Reliability Overview: Where Qashqai Stands Today

The Nissan Qashqai enjoys a mixed but generally solid reputation among compact crossover/SUVs. Many owners praise its everyday usability, comfortable ride, and cost of ownership, but as with any model produced over many years and generations, it has its share of recurring issues and model-year variances.

• According to Cinch, the Qashqai is “widely considered a reliable car,” and it has earned praise for strong running costs and safety credentials (including a five-star Euro NCAP rating).
• Warrantywise assigns the Qashqai a Reliability Index score of 57/100, with average repair costs around £1,099, and the most frequent repair being the air conditioning system.
• In used car reliability surveys, the Qashqai’s position is middling: the second-generation (2014–2021) model scored 83.2% in a reliability study, placing it 19th out of 34 in its class.
• More recently, the 2021–present generation improved standing: in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, it placed 11th out of 34 family SUVs.
• However, there are cautionary stories: some owners report severe engine failures (e.g., cracked engine blocks) with high repair bills, triggering complaints and media coverage.
• In 2025, over 13,000 Qashqai units (2022–2024 models) in Australia were recalled due to fuel pipe chafing that could lead to leaks and fire risk.

Thus, the Qashqai's reputation is neither immaculate nor dismal: with proper selection and maintenance, it can be quite dependable; when mismanaged or unlucky, serious faults can occur.

Reliability by Generation & Powertrain

The Qashqai has had three main generations so far, and reliability largely depends on which generation, engine, and transmission you pick.

First Generation (Approx. 2007–2013)

• Early models had occasional issues with suspension wear, corrosion, and electrical gremlins.
• Because many of these early cars are now aging, longevity is strongly tied to maintenance, driving environment, and whether past owners addressed early warning signs.

Second Generation / J11 (2014–2021)

This is the generation where many of the reported problems concentrate.

Strengths:

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• Broad parts availability and familiarity among mechanics.
• Comfortable ride, decent fuel economy, and reputable safety features.

Common Weaknesses:

• Engine problems (especially with the 1.2L DIG-T petrol, 1.5L or 1.6L diesels) including turbocharger failures and timing chain wear.
• Brake, battery, and non-engine electrical failures (e.g. infotainment, sensors) are relatively frequent.
• Gearbox and transmission glitches, especially in early CVT/automatic versions.
• Suspension wear and steering issues in higher-mileage vehicles.
• Recall history for this generation is nontrivial.

Third Generation (2021–Present)

• Improvements in build quality and materials (lighter panels, better assembly) are noted by reviewers.
• Some of the older issues have been addressed or mitigated in design updates.
• But new models are still under scrutiny, and even recent recalls (e.g. fuel pipe risk) signal that reliability is not perfect.

Key Weak Points: What Owners and Experts Report

Understanding where the Qashqai tends to struggle can help a prospective owner make smart decisions and take preventative action.

In particular, engine cracks in relatively young Qashqais have made headlines, underscoring that even well-maintained vehicles sometimes suffer sudden, catastrophic failures.

Ownership Experience: Real Owner Voices

Real-world drivers often offer the most grounded insight:

“Reliability has been spot on — never had any issues except a random battery failure.”

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“Concerned about the CVT initially — but it’s been very smooth.”

These testimonies align with the pattern: many Qashqai users report trouble-free ownership, especially with modest daily usage; the complaints generally come from high-mileage units or ones with small ignored issues that ballooned.

Does Mileage, Condition & Maintenance Make It Reliable?

Yes — more than with many cars, these factors are crucial for the Qashqai.

• A Qashqai with a full documented service history, parts replaced at correct intervals, and regular inspections is far more likely to avoid major faults.
• Used high-mileage examples without full records should be viewed cautiously.
• Independent garages may suffice, but severe failures may not be supported by manufacturer warranty or goodwill if dealer service was bypassed.
• Particular attention should be paid to preventive maintenance items: oil and filter changes, transmission fluid, brake systems, cooling system, and inspections of the timing system.

Verdict: Are Nissan Qashqai Reliable?

We conclude:

Yes, the Nissan Qashqai can be reliable — if well chosen and well maintained.

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It is not flawless, and some model years or engine variants carry greater risk. But for average use, moderate mileage, and diligent upkeep, it holds up competitively in its class.

If forced to give a summary:

• Strengths: Practicality, comfort, decent running costs, strong safety highlights.
• Weaknesses: Engine & drivetrain risks in certain model years, recurring electrical and brake/suspension wear.
• Key to success: Choose the right generation, review service history, and keep on top of maintenance.

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