Practical family SUV with solid reputation for reliability, far more dependable than the original X-Trail. The Renault-built M9R diesel is a workhorse engine capable of 300,000+ km with proper maintenance. Main concerns center on timing chain tensioner wear (cold start rattle), DPF clogging on 2007-2009 models, and CVT automatic transmission issues on early cars. Manual gearbox is significantly more reliable. Early T31s suffer from rust on radiator support and tailgate. Most issues are well-documented and preventable with careful inspection and maintenance.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€800 - €1,450/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€500-850
Risk buffer
€300-600
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Timing chain tensioner wear€700 - €1,800
Tensioner loses pressure overnight causing cold start rattle, common 100,000-160,000 km · more· less
The M9R engine timing chain system has a known weakness where the tensioner release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off when the engine sits. This causes a characteristic rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. The chain itself is robust, but the plastic timing chain guides fail. Some Northern Ireland mechanics estimate 30-40% of M9R chains have failed in the 100,000-200,000 km bracket. Replacement requires removing the engine in some cases. Forum reports show failures between 100,000-160,000 km are common, though some engines reach 370,000 km without issues. Prevention: strict oil change intervals (every 10,000 km), use correct specification oil, avoid running low on oil. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, immediate replacement needed - chain skip can cause catastrophic valve/piston contact.
2007-2009 models especially prone, regeneration fails with short trips · more· less
Main issue on early T31s (2007-2009). DPF requires regular high-speed driving to regenerate. Short trips prevent proper burn cycles, causing filter to choke. Warning light appears, followed by engine malfunction light, then limp mode if ignored. Dealer forced regeneration costs around €250 but may need repeating every 2-3 months if driving pattern doesn't change. New DPF from Nissan dealer costs around €1,800. Later 2010+ models with revised engines less affected. Prevention requires minimum 20-30 minute highway drives every few weeks. Some owners have DPF professionally cleaned (€400-700) as cheaper alternative to replacement. Neglecting can damage catalytic converters, leading to repair bills in thousands.
Jatco CVT on early models prone to bearing failure, typically under 160,000 km · more· less
The Jatco CVT fitted to automatic T31s (primarily petrol models, not 2.0 dCi diesel which uses 6-speed auto) has serious reliability issues. Early T31s had overloaded bearing design that Nissan replaced under warranty on many cars. Symptoms: shuddering when turning from stop, jerking, delayed engagement (1.5-2 second delay from gear selection to engagement), metallic noises. Nissan does not schedule regular CVT fluid changes - only recommends at 90,000 km under "extreme conditions" which experts call inadequate. Proper maintenance requires CVT and transfer case oil changes every 40,000 km. Complete CVT replacement can exceed €4,000. Mid-2010 onwards models improved but still problematic. Manual transmission is far more reliable - strongly recommended over CVT.
EGR valve clogging€50 - €450
Causes flat spot around 3000 rpm, oily air filter deposits · more· less
EGR valve commonly gets clogged with soot and carbon buildup, causing poor acceleration around 3000 rpm and dirty air filter. Cleaning with aerosol EGR cleaner (Wynn's) costs around €50 at independent garage and often resolves issue. Physical cleaning by removing EGR takes 1-2 hours labor but more effective. The two bolts holding EGR to inlet manifold are notoriously difficult to remove. If cleaning fails, replacement needed. Also clean intake manifold as it gets caked with soot. Related issues: check PCV valve and vacuum lines for damage. Regular cleaning prevents permanent damage.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Carbon buildup from gentle driving causes limp mode and EPC warning · more· less
Variable geometry turbo actuator sticks when car driven too gently or only short trips, allowing carbon buildup on vanes. Symptoms: EPC light, limp mode, reduced power, black smoke, whistling from engine. Check vacuum lines and electrical connections first. Cleaning VGT actuator and vanes can restore function. Also test turbo cooling pump (runs 5 minutes after shutdown) - if it fails, can cause turbo seizure and oil in airbox. Nissan won't sell actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-600. If turbo internals damaged, full replacement €1,200-2,500. Prevention: regular spirited driving, premium fuel, avoid only short trips.
