Common Problems with the Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai - a compact crossover SUV - has, in the fifteen years since it first went on sale, secured its position as Nissan’s most successful vehicle to date. It’s designed to pack an impressive punch, offering the best of both worlds: the practicality, versatility and desirability of the SUV, combined with the driving dynamics, running costs and size of a hatchback.

The Nissan Qashqai’s popularity is unquestionable, but does the car’s reliability match its mass appeal, or is it prone to expensive problems? Find out in this guide.

Nissan Qashqai common problems include:

• Radio issues

• Alternator faults

• Turbo faults

• Steering issues

• Fuel leaks

• Suspension issues

• Stalling

What’s wrong with the Nissan Qashqai?

While Nissan is considered a fairly reliable manufacturer, there are a few issues with the Qashqai that are frequently searched for by drivers. 

Nissan Qashqai radio problems

The radio in some Nissan Qashqai models can suddenly stop producing sound or fail to pick up certain radio stations. This is usually related to software issues. Disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it may solve the problem; if not, you should take your Qashqai to a dealer to check for a software update.

Nissan Qashqai alternator problems

Issues with the alternator may occur, particularly relating to an intermittent in the plug going into the voltage regulator. Because the factory harness is short, the wires can become frayed. 

Nissan Qashqai turbo problems

Turbo problems may occur due to oil starvation. This happens when the turbo-bearing oil feed and oil return pipes become partially blocked with carbon due to the engine being shut off when the turbo is hot.

Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid this problem simply by letting your vehicle idle for a few minutes after you have been on a long journey, particularly on the motorway or after towing.

Nissan Qashqai 2006-2013 faults

These common problems have been identified in the first generation Nissan Qashqai

1. DPF blockage

Qashqais can suffer from DPF clogs, particularly in the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 1.5-litre engine is also susceptible to sticking valves if used for many short and low-speed journeys.

What repair is needed to fix a DPF fault, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

You should be able to fix a clogged diesel particulate filter by having it cleaned by a professional. You can find out more about this process here.

On average, a Nissan Qashqai DPF clean will cost £151.93 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.

2. Turbocharger failure

Typically, this problem occurs as a result of sticking valves. Common symptoms include stuttering while accelerating and uneven idling.

What repair is needed to fix a turbocharger failure, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

The turbocharger will likely need to be replaced if the damage is too extensive for a repair. This is usually an expensive job.

Replacing the turbocharger on a Nissan Qashqai costs £893.91 on average when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.

3. Worn timing belt

It’s imperative the 1.5 dCi diesel engine’s timing belt should be changed at least every 60,000 miles (around four years). Otherwise, it will become worn and inevitably, it will fail.

When timing belts fail, they can cause serious - and expensive - damage to the whole engine.

What repair is needed to fix a worn timing belt, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

The timing belt needs to be replaced as soon as it becomes worn. This costs £343.14 on average for a Nissan Qashqai when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.

4. Rear suspension issue

There is a known issue with the rear suspension shock absorbers, so make sure you listen for any rattling sounds in the back of the vehicle as this is a common symptom.

What repair is needed to fix the suspension, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

A professional mechanic should be able to replace the shock absorbers relatively easily. On average, suspension repairs cost £162.41 for a Nissan Qashqai.

Nissan Qashqai 2006-2013 recalls

Nissan Qashqai 2014-2021 faults

After almost 100,000 Qashqais were sold across Europe in the model’s first year, it’s hardly surprising that Nissan decided to introduce a second generation in 2014. Let’s look closely at some of this generation’s common faults.

1. Oxygen sensor failure

Certain models of this generation may suffer from an electrical short, which causes the rear oxygen sensor to fail. 

What repair is needed to fix a faulty oxygen sensor, and how much does this cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

Nissan issued a recall for this fault, so affected models should have been repaired by a main dealer. 

It costs £155.44 on average to fix a Nissan Qashqai oxygen sensor, according to our data.

2. Faulty parking sensors

Water may get into the parking sensors, causing them to either stop working or start warning you even if you’re not near anything.

What repair is needed to fix faulty parking sensors, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

The parking sensors will need to be replaced if the water damage is too extensive to repair. Jobs involving parking sensors cost £154.01 on average for a Nissan Qashqai.

3. Excessive oil consumption

The 1.2-litre petrol engine is known to consume an unusually large amount of oil, so it’s important to check the dipstick level regularly. This isn’t a serious problem, but it can be inconvenient if you get caught out on a long journey with low engine oil.

What repair is needed to fix excessive oil consumption, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

The answer is simply to regularly check and top up your oil. On average, it costs £79.70 for a Nissan Qashqai oil change, but most of the time, you’ll just need to add some extra oil yourself. 

4. Brake hose wear

Certain vehicles made up to September 2016 may have right rear wheel arch protectors that deform and rub against the nearby brake hose, causing damage and potentially resulting in a fluid leak.

What repair is needed to fix brake hose wear and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

Nissan issued a recall of affected vehicles, stipulating they should have a modified liner fitted. If you need to repair a fluid leak, the average cost for a Nissan Qashqai is £90.32 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.

5. Gear change issues

Four-wheel-drive models may slip out of reverse gear. 

What repair is needed to fix gear change issues, and how much does it cost for a Nissan Qashqai?

Gearbox linkage repairs cost £197.67 on average for a Nissan Qashqai.

Nissan Qashqai 2014-2021 recalls

As for the latest generation of the Qashqai, it's too early yet to identify any common problems; only time will tell whether the third generation of this popular model is more or less reliable than its predecessors.

Having trouble with your Nissan Qashqai? Whatever your car needs, we can help you find the right garage at the right price.

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