 2014 Qashqai 1.5 dCi experienced multiple issues including air conditioning problems, steering column repair, brake replacement, and random warning lights.
Fuel system · January 2017After a software update on a 2015 Qashqai J11 1.2 DIG-T, fuel economy decreased from 38mpg to 33mpg.
Electrics · April 2016A new 2016 Qashqai failed to disengage cruise control by switch or braking, and also experienced radio volume control issues.
Electrics · January 2015A 2014 Qashqai 1.5 dCi suffered perpetually faulty front ABS sensors, requiring ongoing attention.
Suspension and steering · November 2014A Qashqai ntec+ with 19-inch wheels had TPMS valves upsetting the balance, resulting in 13 balance weights on each front wheel.
What owners like about the J11
10 notes
The Qashqai achieved a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, indicating strong occupant protection.
The interior of this Qashqai model shows improvements compared to the previous generation, offering a better cabin experience.
This Qashqai provides a very smooth and quiet ride, enhancing comfort for occupants on various journeys.
A 1.5 dCi Qashqai, even on 19-inch wheels, achieves low CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometre.
The Qashqai achieved a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, demonstrating good protection for occupants in various impact tests.
This Qashqai model features hybrid power, contributing to lower running costs for the owner.
The 2021 Qashqai offers an impressive interior design and build quality, enhancing the cabin environment.
This 2021 Qashqai benefits from hybrid power technology, providing efficient performance and reduced emissions for everyday driving.
The 2021 Qashqai is equipped with the latest infotainment system, offering modern connectivity and features.
The 2021 Qashqai features hybrid power and advanced self-drive technology, enhancing both efficiency and convenience.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 80 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Nissan Qashqai advert and we check it in seconds.
Nissan Qashqai service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used Qashqai. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.5 DCI, K9K
72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first
The Renault-sourced K9K schedule is 72,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Some Nissan bulletins pair a 6-year term with a longer 100,000-mile limit, so the shorter 5-year term is recorded here. Ensure the water pump, tensioners and idlers are replaced at the same time.
Timing chainChain
1.2 DIG-T, 1.2 DIG, HRA2DDT
No fixed replacement interval
Prone to chain stretch, driven by poor oil pressure, fuel-diluted oil and a clogged chain-lubrication oil jet rather than simple mileage. The engine's well-known excessive oil consumption is what starves the tensioner. Replace as a full kit and keep oil changes short.
CVT Gearbox Fluid
60,000 miles
Change the NS-2/NS-3 CVT fluid approximately every 60,000 miles under normal conditions, and as early as 30,000 miles in severe use, to prevent premature transmission failure. This is specialist and remanufacturer guidance rather than a figure Nissan mandates in every manual. No time-based limit is published, so none is recorded.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
Nissan Qashqai buying questions
Is a used Nissan Qashqai reliable?
The Nissan Qashqai has 27 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 15 of them rated high severity. The most serious are gearbox (widespread reports of Xtronic CVT transmission failure, often leading to juddering) and gearbox (premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often at low mileages). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common Nissan Qashqai problems?
Three stand out. Gearbox: widespread reports of Xtronic CVT transmission failure, often leading to juddering, loss of drive (typically 16000 to 76000 miles). Gearbox: premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure, often at low mileages (typically 5000 to 30000 miles). Gearbox: premature clutch and dual mass flywheel (DMF) failure on 1.6 DIG-T manual models (typically 3000 to 28000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Nissan Qashqai years should I avoid?
No Nissan Qashqai year is a write-off, but the J11 (2013 to 2021) carries the most serious faults: gearbox, electrics and engine. The J10 (2007 to 2013) has high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used Nissan Qashqai?
Ask the seller about the gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for juddering or shaking during acceleration or at low speeds, clutch judder, especially in traffic or from cold and clutch slipping or burning smell, especially under load. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 27 known faults before you travel. Check a Nissan Qashqai advert →
What is the real MPG of a Nissan Qashqai?
Owners report 44.3 mpg on average across the Nissan Qashqai engines with data, about 84% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 3,162 owner submissions. Nissan Qashqai Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Nissan Qashqai owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a Nissan Qashqai goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.