Is the Nissan X-Trail reliable?
Dissapointingly the X-Trail has ranked poorly in some reliability surveys – with that in mind, look out for these common problems:
Engine: A clogged DPF filter can afflict the diesel engine range. A long drive at a high RPM can clear it, but best get it cleaned by a specialist. A rattling noise, loss of power or a rough idle are signs of a failing timing chain.
It can stretch and snap towards the end of its life. Replace at 100,000 miles. Oil leaks from the timing cover are common so look out for droplets under the car. It can cost £1000-£1500 for parts and labour. Oil lines to the turbocharger are also prone to leaks.
Gearbox: Any vibrations at speed or juddering when pulling away could indicate that the clutch and dual-mass flywheel are on their way out. A new flywheel can cost between £300 and £800. Slipping gears, shuddering when pulling away from standstill or an unusual whining or humming are all warning signs of a worn CVT gearbox.
Worn belts and pulleys inside the ‘box, a lack of oil or overheating are all known to cause premature failure. Check the gearbox has been regularly serviced with the CVT fluid.
Air conditioning: Electronic control unit can fall, preventing the air-con from operating properly. If the fan speed is poor, replace the blower motor resistor, which should cost no more than £20.
Interior: Inspect the headliner for stains as the sunroof drains can get blocked by debris, causing water to leak into the cabin.
Infotainment and cameras: A frozen infotainment screen isn’t uncommon so check it works as it should. Parking cameras can also suffer from electrical glitches.
An Owner’s view
Antony Ward: “We bought our 1.7-litre diesel X-Trail Tekna earlier this year. My wife had a few demands (tall, manual, sunroof) and the X-Trail seemed to fit the bill. It feels very sturdy and well built, has all the bells and whistles and is spacious and comfortable. It cruised along nicely on a recent trip to France, delivering 48.4mpg. The only real gripe is the lack of Apple CarPlay, which is a surprise considering its age. Still, that’s a first-world problem and so far the X-Trail has been a good purchase.”
Also worth knowing
Entry-level Visia trim is a bit basic, so aim for at least Acenta, which gets dual-zone climate control, a panoramic roof and rear parking sensors. N-Tec receives a bigger screen but we would opt for the top-rung Tekna, which has a leather interior, heated seats and a better sound system. N-Connecta, added as part of the facelift in 2017, is widely available and gets a 7in touchscreen. The X-Trail secured a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2014.