Popular family crossover that pioneered the compact SUV segment. The 1.6 dCi R9M engine uses a timing chain (not belt) which is more durable than the belt-driven 1.5 dCi, but can stretch causing cold start rattle. This diesel is prone to DPF blockages on short trips, and injector failures are common especially beyond 60,000 km. Turbo and EGR issues also affect higher-mileage examples. Battery drains quickly and alternator failures are frequent. Avoid cars used mainly for city driving without regular motorway runs.
Qashqais suffer clogged DPF if mainly used for short trips without motorway driving · more· less
The 1.6 dCi is particularly susceptible to DPF blockages due to short urban journeys preventing proper regeneration. Symptoms include poor acceleration, sluggish response, and warning lights. Professional DPF cleaning costs €200-300, while a replacement DPF part costs €500-1,000 at independent garages or up to €2,000 at Nissan dealers. Many specialists can clean the filter back to 98% original condition, avoiding expensive replacement. Prevention: regular motorway runs at highway speeds for 20+ minutes allow regeneration cycles to complete.
Fuel injector failure€500 - €2,000
Piezo injectors have higher failure rate than standard solenoid types, especially beyond 60,000 km · more· less
The 1.6 dCi uses Bosch piezo-controlled injectors which have a documented higher failure rate. One owner reported injector failures at 20,000, 40,000, 70,000, and 80,000 km on different cylinders. Single injector replacement costs around €500, but some garages recommend replacing all four at once for €1,500-2,000. Symptoms include rough running, misfires, and engine warning lights. Nissan-reconditioned injectors from Continental Siemens are recommended over cheap aftermarket alternatives. Contaminated fuel accelerates injector wear.
Turbocharger failure€700 - €1,500
Turbo failure from oil starvation, carbon buildup, or wastegate actuator sticking · more· less
Turbo problems occur due to turbo-bearing oil feed and return pipes getting blocked with carbon when the engine is switched off while the turbo is still hot. Wastegate actuators stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips. Symptoms include EPC warning light, limp mode, loss of power above 2000 rpm, and blue/black smoke. Actuator-only repair costs €500-600 at specialists, while full turbo replacement runs €700-1,500. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent carbon buildup.
Battery drain and alternator failure€80 - €600
Weak battery fitted from factory, frequent failures affecting stop-start and electrical systems · more· less
The Qashqai J10 is notorious for battery problems - owners need to replace batteries 5 times more often than other cars. The smart charging system operates on the edge of working state, with voltage dropping to 11.6V during acceleration. Proper voltage should be 13.2-14.6V. Alternator failures are also common, often due to open diodes or faulty voltage regulators. Battery replacement costs €80 plus labor; alternator replacement costs €300-600. Always use genuine Nissan alternators as aftermarket units cause warning lights and stop-start failures.
Timing chain tensioner wear€800 - €1,500
Chain stretches, tensioner loses pressure causing distinctive cold start rattle for 1-30 seconds · more· less
The R9M 1.6 dCi uses a timing chain (not belt) which should be lifetime, but tensioner issues cause problems. The tensioner release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a rattle on cold start lasting 1-30 seconds. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle persists beyond a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and valve-to-piston contact causing catastrophic engine damage. Full chain kit replacement costs €800-1,500.
EGR valve and cooler failure€200 - €800
EGR valve clogging and cooler failures cause engine overheating, loss of power · more· less
The R9M engine suffers from EGR cooler failures causing overheating. EGR valve clogging is common on short-trip cars. Symptoms include loss of power, injection issues, warning lights, and temperature gauge fluctuations. New EGR valve costs around €200 for the part, with total repair €300-500 including labor. Professional cleaning is cheaper at €100-150. Failed EGR coolers require replacement at €400-800 and can lead to head gasket damage if overheating is ignored. Some owners report persistent issues even after replacement.
Rear shock absorber failure€200 - €500
Premature rear shock wear causing knocking noise over bumps · more· less
The Qashqai J10 has a known issue with rear shock absorbers wearing out prematurely, causing rattling/knocking noises from the rear. Nissan acknowledged this problem and many dealers replaced them under warranty. If not already done, replacement is likely needed. Symptoms include poor handling over rough roads and audible knocking. Test by pressing down on the boot - if it bounces multiple times, shocks are worn. Both rear shocks should be replaced together. Parts cost €100-200 per shock, total repair €200-500 including labor.
