Nissan Qashqai
1.6/1.7 dCi turbodiesel from the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Frugal, but timing chain and EGR valve are known weak points.
Renault diesel, Nissan sensibility
130 hp diesel — clean, frugal, solid. But no fun engine.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The R9M timing chain stretches from as early as 140,000 km, well before its intended service life of 250,000 km. A jumped chain can bend valves through piston contact.
Symptoms: Rattling from timing chain area on cold start, engine warning light, rough running, misfires
The R9M EGR valve becomes dirty very quickly from soot particles. In addition, the EGR cooler fails prematurely and allows exhaust gases into the cabin.
Symptoms: Power loss, rough engine running, exhaust smell in cabin when cooler fails, engine warning light
The R9M's piezo injectors are regarded as temperamental and require more frequent workshop visits. The high-pressure fuel system demands clean fuel and regular additive treatment.
Symptoms: Stumbling under acceleration, harsh combustion knock, power loss, increased consumption, engine warning light
The R9M DPF blocks quickly under predominantly short-trip use. Specialists recommend additive treatment every 15,000–20,000 km. First problems often appear at 50,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, severe power loss, limp mode, failed regeneration attempts
The R9M turbocharger wears prematurely from around 130,000 km. Boost loss and whistling are typical symptoms. Short-trip operation in particular accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Whistling noise, power loss, blue smoke, engine warning light
The R9M shows typical sealing weaknesses at the valve cover and around the timing chain drive. The oil filter housing gasket also leaks frequently.
Symptoms: Visible oil spots under the vehicle, oily smell after driving, dropping oil level, oil film on outside of engine
The R9M thermostat sticks from around 100,000 km. The engine either fails to reach operating temperature or overheats. Replacement is laborious due to its installation position.
Symptoms: Engine fails to reach operating temperature or overheats, poor heater output, increased fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
Tie rod ends and control arms wear above average on the Qashqai J10 facelift, just as on the pre-facelift. MOT testers flag these components regularly, especially from 80,000 km onwards.
Corrosion occurs particularly in the door shut faces beneath the door seals. On some production runs of the J10 facelift, factory sealing of the door hem flanges was missed, leading to early rust.
Brake discs and brake pads on the Qashqai J10 FL wear faster than on comparable vehicles. The MOT notes this regularly, especially on vehicles over 80,000 km.
Headlights, indicators and tail lights fail on the J10 facelift at an above-average rate. Defective bulbs and corroded sockets are common on older examples.
With age, door cards, dashboard and centre console develop rattles. Hard plastic quality is low and connections loosen over time.