Nissan X-Trail reliability
The Nissan X-Trail fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 23.9% of 45,976 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
19 DVSA recalls for the Nissan X-Trail
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
X-TRAIL T33 Lithium Ion Battery
For affected vehicles the lithium-ion battery controller (LBC) on some X-Trail (T33) vehicles may not properly maintain diagnostic robustness. It has been found that these ICs may misdiagnose abnormalities and as a result the system may enter fail-safe mode during driving which restricts motor output and prohibits charging. Under certain conditions a loss of motive power may occur and the vehicle may stop while driving due to the loss of propulsion.
Fix: Update to the Battery Management Software (BMW)
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 21,835 vehicles
XTRAIL (T33) Adaptive LED Headlight
On affected vehicles the Adaptive LED Headlight (ALH) configuration may be out of specification. In this condition the ALH may not function as intended and alternate between high and low beam mode despite the presence of other vehicles.
Fix: Update the adaptive LED headlights (ALH) control module software configuration with revised parameters.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 2,246 vehicles
XTRAIL (T33) Intelligent Speed Assistance
For certain vehicles due to incorrect software calibration the Intelligent Speed Assistance may not behave as intended.
Fix: Reconfigure the associated control units to address the issue.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 187 vehicles
A non-dessicated passenger airbag inflator was used during previous recall to replace this component
In 2013 Nissan announced a Recall campaign to replace Takata SPI front passenger airbag inflators. A non-dessicated passenger airbag inflator was used for the replacement. Although there have been no known incidents associated with inflators of this type Nissan has decided to replace all inflators previously repaired with a non-dessicated inflator to a new dessicated version.
Fix: Replace the front passenger airbag inflator with a new dessicated type.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 27,623 vehicles
Replace airbag inflators checked but not replaced under previous recall r/2015/093
The air bag inflators on affected vehicles were previously checked and deemed to be serviceable. As a precautionary measure the manufacturer has decided to replace them with new assemblies.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 39,318 vehicles
Airbag may fail
The airbag manufacturer have informed Nissan of a potential concern with propellant degradation of Front Passenger Airbag fitted with Smokeless Passenger Inflator (SPI). It has been confirmed that this degradation is a function of time temperature and environmental moisture. Deterioration of the Inflator propellant may under certain usage conditions lead to abnormal deployment of the Passenger Airbag. In an extreme situation this condition could create excessive pressure within the inflator during airbag deployment and may result in separation of the airbag housing.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the front passenger airbag module with a new quality controlled item.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 9 vehicles
Back doors / hatchback may be unsupported when open
The paint coating applied to the back door gas stay does not comply with the design requirement for anti-corrosion. Therefore the outer tube of the gas stay may corrode and crack resulting in the loss of the pressurised gas inside the gas stay. In this condition the gas stay would be unable to support the opening of the back door allowing it to drop on the vehicle user.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the back door gas stay.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 4,377 vehicles
Rear oxygen sensor may fail
If an electrical short occurs in the supply to the rear oxygen sensor the senor will fail but the driver will not see an immediate warning. A MIL warning may display after continued driving depending on driving/vehicle characteristics.
Fix: Reprogram the ECU to display a warning if the rear oxygen sensor fails.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 7,393 vehicles
Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
The manufacturer has identified that a potential air leak at the passenger airbag inflators which may allow moisture to enter the airbag inflator causing the propellant in the inflator units to deteriorate. Deterioration of the propellant may lead to abnormal deployment of the passenger airbag. In an extreme situation this may result in separation of the airbag housing during deployment causing injury to occupants.
Fix: Inspect air bag assembly and where required replace air bag inflator
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 99,525 vehicles
Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with improperly manufactured propellant wafers. Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in a crash. This could result in increased risk of injury to the occupant and the possibility of a fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary replace the airbag inflator module.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 59,008 vehicles
Engine insulation may rest on turbocharger
The engine bay insulation for right hand drive vehicles equipped with 2.0 l diesel engine (M9R) engine may have insufficient clearance from the turbocharger. In extreme cases this may cause the insulation to smoulder due to the high temperature of the turbocharger.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit an additional bracket to position the engine bay insulation away from the turbocharger.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 14,025 vehicles
Power steering assistance may fail
It has been established that the casting for the heat sink on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control unit may be out of specification. In extreme cases this can cause a failure of the EPS motor which will illuminate a warning light on the dash. Whilst directional control is not affected it is possible that the driver will experience a sudden loss of power assistance.
Fix: Recall all affect vehicles and replace the EPS control unit.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 2,693 vehicles
If deployed the airbag may endanger passenger
The combustion rate of the airbag propellant may be too fast causing excessive internal pressure in the inflator during airbag deployment. In an extreme case the inflator casing may rupture leading to a scattering of metal fragments.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front passenger airbag assembly.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 4 vehicles
Loss of steering
The cover screw securing the pinion shaft may loosen causing noise during steering operation. Continued use in this condition could result in the screw coming out of the gear housing and in certain circumstances cause a loss of steering control.
Fix: Recall the potentially affected vehicles to fit a locking plate to the cover screw that secures the pinion shaft.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 58,342 vehicles
Hazard lamps may not operate on attached trailers
It has been identified that if the vehicle's ignition switch is off and the hazard lights are on they will not illuminate on any trailer attached to the vehicle.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will be fitted with a sub-harness.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 4,309 vehicles
Potential loss of steering
It has been identified that the possibility exists that a needle bearing has been omitted from the steering shaft. Additionally the cover screw may not have been tightened to the correct torque. This may result in the cover screw becoming loose initiating free play and noise within the steering system. Ultimately steering control may be lost.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the steering gear inspected. The steering gear will be replaced should this be found to be necessary.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 9,362 vehicles
Fuel may leak
There is a possibility that the fuel tank filler tube may rust around the mounting bracket. This may create a small hole through progression of rust and fuel may leak during the refuelling process.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel filler tube replaced.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 27,869 vehicles
Possibility that the sprocket bolt at the rear side of the camshaft could break
The timing chain tensioner may become defective which can result in the timing chain jamming. Should this occur the engine may stall or fail to start. The condition may also result in the camshaft turning in a non-uniform fashion which could lead to the failure of the vacuum pump drive and a reduction in braking assistance.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the camshaft chain guide and tensioner replaced.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 3,001 vehicles
Engine may stall
A concern has been identified with the engine angle and position sensors of the engine management system If ignored it could cause the engine to stall and/or make it not possible to restart
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace sensors.
Recalled models: X-TRAIL · 111,831 vehicles
Checking a Nissan X-Trail before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.