CONSIDERING A USED NISSAN QASHQAI? REAL OWNER REVIEWS NEEDED! NISSAN Qashqai II (J11) (11.2013 - ...)

Nissan CVT gearboxes are known to have reliability issues and may require costly repairs, making a thorough gearbox diagnostic essential before purchase. The infotainment system, however, has not shown any significant problems.

The 2017 Nissan Qashqai is a popular family SUV praised for comfort, practicality, and decent fuel economy, but its reliability record is mixed, especially regarding the CVT transmission and electronics.

Reliability and CVT Transmission
- The CVT gearbox in the Qashqai has a mixed reputation. While many owners report smooth operation, there are notable cases of transmission issues, including hesitation or failure, particularly in diesel models. Petrol versions tend to be more reliable but still have some reported gearbox or clutch-related faults.
- Overall, gearbox and clutch problems account for about 5% of reported faults, which is relatively low but worth checking carefully during a test drive.

Common Issues to Watch For
- Infotainment System: Many owners complain about outdated or glitchy sat-nav systems that may require dealer updates. Some report general infotainment slowdowns and occasional glitches.
- Air Conditioning: Frequent air-con regassing is a common complaint, with some owners experiencing repeated failures.
- Electrical Problems: Recurring tyre pressure warning messages, battery issues, and alternator failures (notably one case after 30,000 miles) have been reported.
- Engine and Fuel System: Engine faults are less common but have been noted, including some issues with the Renault-sourced petrol engines used in certain models.
- Brakes: Brake faults represent about 15% of issues, so check brake performance and wear carefully.
- Dealer Service: Some owners report difficulties with dealer repairs and service responsiveness.

Owner Experiences
- Some owners praise the Qashqai for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and practicality, especially with higher trims offering features like parking sensors and reversing cameras.
- However, others strongly advise caution due to reliability concerns, particularly with the automatic gearbox and air conditioning system.
- There are reports of the car cutting out unexpectedly or electrical gremlins, which can be frustrating.
- Fuel economy tends to be respectable but sometimes falls short of official figures.

The 2017 Nissan Qashqai offers a comfortable and practical SUV experience but has some reliability concerns, especially around the CVT transmission, air conditioning, and infotainment systems. If considering one, ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the gearbox, brakes, electrical systems, and air conditioning. Verify that any recalls or software updates have been completed. Comparing service histories and opting for petrol models with manual transmissions may reduce risk.

While many owners find the Qashqai dependable, others have had frustrating experiences, so careful evaluation and a test drive are essential before buying.