Nissan Qashqai Owners' Guide

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Nissan Qashqai revolutionised the modern car market – before it, there were hardly any crossovers, and certainly none that drove significant sales. This humble family car ushered in a new era and is still one of Britain’s best-selling vehicles today. 

This owners’ guide compiles key information about your Qashqai in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

Nissan Qashqai generations

Nissan Qashqai 2007-2014 (J10) 

The first-generation Qashqai introduced the concept of a crossover vehicle to the UK, blending hatchback agility and running costs with SUV practicality. Despite a lack of enthusiasm from journalists, it was an instant hit with the public. Most J10 Qashqais were front-wheel drive, though a four-wheel drive system was offered.  

Trim options included the entry-level Visia, which came with 16-inch alloys, Bluetooth, and air conditioning, followed by the Acenta (adding cruise control and rain-sensing wipers), then the Tekna (heated leather seats, Xenon headlights, and a panoramic glass roof).  

A facelift in 2010 refreshed the Qashqai with smarter instruments and interior materials. A new trim level, known as N-Tec, was added. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door crossover 

• Seven-seat extended version (Qashqai+2) 

Key engine options: 

• 1.6-litre 113bhp petrol 

• 2.0-litre 138bhp petrol 

• 1.5-litre 105bhp dCi turbo diesel 

• 2.0-litre 148bhp dCi turbo diesel 

Nissan Qashqai 2014-2020 (J11) 

The second generation of the Qashqai offered advanced safety features and an upgraded infotainment system packaged in a refined exterior. A revised range of engines and transmissions was added to keep up with competition in the now-thriving crossover market. 

A 2017 facelift introduced a new top-line trim called Tekna+, featuring premium materials and Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance system. Subtle design changes were made to the interior and exterior alike. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door crossover 

Key engine options: 

• 1.2-litre 115bhp DIG-T turbo petrol (replaced by the 1.3 in 2018) 

• 1.3-litre 138bhp or 158bhp DIG-T turbo petrol 

• 1.5-litre 113bhp dCi turbo diesel 

• 1.7-litre 148bhp dCi turbo diesel 

Nissan Qashqai 2021- 

Nissan faced more rivals than ever in the crossover segment by 2021, so a new Qashqai was introduced to compete with the likes of the Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson, and Renault Kadjar. Built on the CMF-C platform, it offers a more spacious interior, improved handling, and fresh looks inspired by samurai armour.   

Complete with strong safety credentials and all the latest tech, including a 13.2-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration, this generation of the Qashqai ticks all the right boxes for modern drivers. 

Body styles: 

• Five-door crossover 

Key engine options: 

• 1.3-litre 138bhp or 158bhp turbo mild hybrid petrol 

• 1.5-litre 190bhp e-Power hybrid 

Service intervals

Maintaining your Qashqai is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. You can find the servicing intervals for your vehicle in the service and maintenance booklet supplied by Nissan.  

A good rule of thumb for most cars is to book a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, for the best results, you should always follow the schedule outlined by the manufacturer.  

Below are the periodic maintenance recommendations for two Qashqai engine variants. 

1.2 turbo petrol 

The following intervals for the 1.2 turbo petrol engine are found in this Nissan document. 

Key: 

• R = replace 

• I = inspect and correct or replace as necessary 

• L = lubricate 

• [] = at the specified mileage only 

Notes: 

• (1) Periodic maintenance is not required. If valve noise increases, check valve clearance. 

• (2) Replace every 180,000 miles. 

• (3) Replace every 72,000 miles/72 months. 

• (4) Use Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent to avoid possible aluminium corrosion within the engine cooling system. Check and correct the engine coolant mixture ratio every 18,000 miles or 24 months. First replacement interval is 90,000 miles or 96 months. After first replacement, replace every 54,000 miles or 48 months. 

• (5) Fuel filter is maintenance-free.  

• (6) Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT fluid. If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, inspect CVT fluid deterioration at NISSAN dealers every 54,000 miles, then change CVT fluid if necessary. And if the inspection is not performed, change (not just inspect) CVT fluid every 54,000 miles.  

1.5 diesel 

The following intervals for the 1.5 diesel engine are found in this Nissan document. 

Key: 

• I = inspect and correct or replace as necessary 

• R = replace 

* Replace every 18,000 miles /12months 

**Replace every 54,000 miles/48 months 

Notes: 

• (1) If the Engine Oil Service Warning shows up on the indicator, please replace the engine oil and filter even if it is before the replacement interval. After replacing the engine oil, reset the display. 

• (2) The replacement interval for the timing belt is the maximum lifespan. Replace the timing belt if it comes into contact with fuel. 

• (3) Replace drive belt if it encounters fuel or damage is found during inspection. 

• (4) Use Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent in its quality to avoid possible aluminium corrosion within the engine cooling system. Check and correct the engine coolant mixture ratio every 18,000 miles or 24 months. First replacement interval is 90,000 miles or 96 months. After first replacement, replace every 45,000 miles or 48 months. 

• (5) Periodic maintenance is not required. If valve noise increases, check valve clearance. 

How to reset a Nissan Qashqai service light 

The reset method can vary depending on the generation and trim of your Qashqai. If unsure, you can find instructions in your owner’s manual. 

2007-2014 models

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine. 

• You should have two control toggles below your instrument cluster. Press the right one to cycle through the menu options until you reach ‘settings’. 

• Twist the toggle to scroll through the settings menu until you reach ‘maintenance’. Press the toggle to enter. 

• Twist the toggle until ‘service’ is highlighted. Press to enter. 

• Select ‘reset’, then ‘confirm’. 

 2014-2020 models 

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine. 

• Using the steering wheel controls, scroll down until you reach the settings menu. 

• Open the settings and select ‘maintenance’. 

• Click ‘service’ in the maintenance menu. 

• Click ‘yes’ when asked if you want to reset the service light. 

• Repeat the process for the oil filter if it has also been changed. 

2021-present models 

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine. 

• Using the left and right arrows on the steering wheel controls, scroll through the menu options and select ‘settings’. 

• Find ‘maintenance’ in the settings menu and press ‘OK’ to enter.  

• Click ‘service’. 

• Press ‘OK’ to reset and choose ‘yes’ to confirm. 

• The service distance will now reset. 

Tyre pressure

What are the tyre pressures for a Nissan Qashqai? 

The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the Qashqai on TyrePressures.com. 

However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres.  

Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.  

Where to find the correct Nissan Qashqai tyre pressure 

You can usually find the correct pressure: 

• In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual. 

• Printed on the sill of the driver’s door. 

• On the inside of the fuel tank cap. 

How to reset the tyre pressure on a Nissan Qashqai 

The tyre pressure reset method varies depending on the generation and trim of your car. Check your owner’s manual if unsure. 

2014-present 

• Make sure your tyres are pumped up to the correct pressures. 

• Switch the ignition on without starting the engine. You’ll need to use the control buttons on the left side of the steering wheel and the instrument cluster screen on the dashboard. 

• Scroll through the menu options and enter ‘settings’. 

• Scroll down to ‘tyre pressures’. Press ‘enter’. 

• Select ‘calibrate’ from the tyre menu options. 

• Choose ‘start’ to begin the reset. 

• You will see a message confirming that the tyre pressures are being reset. Once the message vanishes, the process is complete. 

Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides: 

• What's the difference between a full service and an interim service? 

• How much should a full service cost? 

• How much should an interim service cost? 

• The ultimate guide to car maintenance 

Engine oil

It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide.  

5W-30 oil is commonly used in Nissan models. 

However, the recommended oil can vary between different Qashqai engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle. 

What oil for a Nissan Qashqai diesel? 

According to AUTODOC UK, 5W-30 ACEA C3 engine oils are suitable for diesel Qashqai models.  

The ACEA C3 specification signals a stable oil with low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorous, and sulphur), which is ideal for use in modern vehicles with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). 

What oil for a Nissan Qashqai petrol? 

Similarly, most petrol Qashqai models use 5W-30 engine oil.  

What is the oil capacity of a Nissan Qashqai? 

Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The Qashqai generally requires between 3.5 and 5.9 litres. 

• Petrol models: 4.3-4.9 

• Diesel models: 4.5-5.9 

• Hybrids: 3.5-4 

Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system. 

Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide. 

Battery

What battery do I need for my Nissan Qashqai? 

The table below provides a general guide based on common setups, but battery requirements vary by engine variant so should be checked against the information in your owner’s manual. 

