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Nissan · Compact SUV · 2013–2017

Nissan Qashqai J11

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.4 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

163–218 PS

1.6L Benzin

DIG-T 163: turbo brings life

Decent
Problem Engine

116 PS

1.2L Benzin

4 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Nissan Qashqai J11 is available with 4 engine variants — from 65 to 218 hp.

1.5L · Diesel· 103–110 PS
2013 2017
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1.6L · Diesel· 131 PS
2013 2017
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.2L · Benziner· 116 PS
2013 2017
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses
1.6L · Benziner· 163 PS
2015 2017
Stay Away! 4 weaknesses

The Nissan 1.5L (Diesel, 103–110 PS) has the K9K (1.5L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.6L (Diesel, 131 PS) has the R9M (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.2L (Benziner, 116 PS) has the HRA2DDT (1.2L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.6L (Benziner, 163 PS) has the MR16DDT (1.6L) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
CVT gearbox shudders and makes noise

The Nissan Xtronic CVT in the J11 tends to shudder between 50–90 km/h, along with metallic noise and push-belt wear. Minor repairs cost €800–1,500; a full gearbox replacement can reach €6,000.

Symptoms: Shuddering under light acceleration, grinding or scraping noises, rpm fluctuation, loss of drive
from 100,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
72 complaints · 2013–2017
Powertrain
23 ⚠ 1
Engine
20 ⚠ 1
Electrical
13
Other
12 ⚠ 1
Cruise Control
5 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

Powertrain (23 complaints)
Engine (20 complaints)
Electrical (13 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 50 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Qashqai J11 (2013–2017) — 39 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: HRA2DDT (1.2L), MR16DDT (1.6L). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Rust, Electronics.

Qashqai (K9K, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, EGR valve clogged with soot. Power: 103–110 PS.

Qashqai (M9R, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic, Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year, Injectors and high-pressure pump wear. Power: 150 PS.

Qashqai (R9M, 2011–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, EGR valve and cooler foul rapidly, Piezo injectors unreliable. Power: 131 PS.

Qashqai (K9K, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, EGR valve clogged with soot. Power: 103–110 PS.

Qashqai (HR16DE, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched, Elevated oil consumption from piston rings, Valve clearances require regular adjustment. Power: 114–117 PS.

Qashqai (MR20DE, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched — engine damage possible, Elevated oil consumption from crankcase ventilation, CVT gearbox oil cooler leaking. Power: 141 PS.

Qashqai (HRA2DDT, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, High oil consumption from defective piston rings, CVT gearbox jerks and overheats. Power: 116 PS.

Qashqai (MR16DDT, 2015–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain — known weak point, Turbocharger susceptible to poor maintenance, High-pressure pump and injectors susceptible. Power: 163 PS.

What to watch out for with the Nissan Qashqai? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Qashqai J11 have? +
The Nissan Qashqai J11 has 39 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Qashqai J11? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: HR16DE (1.6L), MR20DE (2.0L), K9K (1.5L), M9R (2.0L), R9M (1.6L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the MR16DDT (1.6L). Problem engine: HRA2DDT (1.2L) — stay away!
Which Nissan Qashqai J11 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Qashqai J11 — rated: "Decent". {description} 163 hp turbo petrol with a lively character — the best engine in the J11, genuinely fun.
Is the Nissan Qashqai J11 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Nissan Qashqai J11 — 2 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Qashqai J11? +
The Nissan Qashqai J11 is available with engine variants from 65 to 218 hp. Petrol: HR16DE (1.6L), MR20DE (2.0L), HRA2DDT (1.2L), MR16DDT (1.6L). Diesel: K9K (1.5L), M9R (2.0L), R9M (1.6L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee