Nissan X-Trail T31

Renault-Nissan 2.0 dCi with common rail. Powerful, but susceptible to injector damage and DPF issues with short-trip driving.

• !! Connecting rod bearing early failure with automatic from 50,000 km

  Early M9R variants with automatic gearbox show connecting rod bearing failure at very low mileage (14,000–57,000 km). Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km and issued internal technical bulletins.

  Symptoms: Metallic knocking from the engine, sudden engine failure, oil pressure warning light, engine will not turn over.
  3,500–7,000 $
  Ad Connecting rod bearing M9RConnecting rod bearing Nissan 2.0 dCiCrankshaft M9R Nissan
• !! Turbocharger failure before 2011 build year from 100,000 km

  Pre-revision M9R engines (before 2011) show frequent turbocharger failures occurring in conjunction with the connecting rod bearing damage. The revised version from 2011 is significantly more reliable.

  Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, blue smoke, severe power loss, limp mode.
  1,200–3,000 $
  Ad Turbocharger M9RTurbocharger Nissan 2.0 dCiTurbocharger Qashqai 2.0 dCiTurbocharger bearing M9R
• !! Injectors and high-pressure pump wear from 130,000 km

  Like all common rail diesels the M9R high-pressure pump is critical. Injectors coke up with short-trip driving. Dual-mass flywheel is an additional cost item at higher mileage.

  Symptoms: Hard combustion (diesel knock), power loss, starting difficulties, check engine light on injector fault.
  800–3,000 $
  Ad Injectors M9R NissanHigh-pressure pump Nissan 2.0 dCiDual-mass flywheel M9R

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Solid 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with timing chain. Reliable, but older variants are prone to elevated oil consumption.

• !! Timing chain stretched — engine damage possible from 110,000 km

  In the MR20DE the timing chain stretches prematurely and can jump a tooth. The result is severe engine damage from piston-to-valve contact. Nissan extended the warranty to 150,000 km.

  Symptoms: Rattling from the timing chain area on cold start, check engine light, starting difficulties, rough running.
  800–2,500 $
  Ad Timing chain MR20DETiming chain tensioner Nissan 2.0Timing chain kit MR20DETiming chain guide MR20DE
• !! Elevated oil consumption from crankcase ventilation from 130,000 km

  The MR20DE crankcase ventilation is prone to failure, significantly increasing oil consumption. Alternatively, worn valve stem seals at higher mileage can also drive up oil consumption.

  Symptoms: Dropping oil level, blue smoke when accelerating or on overrun, oil mist in intake system.
  200–1,500 $
  Ad Crankcase ventilation MR20DEValve stem seals Nissan 2.0PCV valve MR20DE
• !! CVT gearbox oil cooler leaking from 120,000 km

  In the MR20DE with CVT automatic the gearbox oil cooler can start leaking. Mixing of coolant and gearbox oil causes gearbox damage if not detected early.

  Symptoms: Grinding or humming noises while driving, gearbox oil changes colour and consistency, gear shunting.
  1,500–4,000 $
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+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.5L four-cylinder with good refinement. Powerful enough for SUV use.

• !! Intake manifold swirl flap screws come loose from 80,000 km

  The lower intake manifold of the QR25DE contains four swirl flaps whose retaining screws can loosen and be sucked into the engine. This causes severe engine damage. Affects all QR25DE except the 2006 model year.

  Symptoms: Sudden engine noise, severe power loss, increased oil consumption; in the worst case engine seizure
  1,500–5,000 $
  Ad Intake manifold QR25DESwirl flap QR25DEIntake manifold QR25DE X-Trail
• !! Pre-catalyst disintegration elevates oil consumption from 100,000 km

  The QR25DE runs rich, causing the pre-catalyst integrated in the exhaust manifold to overheat and disintegrate. The substrate fragments damage cylinder walls and piston rings, leading to severely elevated oil consumption.

  Symptoms: Steadily increasing oil consumption, possibly knocking noises; power loss; exhaust smell in cabin
  800–3,500 $
  Ad Pre-catalyst QR25DEExhaust manifold QR25DEExhaust manifold QR25DE X-Trail T30
• !! Cylinder head/gasket failure from 180,000 km

  At higher mileages, cylinder head cracks or head gasket failure can occur on the QR25DE in the X-Trail T30. The typical cause is localised overheating from coolant loss or thermostat problems. Repair costs approximately €1,500.

  Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, water in cylinders, overheating gauge
  1,200–2,500 $
  Ad Head gasket QR25DECylinder head QR25DE X-TrailHead gasket QR25DE T30

+ 7 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses