Nissan Qashqai Maintenance Guides - Common Nissan Qashqai Repair Questions Answered
When it was first unveiled, the Nissan Qashqai was a ground-breaking car that introduced us to crossovers, and it's been a popular choice with buyers in the UK ever since.
Nissan Qashqai Tyre Pressure
What is the recommended tyre pressure of a Nissan Qashqai?
It's important that you maintain the tyre pressure on your Nissan Qashqai at the right level to ensure the vehicle performs as it is designed to do. The relevant pressures for your model will be detailed in the owner’s manual and there's also a sticker in the driver's door jamb, which will also reveal what the pressure should be. Generally, depending on the tyres you have fitted, the front tyre pressure will be 33 psi or 2.3 bar and a rear tyre pressures will be 30 psi or 2.1 bar. Some of the diesel models have higher tyre pressures, so you should check what yours need to be.
What should I do once I see a tyre pressure warning?
When driving your Nissan Qashqai and the tyre pressure warning light becomes illuminated, you will need to pull over as soon as possible to see whether there is a serious puncture or whether you can drive onto a garage and have the tyre repaired or replaced. If you are unable to drive on, then you'll need to replace the tyre at the roadside or call for assistance.
How to check your Nissan Qashqai’s tyre pressure?
Checking the tyre pressure for a Nissan Qashqai is straightforward and the best way of doing this is to use a handheld tyre pressure gauge. This gives a more accurate reading than when using the gauge on a foot pump, for instance, and also the tyre pumps that are found on garage forecourts.
How do I reset a Nissan Qashqai tyre pressure light?
Some Nissan Qashqai models have a button marked with the tyre pressure warning symbol.
- Switch the ignition on, but not the engine
- Depress this switch for three seconds
- Turn off the ignition and then turn it back on and the dashboard warning light should not be illuminated.
For other models use the dashboard screen to click through the menus:
- At ‘Settings’ click on maintenance
- Then click on ‘Tyre’
- Then click ‘Reset’
- Then return ‘Home’ from the menu.
- Switch the ignition on and the light should be extinguished.
It's also a good idea to take the Qashqai for a drive so that the tyre pressures are fully recognised by the monitoring system.
How to replace a tyre pressure sensor on a Nissan Qashqai?
If you need to replace the tyre pressure sensor on your Nissan Qashqai tyres, then you could use OEM equipment, which is similar to what was originally used, or access cheaper universal parts. There are professionals and independent garages that will be able to help you source a quality pressure sensor and fit it, so it works with the tyre pressure monitoring system on the Qashqai.
If you do identify a tyre pressure issue during your checks, find a Nissan Qashqai puncture repair specialist with WhoCanFixMyCar.
Nissan Qashqai Service Intervals
When are Nissan Qashqai service intervals?
The latest model of the Nissan Qashqai has seen its service intervals increasing from 12,500 miles to 18,000 miles. Along with the regular servicing and checking of crucial components, additional work will be carried out at set intervals, including:
18,000 miles: Oil and filter change, plus cabin filter change is recommended.
36,000 miles: Oil and filter change. Possible change of transmission fluid.
54,000 miles: New spark plugs and possibly a new battery. Recommended brake fluid replacement.
90,000 miles: Timing belt replaced, check 'serpentine' belt and change power steering fluid.
How do you reset the service light on a Nissan Qashqai?
If the service light is displaying on the Nissan Qashqai dashboard then you can reset it. Either follow the instructions in the owner's manual or follow this process:
- Access the menu on the dashboard screen
- Scroll down to Settings
- Then down to Maintenance
- Then Service
- Then to Reset - press Yes.
Once your Nissan Qashqai reaches a mileage milestone, submit it for a full service with a local specialist.
Nissan Qashqai Warning Lights
Compare professionals in your local area on our Nissan Qashqai full service specialist page.
Why do warning lights appear when I start my Nissan Qashqai?
When you start your Nissan Qashqai, most of the dashboard lights will be illuminated to show that the various tests are being carried out to ensure everything works. These lights should then switch off but if any remain on, it may indicate a potential problem. Just to make sure, switch the engine off and then switch it back on and if the light remains on there is a need to investigate further, using the owner’s manual or contacting a professional.
What do Nissan Qashqai warning lights mean?
The Nissan Qashqai has several warning lights that you need to pay attention to while driving and here we take a closer look at the ones that will flash in red.