The following table uses information from What Battery. 

Things to consider when buying a battery for your Nissan Qashqai 

• Start-Stop Systems: Models equipped with start-stop technology require Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) or Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) due to their enhanced charge cycles and durability.      

• Battery Dimensions: It's crucial to match the battery dimensions and hold-down type to ensure proper fitment.      

• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): Higher CCA values are beneficial for cold starts, especially in diesel engines.      

• Battery Brands: Reputable brands like Bosch, Varta, Exide, and Halfords offer batteries compatible with Nissan models.   

Want to help your new battery go the distance? Check out our top tips for maintaining your car battery. 

Warning lights

What do the warning lights mean on a Nissan Qashqai? 

Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test. 

• Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic. 

• Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage. 

Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide. 

Nissan Qashqai warning lights you might not know 

Nissan master warning light 

The master warning light is specific to Nissan. It looks like a yellow warning triangle with an exclamation mark inside, and is usually triggered by a minor problem, such as an open door or a loose fuel filler cap.   

Fortunately, you’ll see a message alongside the light providing more information about the problem. Once you’ve fixed it, you can continue driving – but if the light doesn’t go out, you should have it investigated by a mechanic. 

Nissan suspension warning light 

Nissan’s suspension warning light is a little unusual, so it’s worth covering here. Rather than a symbol, it shows the letters ‘CK SUSP’ on the dashboard. It’s not the most straightforward message to decipher, but try to think of it as an abbreviation of ‘check suspension’.  

 The light might be accompanied by symptoms such as:  

• The car feels lower to the ground  

• Unusual noises when you hit a bump  

• Lack of stability  

 Learn how to diagnose common suspension problems. 

You might cause more damage to your vehicle if you continue driving, and if your control is affected, you could end up in an unsafe situation on the road. We recommend visiting a trusted mechanic as soon as possible to resolve the problem. 

 Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test! 

Common problems

Whether you’re already a proud Qashqai owner or you’re in the market for one, it’s helpful to know what kind of problems the model experiences.     

 Our Nissan Qashqai common problems guide explores this topic in detail, so we’ll just cover two top issues here. 

1. Turbo failure 

Several Nissan Qashqai models are fitted with turbochargers. If the car is repeatedly switched off while the turbo is still running, it can lead to ‘heat soak’, which causes damage due to excessive temperatures. Additionally, the oil in the turbo’s oilways and bearings degrades, leading to blockages, and the bearings can wear out prematurely due to excessive load.  

Turbos are expensive to replace, so prevention is undoubtedly better than cure for this problem. Avoid switching your Qashqai off while the turbo is running and let it idle for a few minutes after a long journey. 

2. Timing belt failure 

There have been many reports of timing belt failures in the 1.5 dCi diesel Qashqai, and unfortunately, it can cause catastrophic engine damage if it breaks while in use. You can avoid this fate by replacing the belt at the correct intervals or even sooner.   

If you’re in the marked for a used 1.5 diesel model, make sure the timing belt has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t just take the seller’s word for it – ask for proof, and if they can’t provide it, it’s probably best to walk away. 

Check out this guide for more used car buying tips. 

Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice: 

• Diagnose car problems & find the right fix 

• Diagnose strange noises in your car & find a fix 

Top Nissan Qashqai questions and topics

Is the Nissan Qashqai a 4x4? 

While most Nissan Qashqai models have front-wheel drive, some are available with four-wheel drive, also known as all-wheel drive (AWD).  

How long is a Nissan Qashqai? 

The length of a Qashqai ranges between approximately 4,394mm and 4,425mm. 

Where is the Nissan Qashqai made? 

The Qashqai is made in the UK at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.  

How much is road tax on a Nissan Qashqai? 

The price of road tax depends on the Qashqai’s model year and engine. Newer models from 2017 onwards pay the standard rate of £195 per year. The annual cost of taxing some pre-2017 models is as low as £20. 

Examples: 

• 1.5 dCi Visia (Smart Vision Pack) 5d (23 Jan 2014 - 31 Mar 2017) - Band A - £20/year 

• 1.6 dCi Visia (Smart Vision Pack) 5d – Band C - £35/year 

• 1.2 DiG-T Visia (Smart Vision Pack) 5d (31 Mar 2017 - 30 May 2017) - Band G - £195/year 

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