Nissan Qashqai
1.6L DIG-T turbocharged engine with direct injection. Powerful and rev-happy, but sensitive to poor maintenance.
DIG-T 163: turbo brings life
163 hp turbo petrol with a lively character — the best engine in the J11, genuinely fun.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The timing chain is considered the most critical weak point of the MR16DDT. Nissan has carried out several revisions (5th generation is more robust). Chain break at around 77,000 km led to recalls in the USA and Canada.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start and under load, engine fluctuations on load changes, check engine light.
The MHI TF035HL turbocharger in the MR16DDT is sensitive to deposits in the exhaust manifold, defective crankcase ventilation, and faulty solenoid valves. Premature bearing wear is possible.
Symptoms: Whistling or whining noises from the turbocharger, power loss, blue smoke, limp mode.
The MR16DDT direct injection system operates at up to 270 MPa. The fuel pump can fail within the warranty period. Injectors are prone to coking and blockage.
Symptoms: Power loss and limp mode on pump failure. Misfiring and increased consumption from injector coking. Check engine light.
Certain production batches of the MR16DDT have piston ring defects causing elevated oil consumption. This also promotes timing chain stretch through falling oil pressure.
Symptoms: Heavy oil consumption (over 0.5 l/1,000 km), blue smoke from exhaust, oil level dropping before change interval.
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
Recall affecting Qashqai J11 model years 2016–2019 due to false activation of the automatic emergency braking system. The system can brake without a real hazard, posing a significant accident risk.
The front top mounts wear early on the J11 and cause harsh, abrupt ride behaviour. Nissan issued an internal directive to replace only on customer request, which led to inconsistent handling of the issue.
The Qashqai J11 tailgate is prone to edge rust. This was reported particularly frequently on pre-facelift models (2013–2017), where the coating at critical points is inadequate.
The Nissan Connect 3 infotainment system in the J11 is prone to faults without regular software updates. Crashes, Bluetooth dropout and GPS issues are frequently reported.
Early J11 models (2013–2016) in particular had problems with rapidly discharging starter batteries (FIAMM types). Later models with VARTA batteries are less affected.
The J11 brake discs have a comparatively short service life. MOT testers frequently flag the brake system during inspection, especially discs and pads.
The blower resistor fails in the Qashqai J11 — the replacement part was at times unavailable. Blower runs only at full speed or not at all.
The Qashqai J11 air conditioning condenser develops micro-leaks from stone chips and slowly loses refrigerant. The AC gradually cools less effectively.
The Qashqai J11 drop links wear from around 50,000 km and cause clonking noises. Same issue as on the predecessor J10.
The Qashqai J11 dashboard rattles in cold temperatures. Plastic parts contract and generate rattling noises. Dealers sometimes refuse to carry out repairs.