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Nissan · Compact SUV · 2017–2021

Nissan Qashqai J11-FL

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

140–159 PS

1.3L Benzin

Renault turbo livens up the base

Decent

Generations

Engine Overview

The Nissan Qashqai J11-FL is available with 4 engine variants — from 65 to 159 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.5L · Diesel· 110–116 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.6L · Diesel· 131 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.7L · Diesel· 150 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
1.3L · Benziner· 140–159 PS Engine Change
2018 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2018 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Nissan 1.5L (Diesel, 110–116 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 1.7L (Diesel, 150 PS) has the R9N (1.7L) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

The Nissan 1.3L (Benziner, 140–159 PS) comes with 2 different engines: HR13DDT (2018–2021, Be Careful) und HR13DDT (2018–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!CVT gearbox reliability issues

The Xtronic CVT of the J11 facelift remains a potential weak point. Shuddering and metallic noises occur at higher mileages. Regular oil changes every 50,000–60,000 km are essential.

Symptoms: Shuddering when pulling away, erratic rpm, metallic grinding, power loss
from 120,000 km
Ad CVT gearbox oil Nissan Xtronic QashqaiRE0F11A gearbox Qashqai
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
334 complaints · 2017–2021
Engine
76 ⚠ 2
Electrical
70 ⚠ 4
Other
65 ⚠ 2
Collision Avoidance
64 ⚠ 8
Brakes
53 ⚠ 6

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (76 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (70 complaints)
⚠ Other (65 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 33 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Qashqai J11-FL (2017–2021) — 29 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Rust.

Qashqai (K9K, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: High-pressure pump metal contamination — total fuel system failure, Timing belt breaks prematurely — injection pump, EGR valve clogged with soot. Power: 110–116 PS.

Qashqai (R9M, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, EGR valve and cooler foul rapidly, Piezo injectors unreliable. Power: 131 PS.

Qashqai (R9N, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure from overheating, DPF blockage from short-trip use, EGR valve carboned up. Power: 150 PS.

Qashqai (MR20DE, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched — engine damage possible, Elevated oil consumption from crankcase ventilation, CVT gearbox oil cooler leaking. Power: 141 PS.

Qashqai (HR13DDT, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Turbocharger fails prematurely, CVT gearbox shows early wear, Timing chain stretched. Power: 140 PS.

Qashqai (HR13DDT, 2018–2021) — Be Careful: Turbocharger fails prematurely, CVT gearbox shows early wear, Timing chain stretched. Power: 159 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-FL have? +
The Nissan Qashqai J11-FL has 29 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Qashqai J11-FL? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: MR20DE (2.0L), K9K (1.5L), R9M (1.6L), HR13DDT (1.3L), R9N (1.7L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the HR13DDT (1.3L).
Which Nissan Qashqai J11-FL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Qashqai J11-FL — rated: "Decent". {description} 140 hp turbo petrol — nothing flashy, but the Qashqai drives smoothly and directly with it.
Is the Nissan Qashqai J11-FL worth buying used? +
The Nissan Qashqai J11-FL requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Qashqai J11-FL? +
The Nissan Qashqai J11-FL is available with engine variants from 65 to 159 hp. Petrol: MR20DE (2.0L), HR13DDT (1.3L). Diesel: K9K (1.5L), R9M (1.6L), R9N (1.7L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee