Nissan Qashqai Common Problems

The Nissan Qashqai is a small SUV that took over from the Dualis here in mid 2014. The J11 (2014 to 2021) was front-wheel drive only and used a 2.0-litre MR20DD petrol with a six-speed manual or a Jatco-built Xtronic CVT. Early J11s also offered a 1.6-litre dCi turbo-diesel with the CVT. The J12 (2022 on) started with a 1.3-litre turbo petrol and CVT, then added e-POWER from 2023, where a 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder charges a battery that drives an electric motor. From about 2024 the new-car range appears to have moved to e-POWER only. The Qashqai has an average reliability record: few engine problems, but the CVT and electronics draw most complaints.

CVT judder, overheating and wear (J11 CVT models, 2014 to 2021)

The Xtronic CVT is the main mechanical worry on a used J11. A motoring expert links the faults to heat: if the fluid runs too hot, parts inside the gearbox wear early and the car can judder when pulling away or climbing hills. The same family of CVT in the T32 X-Trail had shudder, slipping and delayed engagement problems overseas, fixed under bulletins with valve body, software or full gearbox replacement. Problems in Australia seem less widespread than in some markets, but a Qashqai that shudders, flares its revs or is slow to take up Drive needs a specialist check. Regular CVT fluid changes, a few hundred dollars each, are the best protection. A replacement CVT can cost many thousands of dollars, and some repairers fit an extra fluid cooler on cars that tow or work hard in the heat.

Electrical faults and limp mode (J11, 2014 to 2021)

Some J11 owners report random electrical faults: functions that switch off while driving, warning messages that stay on after a service, and power windows or a power seat that stop working. In one case a motoring expert put random shutdowns down to the car going into limp-home mode after a control unit logged a fault, which can be hard to trace because it comes and goes. In another, window and seat faults were put down to a poor connection in the wiring loom. A diagnostic scan costs roughly $150 to $250. A broken loom connection is a modest auto electrician job; a failed control module costs more.

Clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear (2.0 six-speed manual, 2014 to 2021)

The manual ST is the way to avoid the CVT, but it has its own cost. At least one owner has needed a new clutch at low kilometres. A motoring expert notes that a dual-mass flywheel can wear clutches faster, and the flywheel is often replaced with the clutch, which makes the job expensive. Budget roughly $1,500 to $2,500 at an independent workshop for both. A clutch that bites high, slips under load, or a rattle at idle that stops when the clutch pedal is pressed, all point to wear.

e-POWER limp mode and loss of drive (J12 e-POWER, 2023 to 2024)

The e-POWER system is new and the record is short. On 2023 Qashqai e-POWER cars, the battery management software could calculate the battery's state of charge wrongly. The car could then go into limp-home mode, lose drive power, or refuse to restart, and Nissan recalled these cars to reprogram the software. The same e-POWER hardware in the X-Trail has also drawn owner complaints about a weak 12-volt battery causing warning messages and system faults after the car sits for a few days. Check that the software update has been done and ask how old the 12-volt battery is.

Recalls and safety

J11 recalls include a right rear wheel arch liner that could deform and rub through a brake hose, which shows as a longer pedal and a brake warning light, and a body control module software setting on cars built from September 2017 to January 2018 that stopped the car warning of a failed indicator globe. On the J12, recalls cover a wiring harness nut near the 12-volt battery that could loosen and overheat on 2022 to 2024 petrol cars, a fuel pipe that could chafe on its bracket on 1.3 turbo cars, and the e-POWER battery management software above. Have a Nissan dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Nissan Qashqai? What to check

• CVT fluid history: Ask for receipts showing CVT fluid changes. A car past 80,000 km with none has a higher risk of gearbox trouble.
• Pull-away and hills: Drive from cold and up a steep hill. Shudder, a whine, flaring revs or a pause before Drive or Reverse engages are warning signs.
• Driveline vibration: Shaking on hills can also come from worn CV joints or a driveshaft. Drive slowly on full lock both ways and listen for clicking.
• Warning lights: Look for warning lights on start-up and on the drive. Ask whether the car has ever gone into limp-home mode.
• Windows and seats: Operate every window and any power seat. Intermittent faults can point to wiring loom problems.
• Manual clutch: On a manual, check where the clutch bites and listen for rattle at idle. Ask whether the clutch and flywheel have been replaced.
• Diesel injectors: On a diesel, rough idle, smoke or poor starting can mean worn injectors, which can cost over $2,000 to replace.
• Heater and coolant: Run the heater and watch for misting glass or a sweet smell inside, signs of a leaking heater core.
• e-POWER recall work: On a J12 e-POWER, confirm the battery software recall has been done and check the 12-volt battery age.

Before you buy, run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off history, then use our Nissan Qashqai buying checklist.

The verdict

A J11 Qashqai is a sensible small SUV if the CVT has been serviced and drives cleanly. Facelifted J11s from late 2017 on are the younger buys, while the manual ST avoids CVT risk if you can live with clutch costs. Be careful with high-kilometre CVT cars that have no service records. The J12 is a better car overall. The 1.3 turbo petrol is the simpler choice; an e-POWER is worth buying with warranty left and the recall work done.