Nissan Qashqai Common Problems and Solutions
Parcel Shelf Has Snapped
Problem:
The plastic parcel shelf has broken off.
Solution:
You won’t be able to simply replace the parcel shelf if it snaps off. You’ll need to order the interior side panel from our parts page and replace the damaged one.
Difficulty level
Dead Battery
Problem:
The battery drains too quickly.
Solution:
The most common issue with the Qashqai is that the battery tends to run down too quickly. It is estimated that about 60,000 Qashqai owners need to replace their battery five times more often than owners of other cars. Your only option is to order a replacement battery from us and carry out the replacement yourself.
Difficulty level
Battery
Water in Cabin
Problem:
There is water inside the car, and it smells damp.
Solution:
Although this isn’t very common, it has been reported enough times to warrant attention. The issue is a faulty windscreen that allows moisture and water to enter. To resolve the leaks, you will need to remove the windscreen and replace it with a new one, which you can purchase from our dropdown list.
Difficulty level
Windscreen
Knocking From Car’s Rear
Problem:
You can hear a knocking noise coming from the rear of the car while driving.
Solution:
This is a common issue caused by worn shock absorbers. Some Qashqais tend to wear out their shock absorbers quickly. Nissan has recognised this problem and may offer free repairs and replacements for the shock absorbers. If they do not, it is straightforward to find Qashqai shock absorbers in our store and replace them yourself.
Difficulty level
Shock Absorber
Excessive Stalling
Problem:
The car is stalling excessively.
Solution:
The engine keeps dying because of the air-conditioner compressor. This was very common in Qashqais built between November 2006 and January 2007. You can order a replacement air conditioner compressor from us and watch a step-by-step guide on YouTube that will easily walk you through the process.
Difficulty level
Aircon Compressor
Parcel Shelf Has Snapped
Problem:
The plastic parcel shelf has snapped off.
Solution:
You won’t be able to simply replace the parcel shelf if it snaps off. You’ll have to order the interior side panel from our parts page and replace the damaged one.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating even after brief drives.
Solution:
This issue is caused by the ceramic capacitor fitted on the radiator fan assembly. You will need to purchase a replacement radiator fan assembly from our store and swap the units over.
Difficulty level
Dead Battery
Problem:
The battery has died too quickly.
Solution:
The single most common issue for the Qashqai, the battery is famous for running down too quickly. It is estimated that around 60,000 Qashqai owners have to replace their battery five times more often than in other cars. Your only option is to order a replacement battery from us and replace it yourself.
Difficulty level
Battery
Water in Cabin
Problem:
There is water inside the car and the smell of damp.
Solution:
Although this isn’t very common, it has been reported enough times to be worth highlighting. The problem is a faulty windscreen, which is letting in moisture and water. To fix the leaks, you’ll have to remove the windscreen and replace it with one that you can buy from our drop-down past list.
Difficulty level
Windscreen
Knocking From Car’s Rear
Problem:
You can hear a knocking sound coming from the rear of the car while driving.
Solution:
This is a commonly reported issue, which is caused by worn shock absorbers. The shock absorbers on some Qashqais will often wear out quickly. Nissan has acknowledged this issue and may offer to repair and replace the shock absorbers for free. If they don’t, then it’s easy to find Qashqai shock absorbers in our store and replace them yourself.
Difficulty level
Shock Absorber
Excessive Stalling
Problem:
The car is stalling too often.
Solution:
The engine keeps dying because of the air-conditioner compressor. This was very common in Qashqais built between November 2006 and January 2007. You can order a replacement air conditioner compressor from us and watch a step-by-step guide on YouTube that will easily walk you through the process.
Difficulty level
Turbo failure
Problem:
If you notice blue or black smoke coming from the exhaust, hear a whistling noise from the top of the engine, or even struggle with a loss of power, you have an issue with your turbo.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement turbo to resolve the issue. This can be an costly repair. It is advised to replace or clean the EGR valve at the same time as fitting the turbo.
Difficulty level
Drivers door problem
Problem:
It is known on the Qashqai that the driver’s door does not open with the remote key fob. All other doors and the boot will open, but not the driver’s door. This issue is caused by a problem with the electric motor.
Solution:
You will need to replace the electric motor to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
It is common for Nissan Qashqai models to experience issues with rear shock absorbers failing. If you hear a rattling noise from the rear or notice that the vehicle does not handle well over poorly surfaced roads, it is often a sign of a broken rear shock absorber. The video below demonstrates the shock absorber problem in action:
Solution:
You will need to fit replacement shock absorbers to resolve this problem.
Difficulty level
Shock Absorber
Engine surging
Problem:
If you notice that your vehicle surges forward when you lightly press the accelerator or that it seems to be over-revving, these problems are caused by an issue with the ECU. The ECU is the engine's control unit and is also known as a powertrain control module (in layman's terms).
Solution:
This issue can be resolved by obtaining a software update, which must be carried out by a Nissan dealer.
Difficulty level
Loss of Control
Problem:
You lose control of the car at random intervals.
Solution:
Qashqais that were built between February and March 2007 have a fault in their front suspension. The fault is caused by the lower ball joints, which haven’t been fully sealed into the hub. That causes it to detach. You’ll need to order a replacement ball joint from our store and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Ball Joint
Loss of Control
Problem:
You lose control of the car at unpredictable intervals.
Solution:
Qashqais manufactured between February and March 2007 have a fault in their front suspension. The issue is caused by the lower ball joints, which haven’t been fully sealed into the hub. This causes them to detach. You’ll need to order a replacement ball joint from our store and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Ball Joint
Fuel Leak
Problem:
There is a puddle of oil left on the road after you have been parked for a while.
Solution:
Affecting diesels that were built between January and October 2008, the problem is an incorrectly attached connector in the fuel system. In some cases, you may be able to seal the connector, which will fix the issue. If damage has been caused, then you may need to replace the relevant section of the fuel system. We sell all of the fuel system components in our store so you won’t have difficulties finding the relevant part.
Difficulty level
Fuel Leak
Problem:
There is a puddle of oil remaining on the road after you have been parked for some time.
Solution:
Affecting diesels manufactured between January and October 2008, the issue is an incorrectly attached connector in the fuel system. In some cases, you may be able to seal the connector, which will resolve the problem. If damage has occurred, you might need to replace the relevant section of the fuel system. We sell all the fuel system components in our store, so you won’t have trouble finding the right part.
Difficulty level
Car Shaking While Driving Uphill
Problem:
The car is shaking whenever you drive uphill.
Solution:
This will be a driveline (gearbox and driveshafts) issue. Your first step should be to drive in an open space and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left while driving. Then try with the steering wheel all the way to the right. If you can hear a clinking or clunking sound, then the problem is your CV joints. If there is no noise, then the problem will be due to a bent driveshaft or a worn gearbox, both of which are available from us.
Difficulty level
Car Shaking While Driving Uphill
Problem:
The car shudders whenever you drive uphill.
Solution:
This will be a driveline (gearbox and driveshafts) problem. Your first step should be to drive in an open space and turn the steering wheel fully to the left while driving. Then try with the steering wheel fully to the right. If you hear a clicking or clunking sound, then the issue is with your CV joints. If there is no noise, then the problem is likely a bent driveshaft or a worn gearbox, both of which are available from us.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating even after short drives.
Solution:
This will be caused by the ceramic capacitor that’s been fitted on the radiator fan assembly. You will need to buy a replacement radiator fan assembly from our store and swap the units over.
Difficulty level
Radiator Fan