Brake caliper seizure€200 - €600
Front and rear calipers commonly stick, causing binding and overheating · more· less
Brake caliper seizure is a well-known X-Trail weakness affecting both front and rear. Rubber seals around pistons prevent free movement. Symptoms: binding brakes, failed MOT, juddering when braking over 80 km/h, uneven pad wear, overheating. Some owners report issues even with low mileage (under 50,000 km). Can sometimes fix by replacing rubber seals (cheaper) before resorting to new calipers. When doing brake work, ensure everything moves freely and apply copper grease to pins and pad backs. Aftermarket DBA rotors and Bendix 4WD pads recommended by owners. Front discs, pads, and rear pads replacement costs around €270-350 at independent garage. New calipers add €150-300 depending on dealer vs independent.
Tailgate and radiator support rust€300 - €1,200
Corrosion appears after 3 years, particularly on light-colored cars · more· less
Two major rust issues plague T31s. First, tailgate rusts above numberplate after just 3 years - a known warranty issue Nissan covered on many cars but sometimes refuses. Light colors (silver, beige) most affected; pearl white has extra coat so less common. Second, radiator support member rusts early due to missing drainage holes allowing water accumulation. Most T31s have already had radiator support replaced. Also check roof rails area and under sill trim. Water collects in tailgate plastic molding creating steady drip. Some paint quality issues reported - treat subframes early. Repair: tailgate repaint €400-800, radiator support replacement €300-600. Check area around tailgate handle where metal flexes - can crack paint and cause rust. In some markets (Canada), dealers repair without question; UK dealers sometimes dispute warranty coverage.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel wear (manual)€600 - €2,000
Clutch lasts 175,000-200,000 km normally, flywheel adds significant cost · more· less
Manual transmission T31s have good clutch longevity - 175,000-200,000 km typical with normal use. Clutch kit alone costs €150-200 plus €350-420 labor (6 hours). Critical: always inspect dual mass flywheel when replacing clutch. If flywheel shows wear, must replace it - neglecting voids clutch warranty and causes premature failure. Flywheel adds €195-700 to job cost. Total clutch + flywheel replacement: €1,500-2,000 at dealer, €600-1,000 clutch only at independent. Don't convert to single mass flywheel on diesel - engine designed for dual mass. Aftermarket flywheels often just as good as OEM. Special tools required for clutch kit mounting.
Water pump failure€300 - €800
Common failure but accessible for replacement on T31 · more· less
Water pump controls coolant flow through engine and radiator. When it fails or seals wear, coolant leaks and engine overheats risking permanent damage. T31 is one of few modern cars still designed for easy servicing - water pump relatively accessible compared to competitors. Water pump part costs €90-200 depending on brand. Labor varies significantly based on accessibility. Total job: €300-800. Symptoms: coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, visible coolant leak. Replace as soon as issue found to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
Rear suspension corrosion and shock leaks€400 - €1,200
Rear suspension arms and subframe corrode, shocks leak on high mileage · more· less
Rear suspension suffers corrosion on arms and subframe. If arms corroded, subframe often needs replacement too. Original Sachs shock absorbers (front and rear) deteriorate causing reduced ride quality and road vibration through steering. Rear shocks commonly leak on high-mileage vehicles. Symptoms: bouncing over speed humps when empty (fine when loaded), poor ride quality. When replacing front suspension, also replace top mounts - makes noticeable improvement. KYB shocks recommended as very good quality. Sachs are OEM spec lowest risk. No need to replace springs unless damaged. Also replace boots (likely worn) and consider tie rod ends at higher mileage. Alignment issues cause pull to one side and uneven tire wear.
Door lock actuator and window regulator€40 - €250
Door mechanisms buzz/click, window regulators fail from track gunk · more· less
Door lock actuators develop buzzing/clicking noise when locking - common on Nissan range. Often caused by loose internal pin that just needs pushing back in. Can fix by removing 2 bottom screws, loosening top screw, pushing pin back with screwdriver. New lock motor/mechanism costs over €200 from Nissan. Window regulators fail when motor groans or slows - often due to gunk in tracks. Lubricate runners to prevent motor failure. Drivers side regulator + motor more expensive and harder to find than passenger side. Scrapyard parts: €40, online €70+. Removal requires lowering window halfway to access glass bolts - problematic if motor broken as can't move window manually. Use graphite lock lubricant (doesn't freeze or go hard). Metal linkage rods can snap requiring replacement.
Starter motor and alternator failure€400 - €850
High mileage causes starter overheating and alternator regulator failure · more· less
Common issue on high-mileage T30/T31 models: intermittent starting failures from starter motor overheating causing brushes to stick. Turning key produces no sound due to defective starter relay (in IPDM unit under hood) or blown 30A starter fuse. Corroded battery cables create resistance causing starter to overheat when cranking. Starter replacement: €200-350 parts, €90-100 labor, total €400-600. Remanufactured starters available for €315 plus €78 core charge. Alternator issues: internal voltage regulator fails causing overcharging or undercharging. Alternator replacement €585-850+ depending on accessibility. Check voltage when running: should be 13.7-14.7V. If not, alternator or regulator faulty. Bad regulator can destroy new battery through overcharging or chronic undercharging.
Reliable for its class, but requires diligent maintenance
The T31 X-Trail is considerably more reliable than the original T30 generation. The M9R engine can reach very high mileage (300,000+ km) with proper care. However, timing chain tensioner wear, DPF issues on early models, and rust problems require attention. Manual transmission strongly recommended over CVT automatic. Most problems are well-documented with known solutions. Budget for preventive maintenance - strict oil change intervals and regular long drives essential for DPF health.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-12,500 km maximum. Look for evidence of CVT fluid changes if automatic.
Tires
Check tread depth, age, and uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues.
Cold start test
CRITICAL: Start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Rattle lasting more than few seconds indicates imminent chain/guide failure.
Body condition
Check for rust on tailgate (above numberplate), radiator support, roof rails, and under sill trim.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds. Check DPF regeneration capability and transmission behavior.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Most important check. Start engine completely cold and listen for rattling noise in first 30 seconds. Any prolonged rattle indicates timing chain tensioner/guide failure requiring immediate expensive repair.
DPF warning light (2007-2009 especially)
Check dash for DPF regeneration light or engine management light. Test drive must include 20+ minutes highway driving. Ask owner about DPF replacement history.
CVT transmission operation (if automatic)
Listen for metallic noises, feel for shuddering when turning from stop, check for delayed engagement (more than 2 seconds). Verify CVT fluid service history - should be changed every 40,000 km.
Turbo and EGR function
Check for EPC warning light during test drive. Engine should accelerate smoothly without flat spots around 3000 rpm. Look for black smoke indicating turbo or injector issues.
Rust inspection critical areas
Tailgate above numberplate (especially light colors), radiator support member (underneath), rear wheel arches, roof rail area, under sill trim. Water damage in tailgate creates steady drip.
Brake binding test
After test drive, carefully feel each wheel for excessive heat indicating seized caliper. Check for juddering when braking from highway speeds.
Engine bay oil leaks
Check for leaking oil coolers (common on neglected examples), turbo oil seals, and general engine cleanliness indicating maintenance care.
Suspension and alignment
Check for pull to one side, bouncing rear over bumps when empty, visible shock absorber leaks, and corroded rear suspension arms.
4WD system operation
Put car in "Lock" mode in dry car park, drive slowly in full lock circle. Transmission should "grab" slightly and tires "fight" each other. Orange light should illuminate on dash.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Engine bay fire hazard - turbocharger insulator (Oct 2012)Verify completed
TSB: ECU reflash for low-down torque improvementOptional upgrade
Contact Nissan dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The turbocharger fire hazard recall (Oct 2012) is particularly important for diesel models. TSB for ECU reflash provides additional torque from 1500 rpm - worthwhile upgrade if not already done.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on all T31s
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2013 models
Extended warranty availabilityCheck with Nissan dealer
All T31 X-Trails are now outside their original factory warranty. Some 2013 models may still have rust perforation warranty coverage. Extended warranty may be available through Nissan dealers for well-maintained examples. Note: Many common issues (DPF, timing chain, CVT) were covered under warranty for early cars but no longer apply.
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.