Windscreen and door seal leaks€200 - €800
Water leaks into cabin through windscreen seal or blocked drain holes · more· less
There is a known fault with windscreen fitting allowing water into the cabin, often through the passenger door pillar area. Water can also enter via blocked plenum chamber drain holes under the bonnet beneath the windscreen. Symptoms include wet carpets, mold smell, and electrical issues. The only fix for windscreen seal failure is complete windscreen replacement at €400-800. Check door weatherstripping for cracks and sunroof drainage channels for debris. Clear blocked drain holes with compressed air. Water damage can cause expensive electrical failures if left unaddressed.
Front suspension ball joint wear€150 - €400
Lower control arm ball joints and bushings wear causing knocking noise and MOT failures · more· less
Front suspension lower control arms suffer from worn ball joints and bushings, causing knocking noises, poor alignment, and MOT failures. Early 2007 models (Feb-Mar) had a recall for improperly sealed ball joints. Ball joint deterioration starts as cracks in the rubber boot, leading to loss of lubrication and complete wear. More cost-effective to replace the entire control arm (includes 2 bushings and ball joint pre-assembled) at €150-250 per side than pressing out individual ball joints. Total replacement including labor: €300-400 for both sides.
Air conditioning compressor failure (2006-2007)€400 - €1,000
Early models suffer AC compressor causing engine stalling · more· less
Qashqais built between November 2006 and January 2007 have a known issue where the air conditioning compressor causes excessive engine stalling. The compressor puts too much load on the engine. Replacement AC compressor costs €400-600 for the part plus €200-400 labor. Later models (2008+) also suffer AC condenser failures due to stone strikes and poor welding - condenser is poorly positioned. J11 facelifts have porous condensers causing R1234yf refrigerant leaks. Total AC system repair can reach €1,000.
Below-average reliability, especially for diesel variants
The Nissan Qashqai J10 has a questionable reliability record. In What Car? surveys, diesel Qashqais score just 74% for reliability, among the least reliable used family SUVs. The 1.6 dCi and 1.5 dCi engines are notoriously unreliable due to injector, DPF, turbo, and EGR problems. Avoid short-trip city cars. High-mileage examples (100,000+ km) often need DPF, clutch, and timing chain work. The brand scored 28th out of 31 manufacturers with 85.9% reliability rating. Essential to verify complete service history and thorough inspection before purchase.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-15,000 km, not the 18,000 km Nissan interval. Regular servicing critical for diesel longevity.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 2.5 mm), age (max 6 years old), and uneven wear patterns. Common size 205/60R16.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds - this is critical.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including motorway speeds to get engine and DPF hot. Test turbo response and check for smoke.
Electrical systems
Check battery voltage (should be 13-14V when running), test all electrical functions including stop-start system.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle test
Start engine completely cold and listen carefully for the first 30 seconds. Any rattle beyond 2-3 seconds indicates chain tensioner wear requiring expensive repair.
DPF regeneration and warning lights
Check for DPF warning lights. Ask owner about driving pattern - short trips are red flag. Sluggish acceleration suggests blocked DPF.
Fuel injector operation
Engine should idle smoothly without misfires. Rough idle, hesitation, or smoke indicates injector problems. Check for engine warning lights.
Turbo operation and EPC light
During test drive, turbo should spool smoothly without lag. Watch for EPC warning light. Check for oil leaks around turbo area.
Battery and alternator voltage
Use multimeter or OBD scanner to check voltage. Should be 13-14.6V when running. Ask when battery was last replaced.
Rear suspension knocking
Listen for knocking from rear over bumps. Press down on boot and release - should return smoothly without bouncing.
Water leaks in cabin
Check carpets (especially passenger footwell) for dampness. Smell for mold. Check door seals and windscreen edges.
Front suspension ball joints
Jack up front and check for play in ball joints. Listen for knocking when turning steering at slow speeds.
Service history verification
Verify timing chain has not been replaced (should be lifetime unless problems). Check for DPF cleaning/replacement records.
Recall completion check
Verify fuel system leak recall (2008 models) and timing belt rubbing recall completed with Nissan using VIN.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel system leak (2008 models Jan-Oct)Verify completed
Timing belt rubbing fuel pump (multiple years)Verify completed
Front suspension ball joint seal (Feb-Mar 2007)Verify completed
Air conditioning compressor stalling (Nov 2006-Jan 2007)Check if replaced
Contact Nissan dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Multiple recalls affect 2006-2008 models. The timing belt rubbing against fuel pump was a serious recall that could cause belt failure and engine damage.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all J10s
Rust perforation warranty12 years (check with VIN)
All Qashqai J10 models (2006-2013) are outside their original factory warranty. Some Nissan dealers offer extended warranty packages, but read exclusions carefully - many common issues (DPF, injectors, alternators) may not be covered. Independent warranties often exclude high-mileage diesels.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.