While first unveiled as a concept in 2004 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Nissan Qashqai originally made its debut in the automotive industry in February of 2007. With the need for SUVs becoming more important, many people took to the Nissan Qashqai for its affordability and quality. Unfortunately, Nissan Qashqai common problems become an issue. The manufacturer started fixing most of these with each new model.

The Nissan Qashqai is a reliable vehicle, but it is not without any faults. You could easily pick a handful of problems that people have been dealing with in the last 2 decades. However, rear shock absorber issues that affect the suspension seem to be one of the common problems. This commonly becomes an issue on poorly surfaced roads.

Even though the Nissan Qashqai can have a few problems, many of them are easy to resolve. The article aims to give you some more information on some of these problems and help you better understand what fixes are needed. We will look at some of the most common problems all Nissan Qashqai drivers might have to deal with.

Top 7 Nissan Qashqai Common Problems

In terms of severity, all vehicles have some problems that could be very expensive. Nissan is one of the most reliable brands that have been in charge of many Renault motors as well. To help you better understand some of these problems, we have isolated them. Here are some of the most common Nissan Qashqai issues you could run into:

1. Rear Suspension Problems

Problem: The rear suspension takes the bulk of the load when driving on different roads. The suspension will reduce the stiffness of the ride and give you overall comfort. However, the rear suspension is reliant on the shock absorbers for performance. One of the Nissan Qashqai issues is having a broken rear suspension.

A common sign of this issue is a rattling feeling and noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. You might also feel slightly uncomfortable when it comes to driving the vehicle on certain surfaces. The rear shock absorber is the main cause of this problem and you will have to sort this out to improve your riding comfort once again.

Solution: Unfortunately, you only have one solution. Continuing to drive the vehicle with a broken rear suspension could lead to damage to other components. You have to visit your local mechanic and ensure they can fix the rear suspension. Generally, you only have to refit new shock absorbers to your vehicle.

2. Engine Control Unit Failure

Problem: The ECU or engine control unit is one of the most important components of your car. The control unit is responsible for controlling the engine speed and revs. It will help with feeding fuel to the engine and regulate the speed of your car. Once you have issues with the ECU, you could notice that your engine is surging.

Solution: An ECU issue is often related to the software of your car. The software is responsible for controlling various parts of the engine and you will need to make sure that it is working. If you have an ECU problem, your best bet would be to reset the software. Oftentimes, a simple update to the base software could help.

3. Turbo Failure

Problem: The Nissan Qashqai did not originally launch with a turbocharged engine. The turbo was introduced at a later date with the inclusion of the diesel engine. While the turbo helps a lot with performance, it might be one of the fragile components. Many of the diesel Nissan Qashqai models have this issue.

You will begin to notice the issue with the smoke coming from the exhaust. Generally, black or blue smoke is related to the turbo unit, and hearing a whistling sound is another indication of the problem. Many drivers first notice a loss of power when they accelerate, especially once the vehicle goes into second gear.

Solution: One of the cheaper ways to fix this issue would be to remove and clean the EGR valve. However, you will likely need to replace the turbo component. Replacing the turbo is one of the most expensive routes. We would recommend having a mechanic do some diagnostics to ensure everything is in working order.

4. Controlling The Car Issues (Older 2007 Models)

Problem: The first few models of the Nissan Qashqai were frustrating to drive. Occasionally, the driver would lose control intermittently. Eventually, the problem was sorted and you would find that cars became much easier to drive. However, it could be daunting to drive a vehicle when you are losing control.

The main reason for this issue is related to the lower ball joints. In many of the first models, these were not perfectly sealed in the hub. Once they detach, you might find that the front suspension feels loose. Unfortunately, you have to deal with this issue, as it could cause some massive damage to your car or be dangerous.

Solution: While this tends to be a frustrating issue, it is something that can easily be resolved. You simply have to order a replacement ball joint. Once you have this, you can fix the problem manually. However, Nissan mechanics have found ways to permanently fix the issue. This would prevent it from happening again.

5. Fuel Leaks

Problem: Once again, this issue is related to some of the older models of the Nissan Qashqai. These issues were most common between January and October of 2008. With an incorrect attachment being connected to the fuel system, it would often allow air inside. Once the air gets inside, it could affect the performance.

If the issue is not resolved, you might find that the components begin to wear. Once you have worn components, they will leak. With the price of fuel in the modern era, dealing with fuel leaks can be expensive. It is also dangerous if you run into potential issues that could significantly affect your car.

Solution: While you could spend time trying to fix the issue at home, it is one of the hardest to spot. You will have to take apart a large chunk of the fuel system and analyze the components. Many expert mechanics are aware of the issue and they already know where to find the fault. We would recommend having mechanical assistance.

6. Rattling Sensation When Driving Uphill

Problem: Few things can be as frustrating as dealing with a shaking car. When driving uphill, the Nissan Qashqai tends to have some issues and this could affect the performance and the ability to successfully drive uphill roads. One of the main causes for this issue is a problem with the driveline or driveshaft of the car.

A clinking or clunking sound is often associated with the problem and CV joints that have worn or been damaged seem to be the leading cause. If you still have the issue and you do not hear any specific noise, it could be due to a bent driveshaft. A worn gearbox can also cause a problem when you are shifting gears.

Solution: As you can see, there are various reasons for this issue and you will need to take apart the entire engine if you are to fix the problem. It is much easier to have a mechanic assist you in finding the fault. You can take your car to a mechanic and they will assist you in fixing the problem, but it might be expensive.

7. Overheating Of The Engine

Problem: One common problem in older Nissan Qashqai models is having to deal with an engine overheating. The problem does not occur on longer drives, but many shorter trips might cause the problem. The ceramic capacitor on the radiator fan is often the biggest cause of the problem in many models. 

Solution: Unfortunately, this tends to be an expensive problem you have to fix. The radiator fan might be damaged by loose components and will have to be replaced. You can buy the radiator fan off the internet and do the fix yourself. However, having a mechanic assist you with issues like this is much easier to fix.

FAQ

Does The Nissan Qashqai Have Persistent Issues?

The Nissan Qashqai is a reliable vehicle. However, some of the older models did not come without their faults. If you are looking at models from the early 2000s, you might find that they have been riddled with some problems. Fortunately, many of these problems have been fixed with newer models hitting the market.

What Is The Best Engine For The Nissan Qashqai?

Nissan has introduced a variety of engine models and components for the Nissan Qashqai. Many of these vary from one another, but the 1.5-liter diesel engine is a proven option for reliability. Renault also transfers many of its resources to the Renault models. Over many years and models, it has proven to be one of the top options.