Used Nissan X-Trail 2007 - 2014 reliability
Category: Large SUV
This second-generation Nissan X-Trail looks similar to the original, but it's a lot more sophisticated and has a much roomier boot.
What should I look for in a used Nissan X-Trail 4x4?
The two-wheel drive versions seem to suffer from exacerbated front tyre wear, so have a close look at the front treads and make sure that there’s plenty left on them; budget to replace them more often than you might on a regular car.
The diesel engines came as standard with an exhaust particulate filter, and this can clog up if the car has only been driven for short, in-town mileages. A long drive on the motorway can sometimes generate enough heat to clear it out, but if it needs replacing, it will be expensive.
What are the most common problems with a used Nissan X-Trail 4x4?
The second-generation Nissan X-Trail was far more reliable than the original model, and it doesn't seems to suffer from the turbocharger and intercooler issues associated with the old 2.2-litre dCi diesel engine.
The 2.0 dCi does seem to occasionally develop engine management issues, however, which can cause the car to cut out unexpectedly or even simply not start in the first place. The problem seems to be relatively isolated, thankfully, but it can be difficult to diagnose and cure if it occurs.
Is a used Nissan X-Trail 4x4 reliable?
Yes, it’s a very reliable car. There are no commonly reported issues with major components such as the engine, gearbox or the four-wheel-drive system, and the only regular problems are generally with the electronics, which are actually quite complex for a car of this era.
You will need to keep an eye out for leaking oil coolers and fragile fuel pumps, but these shouldn’t be an issue on cars that come with a full service history.
According to data from CAP Derwent, the X-Trail 2.0 dCi diesel is better than the class average when it comes to using up consumables such as brake fluid, discs, pads and calipers, wiper blades, and pollen filters. Nothing major, such as the air-conditioning, turbocharger, wheel bearings or suspension, should need work if the car has fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock.