Nissan

Qashqai J11 inspection checklist

2014-2022 · 10 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highTakata airbag inflator recall

Look for: Like many of the era, J11 Qashqais were caught in the Takata airbag recall - degraded inflator propellant can rupture the metal housing on deployment, firing shrapnel. A genuine safety defect, not wear.

If you find it: Check the VIN with Nissan Australia and have the inflator replaced free of charge if outstanding.

Any · ~$0 (recall - free)

mediumAEB / forward emergency braking false activation

Look for: Some owners report the autonomous emergency braking / forward-collision system braking or warning when no obstacle is present, particularly the radar/camera-equipped grades.

If you find it: Software update / sensor recalibration at a dealer; check for related service campaigns.

Any · ~$0-500

mediumBody control module (BCM) lamp-fault warning (Sep 2017-Jan 2018 build)

Look for: A subset of J11s built September 2017 to January 2018 had an incorrect BCM setting that could fail to warn the driver of an indicator-lamp failure - subject to an Australian recall.

If you find it: Dealer BCM reflash under the recall; confirm it has been completed.

Any · ~$0 (recall - free)

2.0L MR20DD petrol

highCVT (Xtronic) judder, overheating and failure

Look for: The Jatco-built CVT is the Qashqai's defining weakness - owners report shudder/judder on light acceleration, an overheat warning that drops the car into a limp 'protection' mode, and in worse cases complete transmission failure. The early units suffered an oil-pump pressure-regulating valve fault (revised with a variable-displacement pump from April 2016), and the cooling/venting design means a missing splash guard or fluid neglect accelerates trouble.

If you find it: Service the CVT fluid early and often (well before any '110k/lifetime' claim); keep the underbody splash guard fitted; check for Nissan goodwill replacement history. A manual car sidesteps this issue.

From 60k-150k km · ~$3000-8000 (replacement)

mediumIntake-valve carbon build-up (direct injection)

Look for: Like all direct-injection engines, the MR20DD has no port fuel washing the back of the intake valves, so carbon accumulates and can cause rough idle, misfires and lost power over time.

If you find it: Walnut-blast / intake clean as needed; quality oil and a catch-can help slow it.

From 100k+ km · ~$400-1000

mediumTiming chain tensioner rattle / chain stretch

Look for: Owners report a cold-start or under-load rattle from a tired chain tensioner; left unaddressed the chain can stretch and throw timing.

If you find it: Replace the timing chain, tensioner and guides if rattling; maintain oil changes to protect chain life.

From 120k+ km · ~$1200-2500

mediumOil consumption

Look for: A meaningful share of MR20DD owners report the engine using oil between services, requiring top-ups; severe cases point to rings/valve seals.

If you find it: Monitor oil level between services; investigate (ring/seal work) if consumption is high.

Any (higher km) · ~$0-2500

1.6L R9M dCi turbo diesel

highDPF clogging / failed regeneration (short trips)

Look for: On predominantly short, low-speed runs the diesel particulate filter cannot reach temperature to complete a regen, soots up and eventually triggers limp mode or needs forced regen/replacement.

If you find it: Regular longer highway runs; correct low-ash diesel oil; forced regen or DPF clean/replacement if blocked.

Any (urban use) · ~$800-3000

mediumEGR valve / intake soot build-up

Look for: Soot fouls the EGR valve and intake manifold, causing rough running, lost power and emissions faults.

If you find it: EGR clean or replacement; intake clean.

From 100k+ km · ~$400-1200

mediumTurbo actuator / injector faults

Look for: The R9M's turbo actuator can stick and injectors can wear at higher km, giving boost faults, smoke and hard starting.

If you find it: Diagnose and replace/recondition the turbo actuator or affected injectors; quality fuel and filtration.

From 120k+ km · ~$1500-3500

2 minor things (low severity)

lowInfotainment / electrical glitches

Look for: Touchscreen freezes, Bluetooth/reversing-camera dropouts and minor electrical gremlins are commonly reported on the J11.

If you find it: Head-unit software update or reset; replace faulty module if persistent.

Any · ~$0-600

lowFront suspension / steering wear and squeaks

Look for: Control-arm bushes, links and front-end components wear with age, giving clunks, squeaks and slightly vague steering on higher-km cars.

If you find it: Standard front-end refresh - bushes, links and alignment as needed.

From 80k+ km · ~$200-800

From FlamingCars' Nissan Qashqai guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.