Nissan X-Trail T31-FL
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Nissan X-Trail T31-FL is available with 2 engine variants — from 140 to 177 hp.
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. - !! 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. - !! 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.
+ 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. - !! 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. - !! 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.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan X-Trail T31-FL (2010–2014).
X-Trail (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.
X-Trail (MR20DE, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched — engine damage possible, Elevated oil consumption from crankcase ventilation, CVT gearbox oil cooler leaking. Power: 140–141 PS.
What to watch out for with the Nissan X-Trail? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan X-Trail T31-FL have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan X-Trail T31-FL? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Nissan X-Trail T31-FL engine is the most fun? +
Is the Nissan X-Trail T31-FL worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan X-Trail T31-FL? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee