2014-2021 (J11) - Renault K9K 1.5 dCi diesel (110-116 hp)
Europe's best-selling crossover with the proven Renault K9K diesel engine. Affordable to run and widely available, but diesel models show 35% fault rate versus 18% for petrol versions. Key concerns: timing belt replacement every 5 years/90,000 km is critical (engine destruction if it snaps), EGR valve carbon buildup on short-trip cars, battery drain issues (affects roughly 60,000 owners), and rear shock absorber wear. Later models with AdBlue (2019+) have had SCR system failures costing up to 1,700 euro. The 6-speed manual gearbox is reliable; avoid CVT automatics which have known bearing failures.
Belt must be replaced every 5 years/90,000 km - failure destroys the engine · more· less
The K9K 1.5 dCi uses a timing belt (not chain) that must be replaced at strict intervals. Nissan specifies every 5 years or 90,000 km, whichever comes first. Some owners report more conservative 4-year/60,000 km intervals being recommended. If the belt snaps, the valves contact the pistons and the engine is destroyed - repair costs can exceed the car's value. Always verify timing belt replacement history before purchase. A full timing belt kit with water pump replacement costs €500-600 at independent garages, €800-1,000 at dealers. Early J11 models had a recall for misaligned timing belts that could snap prematurely.
EGR valve carbon buildup€300 - €550
Exhaust gas recirculation valve clogs with carbon, especially on short trips · more· less
Sticking EGR valves on the 1.5 dCi are a fairly common occurrence. Carbon deposits from exhaust gases bake onto the valve's internal components and eventually stop it from operating correctly. Symptoms include rough idling, stalling, increased fuel consumption, and the check engine light illuminating. Cars used predominantly for short trips or city driving are most susceptible. A professional carbon clean costs around €75-100 and can extend EGR life. Full EGR valve replacement costs €300-550 including labor. Some owners report using EGR cleaning additives in the diesel tank with mixed results.
Battery drain€100 - €250
Battery runs flat within days - the most common Qashqai complaint · more· less
"The battery has died too quickly" is the single most common issue for the Qashqai. It's estimated that about 60,000 Qashqai owners need to replace their battery five times more often than owners of other cars. Causes include: the Bose amplifier not turning off properly, malfunctioning cooling fan control modules, parasitic drain from dashcams, and alternator issues. Normal drain in hibernation should be around 15 mA - anything above 60 mA is abnormal. Short trips that don't fully charge the battery worsen the problem. Some dealers have acknowledged the pattern and replaced batteries under warranty. A quality replacement battery costs €100-250.
Turbocharger failure€700 - €1,900
Oil starvation or sticking valves lead to turbo failure, typically after 130,000 km · more· less
The turbocharger expected lifespan is 130,000-150,000 km. Failure can occur earlier due to oil starvation from blocked oil feed/return pipes. This happens when the engine is shut off while the turbo is still hot, causing oil to carbonize in the pipes. Prevention: let the car idle for 1-2 minutes after motorway driving before switching off. The 1.5 dCi can also suffer from sticking valves if used for many short trips, which leads to turbocharger failure and oil starvation elsewhere. Average turbo replacement cost is €700 at independent specialists, up to €1,900 at dealers. Reconditioned turbos from €250+VAT can reduce costs.
Rear shock absorber wear€250 - €500
Rear suspension rattling and bouncing, typically after 100,000 km · more· less
There is a known issue with the rear suspension shock absorbers on the Qashqai J11. Listen for rattling sounds from the back when going over potholes or speed bumps. Expected service life is 140,000-150,000 km, but premature wear is common. Perform a bounce test: push down on the rear corner - if the car bounces multiple times, the shocks need replacing. Shock absorbers should always be replaced in pairs. Parts cost €45-170 per pair depending on brand, total replacement cost including labor is around €250-500.
Injector failure€400 - €1,500
Delphi injectors sensitive to fuel quality, can fail and damage the fuel pump · more· less
The fuel injectors in some K9K engines (particularly Delphi units) are sensitive to poor quality fuel and can become clogged with metallic fragments from a failing fuel pump. Symptoms include intermittent clattering, loss of power when warm that clears when cooled. One injector costs €100-200 plus €100-150 labor, but injectors need coding to the ECU which requires specialist equipment. If replacing all four injectors, expect €800-1,500. Siemens/Continental fuel system variants are more reliable and can exceed 200,000 km. Using premium diesel (Shell V-Power, BP Ultimate) helps prevent issues.
DPF clogging€150 - €2,000
Diesel particulate filter clogs on short trips, requires motorway regeneration · more· less
The J11 1.5 dCi has fewer DPF problems than the 2.0 dCi because the filter is positioned closer to the engine and runs hotter. However, short trips still cause clogging. When the DPF warning light illuminates, drive at over 60 km/h for up to 30 minutes to trigger regeneration. If the malfunction light comes on, a dealer service regeneration is required (€150-300) and the engine oil must be replaced. Ignoring warnings can saturate the DPF beyond recovery - replacement costs €700-2,000 depending on OEM vs aftermarket. DPF issues from normal driving are not covered by Nissan warranty.
AdBlue system failure (2019+ models)€600 - €1,750
SCR system faults on newer diesel models, crystallized AdBlue requires tank replacement · more· less
Models from 2019 onwards with AdBlue have reported SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system problems. Faults can occur with the AdBlue pump, injector, or sensor. In some cases, AdBlue crystallizes in the tank, requiring complete tank replacement. Dealer quotes for a new AdBlue reservoir tank are around €1,722, but some owners have negotiated 75% off through Nissan customer service, bringing total cost to around €590. If you have full service history, contact Nissan UK Customer Service (0330 1231231) to request assistance with repair costs.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel€800 - €1,500
DMF wear causes juddering, typically after 120,000 km · more· less
The manual gearbox versions use a dual mass flywheel (DMF) to reduce vibration. Over time, the DMF wears and can cause juddering during clutch engagement. "Blueing" on the flywheel face indicates slippage and the need for replacement. Combined clutch and DMF replacement costs €800-1,500 at independent garages, potentially higher at dealers. Labor time is approximately 4.5 hours. This is a wear item that typically needs attention after 120,000-180,000 km depending on driving style. City driving and heavy traffic accelerate wear.
Windscreen seal leak€150 - €400
Failed windscreen seal allows water into cabin, causes interior condensation · more· less
The Qashqai has a known windscreen seal problem where the seal near the top corner gets pushed in or the gutter seal warps in sunlight. Symptoms include interior condensation on windows and water dripping from the headliner. Water can also enter through blocked drains under the wipers or deteriorated wiring loom seals at the rear hatch. The proper fix is to have a windscreen fitter remove the glass, clean the mounting surface, and refit with a new seal (€150-400). Products like Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure can provide temporary relief.
Front suspension creaking€100 - €350
Creaking noise when steering at low speeds, often from top strut mount or anti-roll bar bushes · more· less
There have been reports of a creaking noise from the front when maneuvering at low speeds, such as when parking. Nissan issued a technical bulletin acknowledging the upper front suspension mount as the cause. The top strut mount bearing can fail and restrict rotation during steering, causing knock and creak noises. Other causes include dry jounce bushings or worn anti-roll bar D-bushes. Sway bar bushing repair costs less than €100. Top mount and bushing replacement costs €200-350. If under warranty, this repair may be covered as it's a known issue.
Affordable to run but requires attention to maintenance intervals
The Qashqai J11 1.5 dCi is fundamentally reliable when properly maintained. The K9K engine has sold over 10 million units and can exceed 200,000 km with care. However, timing belt replacement is non-negotiable, and the car is not suited to predominantly short trips which cause EGR, DPF, and valve sticking issues. Battery drain is the most common complaint. Manual gearbox versions are more reliable than CVT automatics.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify timing belt replacement dates.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds to warm the DPF.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify timing belt replacement
Check service book for belt change within last 5 years or 90,000 km. If unknown, assume it needs replacing and negotiate price accordingly. This is the most critical check.
Test battery health
Ask how long the car has been sitting. If it struggles to start or needs a jump, budget for a new battery. Check alternator output with a multimeter if possible.
Listen for turbo whistle or lag
During test drive, accelerate hard from low RPM. Excessive lag, whistling, or smoke indicates turbo issues. Let the engine idle 2 minutes after driving before switching off.
Check for DPF warning light
Verify the DPF light illuminates on ignition then goes off. Ask about driving patterns - predominantly city/short trip cars have higher DPF risk.
Bounce test rear suspension
Push down firmly on each rear corner. If the car bounces more than once, the shock absorbers need replacing.
Listen for front suspension creaking
With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for creaking from front strut tops.
Check EGR valve operation
Rough idle, stalling, or engine warning light may indicate EGR problems. Ask about driving patterns - short trips accelerate carbon buildup.
Inspect for water leaks
Check carpet dampness, musty smell, or condensation inside. Look at windscreen seal edges for gaps or lifting.
Check AdBlue system (2019+ models)
Verify no SCR-related warning lights. Ask about any AdBlue system repairs or messages.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Timing belt alignment (early production)Verify completed
Fuel pipe chafing/fire risk (2025 recall)Check with Nissan
Contact Nissan with your VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. Use the UK government recall checker at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk or contact your local Nissan dealer. There are currently 20 safety recalls registered for various Qashqai models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty3 years / 100,000 km
Extended warranty (Nissan Care)Up to 7 years / 120,000 km
DPF/service regenerationNot covered by warranty
All 2014-2018 Qashqais are now outside their original 3-year warranty. Nissan Care extended warranty is available for vehicles under 10 years old with less than 100,000 miles, subject to a dealer inspection. Note that DPF regeneration is considered a maintenance item and is not covered under warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.