Nissan Qashqai Common Faults & Problems (UK Buyer's Guide)
J11 (2014–2021) & J12 (2021–) · Crossover SUV
This is an independent guide to the Nissan Qashqai, written for used car buyers rather than sellers. The faults below come from owner reports, UK garage patterns and MOT history for this generation — not manufacturer marketing, and we take no commission from any dealer. Use it to spot the expensive problems before you hand over money.
Family-friendly and popular — but the 1.5 dCi and CVT have known issues.
Common Faults
Each fault below is drawn from real owner reports and UK garage patterns for this generation — not generic used-car advice.
1.5 dCi turbo & injector failure
seriousRenault-derived 1.5 dCi diesels can suffer turbo failure (coking) and leaky injectors — expensive if the engine ingests debris.
Check for: Blue smoke on hard acceleration. Rough idle when hot.
Typical cost: £900–£1,600 turbo; £400+ per injector
Xtronic CVT gearbox
seriousCVT can fail catastrophically if the fluid isn't changed at 30-40k miles — dealers often say 'sealed for life' and that's how they die.
Check for: Any hesitation, drone or juddering under acceleration.
Typical cost: £2,500–£4,500 replacement
Front subframe corrosion
seriousOlder J11s can develop significant corrosion on the front subframe — an MOT failure point.
Check for: Get it up on a ramp before buying anything over 6 years old.
Typical cost: £800–£1,500 subframe replacement
1.2 DIG-T timing chain (early cars)
seriousTiming chain wear has been reported on early 1.2 DIG-T turbo petrols, usually heard as a rattle on cold start.
Check for: Start the car stone cold and listen for a light rattle from the front of the engine that fades after a few seconds.
Typical cost: £900–£1,400 for a chain kit
DPF blocking on short-journey diesels
seriousDiesel Qashqais used mainly for short trips block the diesel particulate filter and drop into limp mode.
Check for: Ask what journeys the car has done. Look for exhaust or emissions advisories and a DPF warning light.
Typical cost: £300 forced regen, £1,000+ for a replacement filter
What to Check Before Buying
Take this list to the viewing. Every point comes straight from the faults above.
- 1.5 dCi turbo & injector failure: Blue smoke on hard acceleration. Rough idle when hot.
- Xtronic CVT gearbox: Any hesitation, drone or juddering under acceleration.
- Front subframe corrosion: Get it up on a ramp before buying anything over 6 years old.
- 1.2 DIG-T timing chain (early cars): Start the car stone cold and listen for a light rattle from the front of the engine that fades after a few seconds.
- DPF blocking on short-journey diesels: Ask what journeys the car has done. Look for exhaust or emissions advisories and a DPF warning light.
MOT history red flags
If any of these appear on the last two MOTs, negotiate hard or walk away.
- Any 'corrosion' advisory on subframe or sill
- Emissions failure on 1.5 dCi
- Advisory relating to power steering
Sharp questions to ask the seller
- CVT: has the transmission fluid ever been changed?
- Any subframe corrosion noted at last MOT?
- 1.5 dCi: any turbo work?
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