TransmissionCritical
Xtronic CVT judder, overheating and failure
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Drive under load uphill and feel for slipping or flaring revs
- Typical repair
- Head gasket / cooling system repair · £900–£2,600
Is the 2013–2024 Nissan Qashqai reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.5/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Nissan Qashqai rates 3.5 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 of them are rated critical and 2 high, so a bad example can be expensive. The weak points cluster around transmission, exhaust and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around transmission, exhaust, electrical, suspension.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
ExhaustHigh
1.5 dCi DPF blockage and injector faults on town cars
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for limp mode, look at regen and injector history
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
Engine (1.2 DIG-T)High
Timing chain stretch causing cold start rattle and engine misfires.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Open the bonnet and perform a completely cold start. Listen closely to the right-hand side of the engine for a distinct metallic rattling or slapping noise lasting 3 to 5 seconds before oil pressure builds.
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
SuspensionMedium
Front lower arm bushes and rear shock wear
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Bounce test and check for knocking on lock
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
HVACMedium
Air conditioning fails to blow cold due to condenser stone damage or leaks.
- Typically appears
- 3-5 years
- What to inspect
- Set the climate control to 'Lo' with the A/C button illuminated. Check the vents for ice-cold air within 60 seconds. Shine a torch through the lower front grille to look for dark, oily patches on the condenser fins.
- Typical repair
- Air-con regas or compressor · £90–£900
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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