Brake warning light: Should the brake warning light in the Nissan Qashqai illuminate it may indicate that you have set off with the parking brake applied. If so, take the brake off but if not, it may indicate that there's not enough brake fluid in the system, which is affecting brake performance. You will need to have the system checked by a Nissan technician or other professional.
Battery warning light: Should the battery charge warning light appear while you are driving, then it's highlighting a problem with the charging system. Essentially, the battery is not receiving a charge which could mean that the alternator is faulty, or the alternator belt has broken or become loose. Be aware that not fixing this problem immediately may see the battery being drained and you will be unable to start the car. You will need to take your car to a professional immediately.
Engine oil warning: The engine oil warning light indicates low engine oil pressure and if it appears you will need to pull over and switch off the engine. You will not be able to continue driving because you run the risk of severely damaging your engine by doing so. You'll need to call for assistance to have your car taken to a garage.
Nissan Qashqai Common Problems
There is a range of common faults affecting the Nissan Qashqai, including:
Electrical: One customer survey in 2018 highlighted that nearly half of the diesel Qashqai owners experienced faults - the most common being with the electrical systems and 20% had faulty batteries.
Batteries: The same survey highlighted that 56% of petrol Qashqai cash card owners had issues with bodywork, batteries and electr\\ical systems - topping a long list of issues.
Cambelt: The 1.5-litre diesel engine needs the cambelt replacing every 75,000 or five years.
Diesel particulate filter: A common issue for the second generation of the Qashqai is the diesel particulate filter becoming clogged. You will need to take the car out for a long run once a week.
Brake hose wearing: For models made up to September 2016, the rear wheel arch protector might become malformed and then rub against the right rear brake hose potentially causing brake fluid leak.
Exhaust oxygen sensor failure: There's an issue with the rear oxygen exhaust sensor which can fail after an electrical short on models built between April 2014 and May 2016. Worryingly, the ECU may not warn the driver this has occurred.
What does the Nissan Qashqai’s engine management light mean?
The engine management light on the Nissan Qashqai dashboard will appear as an amber light when illuminated. If this appears while driving, then it's highlighting a problem that is usually connected with the emissions system. Driving without having it checked could lead to damage to the engine control system. You'll need to take your car to a garage to have this remedied.
What automatic transmission problems can a Nissan Qashqai suffer from?
There have been issues with the automatic gearboxes on the Nissan Qashqai. One problem is to encounter a loss of power and grinding noise - this is because the internal bearings have come loose. Instead of repairing it, the gearbox will need replacing. Owners in America have had this work carried out for free (and had their warranty extended on models before 2011) but not in the UK.
CVT boxes also have issues with knocking and juddering.
Find the best garage near you to diagnose your engine management light issue by finding a specialist with WhoCanFixMyCar.
Nissan Qashqai Battery
How do I replace the battery in a Nissan Qashqai?
One regular issue facing Nissan Qashqai owners is the need to replace the battery on fairly new cars. Forums report that the recommended FIAMM batteries are not suitable and dealers say they must be used - or risk the Qashqai's warranty. If you are searching for 'battery replacement' then you may need to discuss your requirements with a professional or a garage.
Nissan Qashqai Battery Type
To find out which type of battery you need for the Nissan Qashqai model you own, consult the owner’s manual. There are also websites available that will source the correct battery from your vehicle registration number. Depending on the model you own, you will need a standard battery, or one designed for 'stop-start' use.
Other Common Nissan Qashqai Questions
How often does a Nissan Qashqai need an oil change?
The engine oil in a Nissan Qashqai will need to be changed every 6,000 miles or so to ensure the engine works smoothly. Details of the oils relevant to your Qashqai model will be detailed in the owner's manual or speak to a Nissan dealer. The firm recommends fully synthetic 5W30 or 0W30 for most models though some may require 10W40 or 5W40.
How Long to A Nissan Qashqai’s Brake Pads Last?
To ensure that your Nissan Qashqai brakes are fully functioning, you will need to ensure the brake fluid is changed regularly and the brake pads are not worn down. Should you need new pads, some Qashqai models come with brake pads that have sensors to monitor their wear while others do not have the sensor. And, if you want to carry out the replacement work yourself, then the electric parking brake may cause an issue as might the brake piston which may not fully retract unless you have specialist software or the relevant tool. It's probably a better idea to have a professional replace your Nissan Qashqai brake pads.
What is a Nissan Qashqai’s towing capacity?
The Nissan Qashqai is a popular vehicle for those who need to enjoy its towing capacities, for example, towing a caravan. The Qashqai's towing capacity is 1,300 kg to 2,000 kg - depending on the model.